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    Meet the Wags of the ‘Greatest Ever Fight Card’, from a Brazilian psychologist to a US rap star

    IT’S the greatest fight card in history – and it’s coming this Saturday.Boxing’s finest have descended upon Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a series of eagerly anticipated bouts.Meet the Wags cheering on the fighters on the greatest ever fight cardBrit star Josh Padley poses with fianceé Sylvana EmilioBrazilian beauty Raissa Fox is the rumoured girlfriend of Daniel DuboisTop of the bill is Artur Beterbiev’s rematch with Dmitry Bivol.While Daniel Dubois’ heavyweight encounter with Joseph Parker promises to be equally as intriguing.Belts are on the line, including the IBF heavyweight and WBC middleweight titles.The action is sure to bring a star-studded crowd to the Middle East.Read more boxing newsThat will include the boxers’ Wags, who will be cheering on their partners in the ring.From a Brazilian psychologist to a US rapper, SunSport invites you to meet them below…Raissa FoxBrazilian stunner Raissa is the reported girlfriend of the very private Daniel Dubois.Ahead of the Anthony Joshua fight, the British heavyweight slugger shared a picture of the pair together – captioning the snap: “Brazilian queen.”Most read in BoxingHowever, he deleted it soon and has since remained coy about his relationship status.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender Watch the full episode of Contender on Sun Sport’s YouTube channel NOW as we exclusively go behind the scenes with Lewis WilliamsBased in London, Raissa is a trained psychologist who has over 300,000 followers on Instagram.According to reports, the brunette beauty is expecting a baby.Laine TavitaJoseph Parker and Laine have been in a long-term relationship for more than a decade.They haven’t revealed whether they are married but Parker often refers to Laine as his wife on social media.The couple have been together since they were teenagers and initially crossed paths during their high school days at Auckland Marcellin College.The pair are parents to four daughters, with their first being born in 2016.Her professional status is unknown.Laine Tavita is the longterm partner of Joseph ParkerCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresYoung LyricShakur Stevenson, in the ultimate show of love, proposed to his rapper missus Young Lyric after he defeated Oscar Valdez in 2022.Stevenson dropped to one knee in the ring before giving her a sparkler, much to the singer’s surprise.Young Lyric, real name Michelle Ragston, made her name on reality TV hit The Rap Game, which was produced by Queen Latifah and Jermaine Dupri.The pair have a daughter together called Leilani.Rapper Young Lyric, real name Michelle Ragston, earned fame from reality TV in the USShakur Stevenson and Young Lyric share a daughter togetherCredit: InstagramRomantic Stevenson dropped to one knee to propose to Young Lyric in 2022Credit: GettySylvana EmilioSylvana is very much in the Team Padley camp as the fianceé of Josh Padley.The pair got engaged last year and often share loved up snaps together.Gorgeous Brazilian Sylvana enjoys a glam lifestyle, sharing fancy holidays to Dubai and Marbella.She is usually present to cheer Josh at his fights.Sylvana Emilio shares her glam lifestyle on social media to her followersThe Brazilian beauty will be cheering Josh Padley on in RiyadhKimberly LoveIn Callum Smith’s corner is Kimberly.They are believed to have been together for over a decade.They are said to have met when they went on holiday with pals, although that has never been confirmed.Kimberly keeps her personal life private, so very little is known about her.However, they do share two children together – a daughter called Alba and boy named River.Kimberley Love, in Callum Smith’s corner, prefers to keep a low profileReports suggest Kimberly and Smith have been together for over a decadeThe one that got awayPotentially watching proceedings between Beterbiev and Bivol will be the latter’s ex-wife, Ekaterina.The pair were together for 10 years before splitting up after accusations of domestic abuse.She has since complained that Bivol is financially neglecting their kids by paying just $1,100 per month for their two boys.READ MORE SUN STORIESEkaterina stunned the boxing world last year when she took to social media to celebrate Beterbiev’s win over her ex-husband.Will history repeat itself?Dubois vs Parker: Ring walk, TV channel and full card – everything you need to know for the massive heavyweight title fightFirebrand Ekaterina is Dmitry Bivol’s ex-wifeThe pair split up after accusations of domestic abuseLast year, Ekaterina celebrated Bivol’s loss to Beterbiev More

