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    Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge to host first-ever boxing event with 10 fights on ‘electrifying’ card

    STAMFORD BRIDGE is set to host its first ever boxing event.Chelsea’s historic home is the setting for the upcoming Transatlantic Clash II card.Stamford Bridge is set to host its first boxing eventCredit: GettyDubbed “Battle at the Bridge”, the event will see 10 British fighters take on 10 Americans on a bumper night of action.The UK team will be captained by Spencer Oliver.While the US boxers are skippered by Roy Jones Jr.Standard tickets for the event are being sold for £60.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile punters can grab ringside seats for £100.Stamford Bridge is not the first Prem ground to be used for boxing.Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has hosted Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury bouts.And Spurs’ home will put on Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr on April 26.Most read in BoxingSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYWhile Stamford Bridge hasn’t previously hosted boxing events, it has been used for other sports.The historic stadium has hosted rugby, speedway, baseball and track and field.Derek Chisora opens up on retirement and says people ‘don’t care’ about him in ‘scumbag’ sport of boxingIn the 1980s it also hosted cricket events.While there was famously a greyhound racing track prior to the ground being modernised.Battle at the Bridge full cardLucas Ballingall (UK) vs. Giovannie Gonzalez (USA) Arnie Dawson (UK) vs. Joseph Abudy (USA) Michael Webber-Kane (UK) vs. James Wilkins (USA) Harvey Horn (UK) vs. Justin Marquez (USA) Jack Hughes (UK) vs. Joe Collins (USA) Brad Axe (UK) vs. Brandon Grant (USA) Aurel Ignat (UK) vs. Zeno Vooris (USA) Brendan Needham (UK) vs. Corey McIntosh (USA) Harry Armstrong (UK) vs. Elijah Kavila (USA) Marley Mason (UK) vs. Bryan Albarran (USA)  More

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    Adam Azim vs Sergey Lipinets LIVE RESULTS: Assassin scores BRILLIANT TKO win despite two low blow deductions

