Boxing

CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH survived a bloody eye injury but lost his cruiserweight world title to Gilberto Ramirez.The 34-year-old Bournemouth hero achieved his boyhood dream by winning the WBO crown at the Cherries’ Vitality stadium last year.Chris Billam-Smith lands on Gilberto Ramirez during their WBO World Cruiserweight title fight in RiyadhBillam-Smith suffered a nasty eye injury during the title fightGilberto Ramirez was winner of the contest by unanimous decisionBut he dared to be too great, up against Mexico’s masterful southpaw WBA champ and lost a clear unanimous decision 116-112, 116-112 and 116-113.The Brit had been guilty of seriously slow starts in recent wins but got off to a flyer in Riyadh.The Dorset man landed a handful of stiff straight hands that a leftie like Ramirez always struggles to handle.And he showed confidence by walking the former super-middle champ down and landing a left hook.read more boxing newsRamirez, 33, made a perfect start to the second when he walked the Englishman onto a short and crisp left hook.The Mexican secured the second stanza by scoring again at the end of the session when CBS struggled to deal with his fast hands and got pinned in a corner and peppered.CBS made a strong start to the third, with long-range combinations. But Ramirez boxed his way back into the round with three more sweet left hooks.With 30 seconds of an even fourth round left, Ramirez landed a peach of a lead right hook that buzzed Billam-Smith and cut his nose, right on the inner corner of his left eye.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt felt like a seminal moment that would let Ramirez run away with the fight or spark CBS into life.Six was another banker for Ramirez when clever digs scored with the officials. Eddie Hearn reacts wildy in the ring as Katie Taylor beats Amanda SerranoBillam-Smith smiled off one whack he suffered but it wasn’t a laughing matter with the scorecards mounting against him and the cut growing and gushing.The doctor checked the pulverised peeper before the seventh started and allowed the action to continue.Ramirez looked fleshy up at 14st 4lbs but his feet were superb as he changed angles and cut the ring down around the bleeding father-of-one.A left hook to the body made CBS gasp and tuck-up and then a right hand was plunged into his wounded face.CBS stumbled after a right hook clipped him in round eight but he shook his head in defiance and dug in again to land a few of his own choice right hooks.Ramirez raced away with the ninth with clinical punches that ghosted past Billam-Smith’s guard and popped his head backwards. But our boy never stopped marching forward and throwing shots in an effort to turn the Red Sea tide.Billam-Smith cuts a daunting figure as he makes his way to the ringBillam-Smith made Ramirez work hard for his victoryGutsy Billam-Smith went the distance but lost out to the judge’s scorecardsKnowing he needed a knockout, CBS threw everything in the 12th but he was a broken man and beaten fighter who can now race home to be a great dad to little Frank who he missed so much during camp.After the fight, CBS said: “Zurdo’s consistency tonight won it for him.”He was really good, he throws lots of shots and then moves.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The cut gave me problems, my sight was going blurry at times and I couldn’t see properly.”But his good work caused it and that’s the sport, no complaints.” More

AMANDA SERRANO suffered a severe gaping wound above her right eye after her controversial loss to Katie Taylor.Serrano, 36, lost her rematch to Taylor, 38, who is now 2-0 against her rival following their first encounter two years ago at Madison Square Garden.Amanda Serrano was busted open during her rematch with Katie TaylorCredit: GettySerrano revealed the full extent of her eye injury after losing to TaylorThe two boxers locked horns on Friday during the undercard of the Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul main event at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.And the Puerto Rican sustained a horrific laceration above her right eyebrow thanks to repeated headbutts from Taylor.Serrano bled throughout most of the match and it was obvious she was favouring that side of her face.Taylor went on to pick up a unanimous decision, much to the dissatisfaction of many fans who strongly disagreed with the judges.Read More on BoxingAfter the fight, Serrano took a close-up photo of her gaping injury and revealed its full extent.She said after the fight: “That’s what they do. Not only my fight, but she did it with Chantelle Cameron.”But listen, I’m a Puericwah, I’m gonna die in this ring no matter what. No matter how many cuts to my face. I’mma go until the very end.”I think 100 per cent they were intentional. She does it in every fight.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoxing fans took to social media to complain about the controversial fight’s result, which could lead to a trilogy.One supporter tweeted: “Amanda won that fight.”Eddie Hearn reacts wildy in the ring as Katie Taylor beats Amanda SerranoAnother commented: “Amanda was robbed and the whole world witnessed them steal it from her.”A third wrote: “She definitely got robbed.”This fan said: “That was Amanda’s win, dirty play on Katie’s part.”And that one stated: “She was done dirty.” More