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    ‘Two kings’ say fans as Tyson Fury links up with legendary Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson for ‘breakfast of champions’

    TYSON FURY enjoyed breakfast with Sir Alex Ferguson and fans were left in awe at the link-up.Both legends are now retired following the Gypsy King’s announcement he would hang up his gloves after his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.Sir Alex Ferguson and Tyson Fury enjoyed breakfast togetherCredit: instagram @tysonfurySo the boxer has plenty of time for breakfasts with his heroes – and they don’t come much bigger than Fergie for Fury who is a huge Manchester United fan.He sat down with Ferguson in the Golden Triangle in Cheshire for breakfast, and the pair appeared to be in good spirits.They posed for the camera by flashing smiles, with Fury putting his fist up.Fans loved the unexpected linkup and showed love for Fury and Ferguson.READ MORE IN SPORTOne reacted saying: “The phrase ‘breakfast of champions’ comes to mind.”Another added: “Legendary link up right here!”A third wrote: “Two absolute legends 🥊⚽️🙏”And another commented: “Two kings”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFury captioned the post: “Legends of different games! #BREAKFAST”The former boxer, 36, revealed he has a new “full-time” job after quitting boxing – as wife Paris’ personal trainer.Fans spot Sir Alex Ferguson YAWNING as he watches woeful Man Utd – but get distracted by who he’s sitting next toHe posted a picture of him and Paris on his Instagram story with the caption: “@Parisfury1 training her up now full-time”.News of Fury’s second retirement is said to have come as a “relief” to Paris, as she gets to spend more time with him.Fury’s retirement from boxing has been met with scepticism from many with some predicting he could once again make a comeback – this time to fight Anthony Joshua.Ferguson is also set to come out of retirement and will return to the dugout – for one game only.The Scot will reportedly return to the technical area on March 22 to help coach at a game in Florence.Former Italy international Giuseppe Rossi, 38, has organised a farewell match to honour his retirement next month.The ex-Fiorentina star’s “last dance” will be at the Stadio Franchi Stadium and has been dubbed ‘Pepito Day’. More

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    I was working 6am shifts as electrician before life-changing call, now I’m fighting for world title at 4 days’ notice

