Boxing

BOXER Lionell Thompson was once hit by a car – but says sparring Artur Beterbiev was just as bad.Beterbiev is boxing’s only world champion with a 100 per cent knockout ratio having stopped all 20 of his opponents.Lionell Thompson with Artur BeterbievThis Saturday he faces his biggest challenge yet in 23-0 Dmitriy Bivol in a light-heavyweight undisputed title decider.Beterbiev strikes fear into any man he shares the ring with. And American Thompson has been brave enough to join the Russian’s training camps repeatedly over the years. But in a 2018 interview with FightHype, he opened up on the harsh reality of withstanding Beterbiev’s force.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said: “That’s by far the worst thing I’ve experienced in life. “I’ve been hit by a car once, when I was young, and that’s how it feels like sparring with him. I’m just being honest.” Brit Dan Azeez, 35, corroborates Thompson’s claim even if Beterbiev wears huge 20oz gloves.He said to Pro Boxing Fans after being told of Thompson’s car crash comparison: “He’s not over-exaggerating, you know! I’m telling you. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”You know what’s funny? This guy wears 20-ounces, you’d think there’s more padding but there’s more force because it’s bigger gloves.” Beterbiev, 39, holds the WBC, IBF and WBO titles at 175lb and stopped Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde in his last two fights. Bivol, 33, meanwhile is the WBA champ who defeated Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez in 2022.Beterbiev faces Dmitry Bivol for all the light-heavyweight titlesCredit: Getty More

THE fight poster for Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury has been changed after fans were left outraged by the original.Usyk became the first four-belt undisputed champion in heavyweight history following victory over Fury in May.Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury rematch on December 21Credit: PANow they prepare to do it all over again back in Riyadh on December 21 after the rematch was officially announced. After the announcement, Fury featured first on the poster despite losing the original fight. And one fan said: “How on Earth’s Furys managed to blag his name first on the poster? “Not ranked number 1, not belts, not undefeated, lost already to Usyk, not being staged in the UK so can’t claim his the a-side or a ticket draw. READ MORE IN BOXING”What is Fury bringing to the table?” Another added: “It’s really disrespectful to Usyk.” But supporters’ voices were heard with the poster quickly changed to show Usyk as first on the billing.One said: “Nice. They changed Usyk’s name to be first and rightly so, Undisputed Champ!!”Most read in BoxingThis is the original poster, with Fury appearing firstThe Usyk vs Fury fight poster after it was changedCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother agreed: “Finally acknowledging Usyk as the A-side.”One added: “That’s better Usyk first.” Eddie Hearn responds to criticism of Fury-Usyk 2 undercardFans also slammed the six-fight undercard but promoter Eddie Hearn hit back at the criticism . He told The Stomping Ground: “Bohachuk against Madrimov, such a brilliant fight.”For me, McGrail-McCann – fair play to both. Two outstanding young fighters, British and European titles.”You’ve got Moses Itauma in a step up, you’ve got Johnny Fisher against Dave Allen, Isaac Lowe against Lee McGregor.”It’s a great card, great card. But, the problem is sometimes you have seen some undercards that are better than others.”But every undercard is elite. And, I wouldn’t even be surprised if there was another fight added to be honest with you.” More

EDDIE HEARN has hit back at fans who have been critical of the undercard for Tyson Fury’s rematch against Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk became the first four-belt undisputed champion in heavyweight history following victory over Fury in May.Tyson Fury with promoter Eddie HearnCredit: GettyNow they prepare to do it all over again back in Riyadh on December 21 with a six-bout main card with five undercard fights.Isaac Lowe, 30, and Lee McGregor, 27, are due to open the card in a rescheduled grudge match. Dennis McCann, 23, and Peter McGrail, 28, also clash in a 50/50 match-up. British fans’ favourite Johnny Fisher, 25, collides with veteran Dave Allen, 32, while prospect Moses Itauma, 19, faces Demsey McKean, 34. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe chief support is ex-world champion Israil Madrimov, 29, against Ukrainian Serhii Bohachuk, 29.But fans have been left unimpressed as one said: “Horrendous undercard.”Another added: “That’s worse than awful.”One fumed: “That’s a dreadful undercard.”Most read in BoxingTitle: Usyk vs Fury 2 undercardIsrail Madrimov v Serhii BohachukMoses Itauma v Demsey McKeanJohnny Fisher v Dave Allen -Dennis McCann v Peter McGrail -Isaac Lowe v Lee McGregorCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother slammed: “Looking forward to the announcement of the big names on the undercard. Below must be the prelims obviously.”Despite fans’ backlash, promoter Hearn was quick to defend the pay-per-view card to The Stomping Ground. Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol is a Beauty and the Beast story between boxing poet and terrifying KO artist He said: “Bohachuk against Madrimov, such a brilliant fight. “For me, McGrail-McCann – fair play to both. Two outstanding young fighters, British and European titles. “You’ve got Moses Itauma in a step up, you’ve got Johnny Fisher against Dave Allen, Isaac Lowe against Lee McGregor. “It’s a great card, great card. But, the problem is sometimes you have seen some undercards that are better than others. “But every undercard is elite. And, I wouldn’t even be surprised if there was another fight added to be honest with you.”Oleksandr Usyk rematches Fury on December 21Credit: Getty More