JAKE PAUL’S victory over Mike Tyson was described as “elderly abuse” and “disgusting”.And even a commentator said that he “didn’t like that at all” during the contest.Mike Tyson was beaten by Jake Paul in their Netflix showdownCredit: GettyIron Mike looked spent within the first few two-minute roundsCredit: AFPPaul, 27, easily beat a puffed Tyson, 58, via a unanimous points decision in their Netflix showdown.The veteran, wearing a knee brace, started strongly but faded within the first few two-minute rounds and ended up stagnant in the ring as Paul refused to go for the knockout.Instead, the youngster toyed with the former undisputed heavyweight world champion until the eighth round, when the final bell sounded to end the farce.And it was no surprise at all when the YouTube star secured the victory against his opponent 31 years his senior, who landed just 18 punches and was gasping for air throughout.READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONBut despite the pre-match hype, the bout did not live up to its billing – and instead left most people watching feeling rather uncomfortable, especially when a spent Tyson’s legs started to give way in a troubling third round. One commentator said: “His age is showing.”Another added: “He does not look good at all. He also keeps swaying.”I don’t like Mike’s legs at all. He knows Mike’s legs are failing him.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 27-year-old ran away from Iron Mike early on and clearly had the tactic of just surviving the early stages, knowing his fitness would see him outlast the ageing icon. And many of the thousands of boxing stars and fans trying to watch the action live on Netflix flooded social media with their reactions to the harrowing experience for Tyson.Jake Paul wins boxing match against Mike Tyson So much so that “he’s 58” was trending on X at one stage. Terence Crawford wrote: “I love Mike Tyson, but they giving him too much credit.”He looked like trash, to train that long and only throw 97 punches the whole fight is crazy. I’m just glad he didn’t get hurt out there.”KSI posted: “What a sad watch. Whole thing was sad.”Mike Tyson is twice the age of Jake Paul ffs. It was never EVER gonna be close.Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson round-by-roundMIKE TYSON’s long-awaited return to the ring didn’t have the fairytale ending fight fans dreamed of.SunSport’s boxing expert Wally Downes Jr recaps one of the drabbest and most forgettable nights in boxing history.And he didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing assessment of social media sensation Jake Paul.Round OnePaul says “I love you, Mike” just before the opening bell sounds. He quickly runs away and holds the boxing legend.Tyson draws a big reaction from the crowd as he lands a jab and a good right hand.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound TwoPaul ran away in the opener and held – just like we thought he would.Tommy Fury had it first and now Mike Tyson. It’s clever because Tyson will tire. Paul tags Tyson’s body with a straight right.Tyson looks spent now. 180 seconds in and the fight looks over.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound ThreeThe legend cannot even keep his gumshield in. As expected it’s a waste of time. Paul has run away until the 58-year-old has tired.Shooting ducks in a barrel now. Tyson might get hurt here. Paul lands a couple of clumsy shots and Tyson wobbles backwards.Tragic after three.Verdict: 10-9 PaulRound FourThis is proper rubbish. The crowd are bored and boos are being heard.This is just two tired big lumps going at it.  One a legend, one a promoter.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound FivePaul jabs the body and aims right for the head and another one-two clips the icon.Tyson cannot keep his mouthpiece in, he is gasping for air. Paul lands a left hook but then so does Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SixThank God these weren’t three-minute rounds. We are getting about four punches per round.Tyson is gasping in the air but replays show a left hook did graze Paul’s beard.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SevenTyson slips a jab and tries an uppercut. The commentator admits it has been a “sad” spectacle.The AT&T stadium has been utterly stunk out. Paul is looking just as tired as Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound EightGo back to YouTube, Jake. You’re an excellent conman. But you’ve never been a boxer.The Judges decide: 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. I’m glad Tyson gets paid and has stayed safe.But what a laughable performance from Paul to add to his stinker with Tommy Fury.Verdict 10-9 PaulSunSport’s final scorecard – 78-74 for Jake PaulClick to read the full round-by-round breakdown.”I can’t believe that this elderly abuse was even sanctioned. Just disgusting.”Magic Johnson typed: “I cut it off because I couldn’t watch anymore. It’s sad to see Mike Tyson like this because I went to every Tyson fight. This fight tonight was not great for boxing.”Piers Morgan posted: “Prime @MikeTyson would have destroyed @jakepaul in 90 seconds. “A 58-year-old Tyson went eight rounds against a much fitter and very capable boxer half his age. “Mock him all you like, but Mike’s got the heart of a lion, balls of steel, and will always be an absolute legend.”One fan said: “Mike Tyson kinda looks old.”Another commented: “Mike Tyson looks so sad and old.”Paul vs Tyson shocking punch statsTHE punch stats from Mike Tyson’s defeat to Jake Paul made for “sad” reading.Veteran Iron Mike, 58, started strongly