    JOSH PADLEY had his world switched upside down when he received a shock call to light up Anthony Joshua’s undercard in September.However, now the 29-year-old is vying to become a world champion in Saudi Arabia after being drafted in for a world title fight with just four days’ notice.Josh Padley is the electrician given billing on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol undercardCredit: Josh PadleyThe Doncaster star has been given permission from his bosses to pursue his big momentCredit: GettyHe achieved a stunning win over Mark Chamberlain in SeptemberCredit: GettyAnd now he has gone from working 6am shifts to fighting for a world titleCredit: AFPThe Doncaster electrician had to do the small-hall circuits at the start of his career, at places like his local Holiday Inn and, more recently, the Bradford Hotel.But on Saturday he fights against Shakur Stevenson on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol undisputed light-heavyweight card.He previously beat Mark Chamberlain in a huge upset on the AJ versus Daniel Dubois show at Wembley Stadium, which was beamed around the world, in front of 96,000 fans.That fight has proven to be transformative as he is now set to challenge Stevenson for the WBC lightweight title belt.READ MORE ON BOXINGUnbeaten in 15 professional fights, Padley has been drafted in to replace Floyd Schofield after he was allegedly “poisoned” ahead of this weekend’s bout.Padley spoke to SunSport back in September before his fight with Chamberlain.The boxing ace told SunSport: “My alarm was set for a 6am start until I got a call to tell me I had to be in London the next day for 3pm for the launch press conference.“The call came when I was driving from my paid job to go and work on my own house so I had a van full of rubbish ready to go to the local tip.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”So I texted the lads I was supposed to be working with and told them, ‘I won’t be in tomorrow, you’ll have to crack on without me.’”I didn’t tell my bosses, I got messages from them saying, ‘Where are you?’ and then one saying, ‘Are you on the AJ undercard?’Electrician Josh Padley reacts to article in The Sun at the Joshua v Dubois Grand Arrivals”I had to come clean and they replied, ‘Not great for the next few jobs we had lined up – but we’re absolutely over the moon for you.'”They instantly started thinking of ways they could help and support me because they know the opportunity is massive.”I am the biggest underdog on the whole card, everyone else is a superstar or a well-supported prospect. But I am going to bring the fire.”Victory over the Portsmouth lightweight – who is the favourite fighter of Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh  – has hurled Padley into the big time.But a couple of weeks after his victory he was back at work.Speaking to talkSPORT about his prospects, he said: “It all depends on what sort of fights come through as these offers.”Obviously, if they’re the bigger fights, then I might be able to take the camp off again, with the help of my sponsors that helped me out with this camp so I can be full-time again for the next camp.”But I will go back into work, and pick my tools back up for Monday after my holiday, because like I say, I don’t know what the offers are just yet, so I’ve gotta put things in place, just in case it isn’t right.”He’s not trying to trash talk his opponent or grab the limelight, he just wants to swap his hi-vis for high-risk fights.The underdog is not even too fussed about the money for the massive fight as he reckons his missus, Sylvana, will have already spent it in Ikea.He said: “I am not here for the payday.Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: Start time, TV channel, full card – everything you need to know for MASSIVE Saudi rematch”I want what comes after the win, the next challenge or title.“And whatever money I make won’t matter because my girlfriend is doing the house up with me, so she will have spent every penny of my purse, no doubt.”There’s a lot of talk about the cash involved in these new Riyadh Season shows that are taking place in the desert, in Los Angeles and now London.But tales like Padley’s – about the brave working-class boys and girls who risk their lives for the sport they love – should remind us that increased fighter pay can only ever be a good thing.He explained: “My usual week is up at 5:50am, travel with the lads to wherever the work is, last week we were about an hour away.”I clock off and go home and at the minute I am renovating my house so I do another hour on that, go to the gym for 5pm for an hour, home, dinner, bed and repeat and repeat and repeat.”Wembley will be a big stage, I have only boxed on small-hall shows.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The press conference room at Wembley Arena was bigger than most of the places I have boxed in, so it is some step up.”But that’s what I want, I want to change my life, I don’t want to go back to building sites after September 21. So I am grabbing this with both hands.”Padley beat Chamberlain on the AJ – Dubois undercard in a huge upsetCredit: AlamyHe admitted the press conference room was bigger than most of the small halls he has boxed inCredit: AlamyPadley is 15-0 going into his title fight against Shakur StevensonCredit: Getty More

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    Anthony Joshua in huge boost to fight for world title he has NEVER won… but why it all depends on Daniel Dubois

    ANTHONY JOSHUA could finally get the chance to fight for the WBC title – but it all depends on Daniel Dubois. Joshua, 35, has twice held the unified WBA, IBF and WBO versions of the belts – but never the iconic green and gold WBC. Anthony Joshua could position himself to fight for the WBC titleCredit: ReutersThe strap is currently held by Oleksandr Usyk, 38, after he took it from Tyson Fury, 36, and then defended it in his pair of points wins last year. But he had to vacate the IBF title to proceed with his December rematch with Fury – which he won via disputed decision. Dubois, 27, was meanwhile elevated from interim champion to the full version – knocking out AJ in his first defence in September.He now puts it on the line against Joseph Parker, 33, on Saturday night in Riyadh – with Usyk in line to fight the winner. READ MORE IN BOXINGThat would make it for all four undisputed belts again.So Agit Kabayel and Zhilei Zhang contest for the interim version on the undercard. Winning that trinket title automatically puts the winner in line to challenge for the full version or be elevated in the event of the champ being stripped. And WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman is open to Joshua fighting for the WBC interim belt this year against either Zhang, 41, or Kabayel, 32. Most read in BoxingSulaiman told SunSport: “Very possibly Anthony Joshua could fight the winner and then the winner would be the interim champion. “What we’re trying to do is to give the fans the best fights possible.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender Watch the full episode of Contender on Sun Sport’s YouTube channel NOW as we exclusively go behind the scenes with Lewis Williams”We are administering within our rules that give us plenty of room to be ordering or managing the divisions for the benefit of the industry.”So that is a very doable thing if Anthony Joshua is to fight the winner of Kabayel-Zhang – absolutely it would be an WBC interim title fight.”Daniel Dubois defends his IBF title against Joseph ParkerCredit: GettyOleksandr Usyk could fight the winner between Dubois vs ParkerCredit: GettyZhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel fight for the WBC interim titleCredit: PA More