UNDEFEATED cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia has lifted the lid on boozy three-day benders ahead of his title clash against Jack Massey.But the Aussie bruiser insists “I earn my fun” as he looks to put on a show in Saudi Arabia.Jai Opetaia has lifted the lid on boozy three-day benders with palsCredit: GettyThe Aussie is planning a party if he beats Jack Massey this weekendCredit: PAOpetaia and Massey clash on the undercard of Dimitri Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev this weekend.IBF champ Opetaia has won all 35 of his pro fights, with his latest victory coming against Mairis Briedis in May.Massey will be his most formidable opponent yet, with the Brit previously holding the IBO belt.Yet Opetaia is already dreaming about the party he plans to enjoy after defending his IBF crown.READ MORE IN BOXINGSpeaking exclusively to SunSport, Opetaia revealed he regularly enjoys booze-fuelled sessions with mates spanning an entire weekend.The lad from Down Under reckons going off the rails in his younger days has helped him to become one of the most exciting names in boxing.But Opetaia insists he will “earn” his right to party after putting in the hard graft ahead of Saturday’s battle with Massey.Opetaia, who is engaged to partner Kanesha Murray, told SunSport: “I’m from the central coast, New South Wales. Not many clean athletes coming out of there!Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“F**k man, I ring my mate for lunch on a Friday, next thing I know my phone’s off and I’m missing for two or three days.“Waking up thinking, ‘Oh no, what have I done?’ But we’ve all been there, it’s all progress. Watch cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia take 44 PUNCHES to stomach in brutal training routine ahead of Jack Massey fightOpetaia is engaged to partner Kanesha MurrayCredit: Instagram @jaiopetaiaShe is sure to be cheering him on from ringside in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Instagram @jaiopetaia“I feel like without those lessons in life and without doing those things, going off the rails, I wouldn’t be here where I am today, have the drive I have today.“But you’ve got to enjoy it. I train hard and work hard and when it’s time in my head I’ll party hard too.“But we earn our fun and that’s why we get toe enjoy those parties and victories more because of how hard we’ve earned them.”Opetaia hit headlines earlier this month when he swore live on Sky Sports before getting told off by a presenter.Opetaia first said: “I used to think that mindset, once I win a world title it’s going to fix all my problems.“But unfortunately I’ve had a few run-ins with some dirty promoters and things haven’t always worked to plan.“I won a world title and the next day I woke up the same. You can’t eat f*****g gold belts.”The Sky Sports presenter quickly interjected, saying: “The broadcasting rules are slightly different here, you can’t swear. Apologies.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Opetaia continued: “It means something to me, I get pumped up. We’ve made a lot of pain and sacrifice for this stuff.“The belts are just bonuses now, I used to chase them but winning these fights is all I think about.”Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol: When is it, UK start time, live stream More

CHRIS EUBANK JR trained in a traditional Saudi robe as he continued his preparations for his blockbuster Riyadh bout.The Brit, 35, is set to fight Pole Kamil Szeremata this Saturday.Chris Eubank Jr entered the venue in traditional Saudi wearCredit: SunSportHe looked focused as he had his gloves put onCredit: SunSportEubank Jr removed the headwear as he entered the ringCredit: GettyStepping out for a sparring session, Eubank Jr wore a traditional Saudi robe with accompanying headwear.He looked in the zone as he made his way ringside, where he had his gloves put on.In footage taken by SunSport, Eubank Jr could be seen shadow boxing in the ring while still wearing the thobe.Although by this point he had removed the headwear.READ MORE BOXINGIn the build-up to Saturday’s bout, Eubank Jr opened up to SunSport about his greater perspective heading into the fight.Three years ago, his younger brother Sebastian died of a heart attack aged just 29 in Dubai.Chris has since cared for Sebastian’s son Raheem, who was just a month old when his dad passed away.Now, Eubank Jr is determined to give Raheem the best life possible.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “I remember going to my brother’s grave for the first time and that’s where I first met Raheem and I held him in front of the grave and it calmed me down.”His energy and him being very quiet while on my chest gave me peace.I was gang enforcer that lived in £1m mansion before becoming boxer “I felt then that everything would be OK.”I felt that we might have a second chance here.”I love that little boy. I use Raheem as a tool to strengthen my will and my soul and my spirit.”Raheem is going to live a long and fulfilled life and I only have a few years of boxing left.”So I need to do everything I can over the next three or four years to make sure he has the best life he can possibly have growing up.”Eubank with his treasured nephew RaheemCredit: InstagramEubank Jr, 35, has spoken of his extra motivationCredit: Getty More