enough in his Netflix boxing fight with the former YouTuber.But he simply ran out of gas within the first few minutes of the eight-round contest.In the 16 minutes of action, the former undisputed heavyweight world champion landed just 18 punches – averaging just 2.25 successful hits per round.In total, he only attempted 97, meaning he made contact with just 18 per cent.By comparison, Paul, 27, threw a whopping 278 punches – nearly 200 more than his ageing opponent – but still only landed 78 for a success rate of 28 per cent despite his opponent barely moving.His most explosive round came in the third when the victorious Problem Child attempted 44 punches and connected with 16 of them.However, a woeful fifth round saw just four punches landed between the pair as the quality failed to live up to the hype and Paul refused to go for the knockout.A third responded: “It was just sad to see a legend like Mike Tyson not able to do much inside the ring.”A fourth fan added: “You all can say you wasted your time, I didn’t. That’s Iron Mike Tyson. You got to see him box. He’s 58 years old. He made you believe he could do it. He didn’t go down. Dude is an actual living legend.”And a final user tweeted: “So pleased Mike Tyson finished the fight and got out without taking too much damage. “He’s done brilliant at 58 to go through a camp and get through the rounds with a man half his age. “Hopefully that’s scratched the itch and that’s the last time he’s in a boxing ring getting punches thrown at him.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, despite the disappointment, Tyson refused to confirm his retirement.And instead he called out Paul’s brother Logan in the ring for his next bout. Tyson was on the end of 78 punches from his opponentCredit: SportsfileThe former heavyweight world champion had nothing left to giveCredit: SportsfileThere was plenty of respect from the Problem Child who refused to go for the knockoutCredit: GettyPaul was handed the victory via a unanimous points decisionCredit: Getty More

TONY BELLEW has claimed Jake Paul broke a rule during his win over Mike Tyson.The 58-year-old boxing legend was beaten by the influencer-turned-boxer on points.Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson on points in TexasCredit: APTony Bellew, who gatecrashed a pre-fight event with an old man, claimed Paul may have broken the rules against Iron MikeCredit: SportsfileTyson started on the front foot but fell away due to tiredness after just two rounds.Yet it took former boxer Bellew just seconds to spot a possible issue with Paul’s gloves.Before the highly-anticipated fight, it was agreed that 14oz gloves would be worn rather than 10oz ones usually worn in professional bouts.The bigger gloves naturally slow punches down and lessen the impact of their blows, making a knockout more difficult.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut Bellew claimed Paul did not stick to the regulations, tweeting: “The gloves Mike has on are looking heavily padded while Jake has on grants which are full on punchers gloves.”There is a huge difference in them gloves and I’m only watching from a bed.”Despite Bellew’s opinion, there is no suggestion that Paul was in fact using banned gloves.The 27-year-old wore his veteran opponent out quickly but did not go for a knockout blow.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPaul said: “I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.”But due to the stand-off approach, fans slammed the contest as the “worst fight ever”.Watch embarrassing moment Paul vs Tyson fans BRAWL throwing sloppy punchesAnd Bellew also took aim, saying: “We are all to blame for this man! We are all talking and watching! We have to stop this fool! Don’t tune into him until he fights someone who is fit healthy and not a grandfather! “Any proper boxing people helping Paul need to look at themselves! This is just sad.”But he did also praise him, saying: “I don’t like this stupid idiot kid but I will say this… he stopped beating on Mike there and showed him some respect and dignity by letting him survive. “He didn’t go for the KO there, he stepped off him and let him be.”Bellew caused controversy at the pre-fight press conference by gatecrashing the event with an old man and using him to mock Paul’s opponent selection.The move was part of a Paddy Power publicity stunt.But the Liverpudlian was unhappy at how he was removed by security, saying: “You don’t know who I am. Don’t put your hands on me.” Paul vs Tyson shocking punch statsTHE punch stats from Mike Tyson’s defeat to Jake Paul made for “sad” reading.Veteran Iron Mike, 58, started strongly enough in his Netflix boxing fight with the former YouTuber.But he simply ran out of gas within the first few minutes of the eight-round contest.In the 16 minutes of action, the former undisputed heavyweight world champion landed just 18 punches – averaging just 2.25 successful hits per round.In total, he only attempted 97, meaning he made contact with just 18 per cent.By comparison, Paul, 27, threw a whopping 278 punches – nearly 200 more than his ageing opponent – but still only landed 78 for a success rate of 28 per cent despite his opponent barely moving.His most explosive round came in the third when the victorious Problem Child attempted 44 punches and connected with 16 of them.However, a woeful fifth round saw just four punches landed between the pair as the quality failed to live up to the hype and Paul refused to go for the knockout. More