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    People think Jake Paul’s a trash-talking troll who is ruining boxing – but I’ve seen the REAL man when cameras are off

    HE is the self-proclaimed Problem Child and bad boy of boxing – but away from the cameras Jake Paul is a TOTALLY different man.The YouTuber-turned-prizefighter might ruffle feathers with his outspoken persona but I’ve had a behind-the-scenes insight into the man.Jake Paul is the self-proclaimed Problem Child and bad boy of boxingCredit: GettySunSport’s Jack Figg has seen the real Jake – the humble man behind the bravadoJake is perceived as a trash-talking troll, flaunting his enormous wealthHe has made £80m from boxing alone, on top of his YouTube earningsIt’s given me a first-hand view of the REAL Jake – the secret side he’s kept hidden as he embarks on his trash-talking boxing career.Before earning £80MILLION from just 12 fights, Jake shot to fame as a controversial social media influencer and the internet’s favourite enemy.But that is not the man I’ve got to know.Admittedly, in our first interview – in May 2021 – he told me he was on track to become a BILLIONAIRE through boxing.And he had no problem bragging about being an evil troll behind his iPhone – rage-baiting fans into buying his pay-per-view fights.Jake has never been far away from controversy.He once drew widespread criticism for publicly calling Conor McGregor’s partner, Dee Devlin, a “four out of ten” in one sexist rant. But he later told us that was out of immaturity and wanting to make a name for himself.And he also announced the birth of Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague’s baby before the Love Island couple even had the chance to.But, actually being around Jake in the lead up to his bouts – from America to Saudi Arabia – has allowed me to see a wildly contrasting character to that of the online villain.Jake Paul renovates boxing gym in Puerto Rico for charityOne that he probably doesn’t want the public to see, as it would ruin the bad-guy persona he’s spent years honing and made millions from.Jake knows how to control his public image, angering fans enough to pay a hefty PPV fee – in the hope he’ll be on the wrong end of a vicious knockout.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it’s how the 28-year-old acts off-camera which stood out most.Before his February 2023 fight with Fury in Saudi, I was invited to Jake’s hotel suite at the Four Seasons for an exclusive one-on-one interview.He came in with his entourage of friends, family and team members, greeting everyone with fist bumps.I was taken aback at how calm Jake seemed – reclining comfortably on the sofa just days before his biggest and toughest fight to date.He is known for his controversial remarks and traded insults with Tommy Fury before punchesCredit: AFPThings threatened to boil over before their grudge matchCredit: ReutersTommy won the fight on points – Jake’s only professional lossCredit: GettyTruthfully, I expected to have to tip-toe through an interview with a prima donna.But he put me at ease instantly.He remembered my name, asked how I was doing, made small talk with everyone in the room – he was just a normal guy.Then, the second the cameras started rolling and the dictaphone turned on, the OTHER Jake arrived.The former TV actor jumped up, straightened his back and worked his magic.He vowed to prove his critics wrong and knock the professional boxer out.He fired a brutal dig at Tommy over his claims he’d retire if he lost.And he warned Molly-Mae to stay at home – as “nobody wants to see her cry”.Jake made controversial comments about Fury’s partner Molly-Mae Hague before the boutSunSport spoke to Jake in an exclusive sit down before his 2023 fight with Fury – and our reporter was shocked by his real-life personaAs soon as the interview stopped, so did Jake’s arrogance and bullish demeanour, as if he could stop the act at the drop of a hat.He even thanked me for MY time.Like many boxers and celebrities, you always see Jake surrounded by a large crew in public.But far from being full of security or hangers-on, Jake’s is made up of life-long friends who keep him grounded as he jets across the world.He remembered my name, asked how I was doing, made small talk with everyone in the room – he was just a normal guy. Then, the second the cameras started rolling and the dictaphone turned on, the OTHER Jake arrived.One new face in the entourage is glamorous Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam, who Jake has been dating since April 2023.After a few failed celeb romances – including a fake marriage to Tana Mongeau in 2017 – Jake seems totally loved-up, regularly seen cheering her on in the stands at ice rinks around the world.He is a doting uncle after brother Logan and model fiancee Nina Agdal welcomed his niece Esme into the world in September.And the former Disney star – who once only cared about fame and money – is now talking about having kids of his own.Jake is in a relationship with glamorous Dutch speedskater Jutta LeerdamCredit: InstagramThe couple are loved-up with Jake regularly supporting her in events across the worldCredit: Instagram / @juttaleerdamJake is now a doting uncle – and wants a family of his ownBrother Logan welcomed baby daughter Esme into the worldThe last time I spoke to Jake was in August of last year alongside members of the MMA media – who he is less familiar with.I watched as Jake gave more reserved answers until it got to myself and another journalist who he recognised.And then BAM.Gone were the soft-spoken replies and on the front-foot he went – insulting the likes of KSI and Fury, who had just publicly split up with Molly-Mae.He seemed far more comfortable mocking his rivals than he did talking about his charitable side – which the media by then had cottoned on to.Jake launched Boxing Bullies in 2021, a foundation encouraging kids to take up the sport.As part of that, he bought and renovated gyms in Puerto Rico – where he now lives – and once even donated his entire fight purse to charity.In January 2020, the night Jake made his pro debut, Puerto Rican women’s boxing legend Amanda Serrano was fighting on the undercard for under £5,000.Jake launched his Boxing Bullies charity in 2021Credit: Boxing BulliesThe charity aims to gets kids into boxingCredit: Boxing BulliesJake has donated millions to charity – a side of him not known to the general publicCredit: Boxing BulliesJake addresses youngsters in the gymCredit: Boxing BulliesWhen Jake caught wind of how disgracefully little the seven-division great was being paid, he signed her to his Most Valuable Promotions banner.Jake told us in 2022: “That’s why I was so baffled when I first met her about how much money she was making.