JAI OPETAIA took 44 punches to his stomach in a brutal training routine ahead of his blockbuster bout this weekend.The IBF cruiserweight champion, 29, is set to defend his belt against Britain’s Jack Massey in Saudi Arabia this weekend.Jai Opetaia took 44 unguarded shots to the body during his sessionCredit: SunSportThe IBF cruiserweight champion is preparing for his huge title defence this weekendCredit: SunSportOpetaia, 29, is preparing to fight Jack MasseyCredit: SunSportAussie Opetaia has been stepping up his preparation for the fight with intense training sessions.In footage filmed by SunSport, the southpaw can be seen taking 44 shots to the stomach in quick succession.Throughout the 34-second sequence, Opetaia makes no attempt to fight back or defend the blows.The 25-0 bruiser was last in action in May against Mairis Briedis.READ MORE IN BOXINGOn that occasion he earned back his IBF title, having previously vacated the belt.Massey, 31, will attempt to dethrone Opetaia in Saturday’s much-anticipated bout.The Cheshire-lad spent 2022 scaffolding with his brother, before a narrow points loss to heavyweight Joseph Parker the following year got his career moving again.In an emotional chat with SunSport, Massey recounted his experiences working alongside his dad at a brake pad factory.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “My dad has worked at the same brake pad factory for 40 years.“When I was there he would always say to me: ‘Do you want to be stuck here like me for the rest of your life – or do you want to make something of yourself in boxing?’I was packaging up brake pads and considered hanging up my gloves while scaffolding, now I’m making my way in boxing “When I used to work with my brother, he would say ‘do you really want to be doing this s***?’“They both told me I could make something of my life through boxing and that has stuck with me.“It’s been a bit like that Matt Damon film where he is really intelligent and his mate tells him the best thing that could happen was that he drives to collect him for another day on site and Damon has gone.“They always told me it would be offensive to them if he didn’t go on and make something of himself. And that sticks in my mind.“The fellas on sites and in factories are the boxing fans in our country – so it means a lot and it reminds me why I do it.”Jack Massey is ready for this Saturday nightCredit: Getty More

ANTHONY JOSHUA and Tyson Fury’s former sparring partner has vacated his world title belt and could now challenge the former champions.Lawrence Okolie, 31, has made the bold play of moving up a weight division into the heavyweight category.Two-weight champion Lawrence Okolie is eyeing a heavyweight titleCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe Brit has previously sparred with Anthony Joshua and Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram @lawrenceokolieHowever, he is no stranger to fighting with some of the best the division has to offer.Okolie spent years sparring with two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic silver-medallist Joshua while they were in the Team GB set-up.In 2018 he was also a sparring partner in the USA for the Gypsy King before his first fight with Deontay Wilder.More recently, he was in the ring against Daniel Dubois, who successfully defended his IBF heavyweight title after KOing AJ last month.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut Okolie, originally from Hackney, East London, has decided he fancies his own crack at the heavyweight titles.The Sauce is already a two-weight boxing champion, having claimed the WBO cruiserweight and WBC bridgerweight crowns.He was ordered to defend his bridgerweight title against Kevin Lerena, but has vacated that belt in a bid to become a three-weight champion.A WBC statement confirmed the move, saying: “The WBC has received official confirmation from bridgerweight champion Lawrence Okolie that he has decided to relinquish his world bridgerweight championship in order to pursue his dream of becoming heavyweight champion.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Consequently Interim champion Kevin Lerena is hereby confirmed as WBC world bridgerweight champion.”Okolie said: “First I would like to state how proud and happy I was to compete for and win the WBC bridgerweight belt.Tyson Fury willing to wait until he’s 50-YEARS-OLD to fight Anthony Joshua and says rival ‘knows he’s getting it’“After much consideration it is with a heavy heart that I have to unfortunately relinquish the WBC bridgerweight belt respectfully requesting to be rated in the top five in the heavyweight division.”The Brit’s heavyweight debut is yet to be confirmed.If he were to win a heavyweight belt he would be the first three-weight champion to include the heavyweight division since Roy Jones Jr – who held titles across four divisions – did so in 2003.The legendary Bob Fitzsimmons was the first to complete the achievement with the heavyweight division in 1903 – with middleweight, heavyweight and light heavyweight all claimed.On his chances Okolie previously said he would “fancy” a go at Usyk – who himself is a two-weight champion.He told iFL TV: “I fancy that, I feel like everyone else has had their shot [at Usyk] and I want to go and test it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It might sound crazy to other people and I look at him and he is sensational and very talented, but I have attributes that he hasn’t had to box against for a long time including speed and stuff like that.”Okolie has 20 wins on his record – 15 by KO – and one defeat to Chris Billam-Smith in May 2023 that saw him lose the WBO cruiserweight title. More