“And how she was being mistreated and how she didn’t have that much of a big following online.“It didn’t make sense to me, I was like, ‘You’re one of the greatest fighters of all time, you should be getting paid millions of dollars’.”Jake is still known to splash the cash, never shy to show off his collection of Ferraris, private jet or expensive watches to his millions of followers. But he also likes to share his wealth, treating his team and even OPPONENTSSerrano is now a multi-millionaire having fought on some of boxing’s biggest cards – including a thrilling rematch against Katie Taylor as the co-main event for Jake’s infamous Netflix clash with heavyweight legend Mike Tyson.Gyms in Puerto Rico are now full of young women, inspired by Serrano’s story.Humble Jake – who is advocating for equal pay in boxing – insists that while he gave her a platform, the success is all down to Serrano.He’s on record saying: “All I did was shine a spotlight. And pretty much, Amanda Serrano did the rest.”This is a gym Jake renovated in Carolina, Puerto Rico, for champion women’s boxer Amanda SerranoCredit: Boxing BulliesHe fixed it up, adding a mural of Serrano in the gymCredit: Boxing BulliesIt was a surprise for the seven-weight world championCredit: Boxing BulliesJake was stunned at how little Serrano was earning per fight and has made it his goal to get equal pay in boxingCredit: Boxing BulliesJake is still known to splash the cash, never shy to show off his collection of Ferraris, private jet or expensive watches to his millions of followers.But he also likes to share his wealth, treating his team and even OPPONENTS.Four years ago, he beat ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley and was due to face Love Islander Fury – brother to the legendary Tyson – in his next bout.But when Fury pulled out with a rib injury, Woodley filled in on short notice just before Christmas that year.In the festive spirit, Jake had already gifted his entire team Rolex watches worth £9,000 each – and shocked Woodley by saving one for him.But his villainous reputation preceded him to the point that Woodley took the timepiece to a jeweller to check if it was fake and if it had a TRACKER in it.Woodley revealed the watch was real and did not have a device to monitor his every move.Fury would again pull out of fighting Jake for a second time in August 2022 amid a US visa problem – and the whole event got cancelled.Jake gifted Tyron Woodley a Rolex before their December 2021 rematchA stunned Woodley had to take the watch to a jeweller to confirm it was realBut Jake paid the entire undercard half of their promised purses out of his own pocket to ensure that they were not left empty-handed.His generosity is a far-cry from the foul-mouthed punk celebrity who shot to fame on six-second social media app Vine and later YouTube.Misdemeanours and wild parties all helped Jake get sacked from his role on Disney Channel show Bizaardvark in 2017 after just two series.And the out-of-control youngster admitted to spinning down a spiral of drink and drugs while living the high life in Los Angeles.And, despite the threat of a boring cliché, Jake insists boxing really did save him from a life of degeneracy.He sold his £5m LA mansion and instead moved to Puerto Rico to focus on boxing and escape dangerous distractions.Jake bought a stunning eight-bedroom pad for £13m on the Caribbean island as well as building his own £3m two-storey gym with brother Logan.Even Jake’s biggest detractors can’t take away the commitment he has shown for boxing – spending a fortune on his training camps.Paul bought a £13m mansion in Puerto RicoCredit: Instagram @jakapaulThe vast plot contains eight bedroomsCredit: Youtube – Jake PaulJake built his own £3m gym in Puerto RicoCredit: YouTubeHe’s even got himself a private jetHe pays top-quality sparring partners so well that one told me he even bought a house with the money he made from Jake’s camp.Jake now has 11 wins and one loss on his record – with his first and so far only defeat coming against Fury.He is poised to announce his next fight and will do so after regaining his position as boxing’s most hated man.Jake had all generations of fans up in arms having brought 58-year-old great Tyson out of retirement in November.He took home £30million for 16 minutes of work and had over 100 MILLION people tuning in to watch on Netflix.But not even letting the beloved heavyweight legend see the final bell was enough to stop fans from praying for Jake’s downfall.What fans might not know is Jake invited a seven-year old cancer patient – Owen Obey – to watch the fight from ringside.Owen tragically passed the month after, but he did so after getting to watch his two heroes up close – and Jake made it happen.And while it’s clear his loyal crowd of critics won’t be going away any time soon – Jake will happily welcome them along for the ride.But he’ll do so laughing all the way to the bank – as he always does.Jake invited cancer patient Owen Obey to his fight against Mike Tyson More

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    Anthony Joshua looks jacked as boxer goes topless and plays chess amid Tyson Fury fight talks

    ANTHONY JOSHUA took some time to relax and brush up on his tactical skills while playing a game of chess in the sun.And the British heavyweight made sure he still looked scary ahead of a potential fight with Tyson Fury, showing off his physique with his top off in the pics.Anthony Joshua showed off his physique in some new Instagram snapsCredit: InstagramThe boxing star got his brain ticking with some chess in the sunCredit: Instagram AJ, 35, soaked up the UV in Riyadh, away from the dull UK as he looks ahead to a potential fight on the horizon.And despite not taking to the ring since his fifth round defeat to Daniel Dubois in September of last year, fans reckon he’s still looking in good enough shape to glove up once again.On wrote: “Unstoppable, humble warrior.”While another added: “Bro, they’re not ready.”READ MORE IN BOXINGA third simply put: “My champ”.And a fourth posted: “Undisputed…”Joshua looked to be in line to finally come to blows with fellow Brit heavyweight Tyson Fury this year.But plans to face off were scuppered when The Gypsy King announced that he was hanging up his gloves in January.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere remains speculation about whether Fury has truly given up the sport or not, given that the has “retired” four times in the past and returned to the ring.But for now Joshua appears to be looking elsewhere for his next fight, with promoter Eddie Hearn suggesting he will take on the winner of this weekend’s bout between Dubois and Joseph Parker.Deontay Wilder and huge world title bout among SIX options for Anthony Joshua’s next fight if Tyson Fury stays retired Speaking to iFL TV, Hearn said: “I think without Tyson Fury, AJ’s number one priority is to fight for the world heavyweight title.”He’s not going to fight Usyk, is he? So it is going to be the winner of Saturday night [between Parker vs Dubois].”Joshua, who is in Saudi Arabia to watch the fight first hand, does have a plan B if that doesn’t come to fruition, however.Discussing who else he could fight, Hearn revealed: “[Martin] Bakole, the winner of [Zhilei] Zhang vs [Agit] Kabayel, Deontay Wilder.”I can’t even tell you for sure because there hasn’t been a conversation.”I don’t even know. The only thing I know granted fact is that AJ wanted to fight for Fury and AJ wanted to fight for the world title, fact.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Maybe there is a conversation in a week or so when we [ask Fury] ‘Just to let you know, you definitely don’t want to fight AJ?”In the summer, August or September because if you do come out of retirement now is the time to do it because we may have to wait until next year”.Eddie Hearn has opened up on who AJ could fight nextCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunTyson Fury has ‘retired’ from boxingCredit: PA More

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    Boxer at centre of Beterbiev vs Bivol ‘poison’ scandal caught up in SPY row after dad claims mole was planted in camp

    FLOYD SCHOFIELD’S late withdrawal from his world title fight with Shakur Stevenson is at the centre of wild allegations of spying and food poisoning.The two former lightweight sparring partners were due to feature on Saturday night’s super-card in Saudi Arabia.Floyd Schofield’s camp claim a spy infiltrated their campCredit: GettyFloyd Schofield Sr posted a video of his son in a hospital bed after an alleged ‘spiking’Credit: Twitter Shakur Stevenson was set to fight Schofield on Saturday nightCredit: GettyBut cracks appeared to show at Tuesday evenings glitzy Grand Arrivals in Riyadh – a day before every boxer spoke to on-ground media.It was on the Monday that both Schofield and his dad and trainer Floyd Sr accused Stevenson of hiring a MOLE to spy on their camp.Jr told SecondsOut said: “We had a couple things in camp that was like, ‘What the hell.'”But we got past that. It didn’t effect nothing from our training, it didn’t effect anything it was just certain people that we thought that we could trust that we couldn’t trust.”READ MORE IN BOXINGExplaining how he caught the alleged double agent, Schofield added: “We caught them doing stuff. Before it was accusations until we were actually able to prove it.”It was sad because we knew these people since I was like seven-years-old. So we just had to remove them from camp and get back right.”Schofield claimed his passport was tampered with and tyres on his car stabbed by the apparent double crosser.But then Schofield amazingly backtracked: “We’re not saying it’s Shakur, we’re having fun with everything. We’re doing what he does, we love trolling.”Most read in BoxingSchofield’s no-show at the Grand Arrivals led to questions over the state of Stevenson’s WBC title defence.And on Wednesday, news broke that the undefeated 22-year-old had been pulled out of the bout by the British Boxing Board of Control – overseeing the event.Floyd Schofield health update as boxer’s father shares scary video from hospital amid ‘poison’ scandal It came just hours after Schofield Sr sensationally claimed his son had been SPIKED.He shared a text message which read: “This isn’t something to take lightly. I’m not trying to play no games. I got love for y’all and looking out, but they spiked your son”.And Floyd Sr later told talkSPORT: “Floyd will be OK and make a full recovery… Someone tried to kill him.”Stevenson denied the allegations of poisoning and spying on opponent Schofield.He told Ring Magazine: “I try not to get into all the clown stuff. I know it’s clown business. When you try to insert yourself into that y’re kinda going with the circus.”I’m trying to stay away from the circus. Truthfully, I know it’s some clown stuff. None of my former opponents have ever said any of this stuff. They never complained about anything.”BBBoC general secretary Robert Smith also responded to the allegations live on radio.Smith said: “All I can tell you is that he went to a hospital and he’s been deemed not to box.”Of course, it concerns me. It concerns me a lot about what the parents say when they don’t know the full facts.”When we get the full facts we will be able to find out what the full situation is. “At the moment we don’t know other than the fact that the kid is unfit to box.”But of course, it concerns me what people say. People can throw things out there all the time and then we have to look into, which we will.”Stevenson, 27, will now fight late substitute Josh Padley, 29, who flew out with just three days till fight night.And Schofield was hospitalised with illness as his promoters Golden Boy released a statement.It read: “Yesterday, Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. fell ill and was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure.”In the interest of Schofield’s health and safety, the British Boxing Board of Control made the decision to cancel his scheduled bout against Shakur Stevenson.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Schofield has since been discharged from the hospital and is awaiting the results of his medical evaluation.”We extend our gratitude to HE Turki Alalshikh, SELA, and the medical professionals who provided Schofield with care.”Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: Start time, TV channel, full card – everything you need to know for MASSIVE Saudi rematch More

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    Dmitry Bivol reveals he lies on bed of NAILS and has unlikely hobby that risks disrupting boxing career

    DMITRY BIVOL lies on a bed of nails to relax – so fighting Artur Beterbiev again is a bed of roses.The 34-year-old pinned his hopes on three judges awarding him the light-heavyweight undisputed honour in October, after a classy display.Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev went to war for all the 175lb titles last OctoberCredit: GETTYThe judges spiked Bivol’s dream of undisputed glory by giving Beterbiev the nodCredit: GettyBivol is no stranger to a sharp sticking as he regularly lays on a bed of nailsCredit: GQ SPORTSBut they spiked his dreams by handing his bearded 41-year-old rival a majority decision that left fans of the super-killer Canelo conquered deflated.Somehow, Bivol refused to rage at none of the three judges preferring his brilliant back-foot skills to the Chechen’s thudding blows.But, when the father-of-two chills out on a net of needles, we shouldn’t be surprised he took the disappointment with an ice-cool head.Opening up on the bizarre contraption he uses for a form of meditation, Bivol said: “I use it to relax – not to sleep on!READ MORE BOXING NEWS “Of course it’s painful but you need to relax to not feel the pain. If you tense then you feel pain.“When you relax, your body melts and you don’t feel the pain. If you tense, then of course it hurts.“It’s just a personal thing I like, I have some problems with my lower back so I use it to relax my lower back.”And when I relax my lower back it helps my legs and everything else relax.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBeterbiev vs Bivol 2: Start time, TV channel, full card – everything you need to know for MASSIVE Saudi rematch“In life, you need to work and also relax, everything needs balance. “I walk and run and work all day and it’s just another way for me to relax. It is good for the mind too.”SunSport boxing reporter Wally Downes left stunned after Beterbiev beats BivolAnother unlikely hobby that is good for Bivol’s laser-focused mind – but not for his bones – is his new love of snowboarding.Despite having mega-money fights in the pipeline with Bivol and beyond, Bivol hits the slopes and occasionally damages his body and ego.He explained: “I tried snowboarding once and then I had to buy two and am trying to learn.”I have had a couple of small accidents but nothing big.“I had a problem with my collarbone, I fell on it and felt like an idiot because I am supposed to be a professional boxer.Of course it’s painful but you need to relax to not feel the pain. If you tense then you feel pain.Dmitry Bivol“But snowboarding helps clear my mind, I focus only on my balance, no boxing, and I am in amazing mountain places, surrounded by fresh air and floating down a mountain.”Bivol had to miss the eighth birthday of his youngest son Nikon, at the start of fight week.But he and 10-year-old Miron were in camp for the first battle and know that his daddy’s sacrifices are all for them.But the old man is in no rush to push his boys into the same sport that has made him, especially after watching unknown American kids and his hero Arturo Gatti destroy themselves.“I am missing them,” he said. “I call them everyday but kids don’t like video calls, they want face-to-face time.Dmitry Bivol will bid to exact revenge on his countryman on Saturday nightCredit: GETTYBivol had to miss his youngest son’s eighth birthday in preparation for the fightCredit: GETTYDmitry Bivol doesn’t foresee himself and Artur Beterbiev having a warm embrace after their rematchCredit: GETTY“They have gloves and have trained but I haven’t pushed them.“I remember being in America and watching young kids there spar and every round was a war, it was not sparring, it was fighting. Sparring should not be like that.“I want them to understand what those three minutes mean but, when I saw that, I knew I never wanted my sons to train like that.“I respect Arturo Gatti so much but I would never want my sons to fight like Arturo Gatti.”Despite years on the Russian amateur team together, the pair have never bonded.And even after a potential 24 rounds spent in each other’s pocket, Bivol rejects the idea the final bell will be the precursor to the sort of brotherly hug and lifelong connection that boxing’s greatest rivalries are usually sealed with.“I have my kung fu and he has his – both are good,” he perfectly puts it.“But, when this bell ends, we will just walk away.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were in the same national team for a long time and we were not friends then, so we will not be friends now?“If we weren’t friends then, why would we now?” More