    ADAM AZIM scored a brilliant TKO win over Sergey Lipinets as he overcame the toughest test of his career.The build up to the super-lightweight fight descended into chaos with BOTH fighters initially missing the weight before making it.Azim dominated the fight but had to overcome a bit of adversity as he was docked TWO points for continuous low blows.The Assassin, 22, let out a roar at the end of the fight as he was held aloft by trainer Shane McGuigan.Start time: From 7pmMain event Expected 10pmTV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports + and Sky Sports Main EventCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the updates below…Azim on his performanceIn his post-fight interview, Azim said: “The first knockdown, I dint know I hit him. I had to be patient. “To be world class, you have to be patient. He’s a very big puncher and I’ve got so much respect for him.”He was going really low, I couldn’t see where his belt was, he was small, it was so hard for me to place the shot. “But I had to stop them, Shane said ‘if you do that again, I’ll make you do 100 burpees in the gym’.”I was working on inside fighting with Shane in the gym. It’s really hard to see Lipinets go like that.”Copy linkCopiedJohnny Nelson Former world champ Nelson told Sky Sports: “What a disciplined mature performance. “Cool, patient, kept his pace.”Adam stayed disciplined and let the shots go. He had to be careful as Lipinets tried to throw over the top.”But I though, you have now graduated.”Copy linkCopiedMore from AzimHe said: “My performance was great, I had to keep calm.“I had to be patient at this world-class level.“I broke him down, he was really dangerous at the start and I respect him so much.“It was upsetting to see Lipinets go out like that because he is a legend.“Dalton Smith better be watching because I am coming for him. You aint that good.“That fight is marinating and when I fight him, I will teach him a lesson.”Copy linkCopiedDalton Smith next?Adam Azim had one name on his mind for his next fight…”Dalton Smith you better watch out mate – I’m coming baby,” he said.”When I do fight him I’m going to teach him a lesson!”Copy linkCopiedAzim roarsShane McGuigan jumps into the ring and lifts Azim off his feet as The Assassin looks delighted!He jumps onto the canvas and punches the ground, letting out a huge roar – he’s delighted with that one!Copy linkCopiedAzim wins!Superb win from Adam Azim and – we must stay – an excellent intervention from the referee.That was only going one way and he stopped it before Lipinets could take serious damage.What a brilliant win and the 22-year-old’s star continues to rise.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R9Azim steams out of the corner and lands three massive uppercuts to start the round!The crowd are on their feet!Azim lands a couple more and Lipinets refuses to go down – but it’s clear this is over, the ref is in and ENDS it!Azim wins!Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R8Azim does forget the downstairs and lands a beautiful uppercut that shook Lipinets.Now it’s Lipinets’ turn to throw a low blow and send Azim walking away to the corner.Hurting the rhythm of the fight this is, but Azim is still looking very good.Lipinets is starting to lose a bit of steam in this fight, Azim looks much more comfortable .They go in close again and Azim catches him with a beautiful uppercut that has the crowd purring.Azim then sends Lipinets stumbling with another big right but the Kazakh has a quick jog but stays on his feet!Azim chases him but the bell just comes in time to save Lipinets.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R7Azim goes for a different look in the round – he’s spent most of the fight so far keeping Lipinets ar distance.But Azim gets straight into the phonebox with his opponent and goes head-to-head, shoulder-to-shoulder with Lipinets – and looks good doing it.Just as he’s looking comfortable, oh dead – yet ANOTHER low blow.This one sends Lipinets to the floor and the ref has no option but to take yet another point from Azim.Azim is well ahead on rounds, and has the knockdown, but taking points off his score is making this much closer than it needs to be.After the break, Azim returns to the pocket and has the better of the exchanges.Another round in. In the corner and trainer Shane McGuigan sends a very clear message: “It’s done now… stop going downstairs.”Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R6Lipinets comes in for an exchange and Azim lands a nice uppercut, overhand left combo, although it isn’t flush and the damage is minimal.He next lands that left counter-hook with textbook precision and looks like Azim is just trying to push the pace.Notably, he hasn’t thrown as many body shots in that round as he did previously – the referee’s words are probably ringing in his ears.Great work from The Assassin and, for me, that’s another round in the books.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R5Scrappy round from both fighters there.Lipinets is trying to pick up his own tempo but Azim doesn’t react and just backs off to stay in control.Lipinets continues to walk forward but Azim plants a lovely counter on him to make him think twice about that next time.Yet ANOTHER low blow comes in and Lipinets is given yet more time to recover.No point off that time but there is a very strict word for Azim – that will be another point off next time, the ref says.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R4Azim measured to start the fourth, he’s not quite unloading or looking for the kill just yet.That left hook to the body proves fruitful again before the ref then has to give Azim another warning about going too low – he’s got to be careful with that.More good stuff here as he lands a lovely uppercut and then goes close with a viscous left that just misses its target.Azim plants his feet and lets off a three-punch combo – glancing blocking.Oh no – well, there you go – another low blow from Azim sends Lipinets walking away into the corner.The ref has had enough of it and takes a point off Azim. Let’s hope that’s not too costly.Azim has won all four rounds, including a 10-8 in round three, but that round will have to be scored 9-9.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R3Azim has just upped the pace a little bit and Lipinets in that high guard is leaving the body open again and again.Azim smashes in a lovely left hook to the body that has Lipinets just grimacing for a brief moment.Lipinets continues to come forward though – and that proves his undoing!Azim smashes out a beautiful counter-left that puts Lipinets onto his back.He beats the count but Azim is now smelling blood here!Lipinets survives the round but Azim will fancy a KO very soon.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R2The second starts much the same as the first, with both men pawing out some jabs as they just work each other out.Azim unloads a right but doesn’t catch flush and then catches Lipinets with a nice left to the body.Lipinets has a very high and tight guard and is throwing out a crisp jab.But that leaves his body slightly open and Azim lands a night right to the mid-section.Azim throws out another low jab and Lipinets turns to the ref – and Azim gets another word.2-0 to the Brit on my card.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R1We’re underway at Wembley Arena! Lipinets gets off to a positive start with a couple of nice jabs and feints before Azim throws out a couple of jabs of his own just to test his opponent.The 22-year-old rising star is going to the body early and continually here – and the ref tells him to be a bit careful with one of those as it was a bit low.Nice round of Azim who unloads a quick one-two at the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedAzim entranceAdam Azim is now in the ring as well, let’s get ready for action.Copy linkCopiedRing walk timeHere we go! Sergey Lipinets is making his way to the ring now – we’re less than 10 minutes away!Copy linkCopiedAmir Khan and Shawn Porter ringsideSky Sports had a quick word with two boxing legends.Khan said: “I think it’s a massive fight for Adam.”It’s a big test, Lipinets is a tasty fighter.”He needs to stick to the game plan and I think he gets it done.”Second British-Pakistani world champion, how good does that sound?”Porter added: “He’s making a splash in the States – not too big, we’ve got to give him some time.”But this fight will get him some looks.”Copy linkCopiedThe main eventSadly, Wally has to trot off and right a big fight report – which means I’m behind the wheel for the big one.We’re not far away now. Just time to make a cup of tea I reckon.Copy linkCopiedBarnstormerThe British and Commonwealth champ says: “I coped alright, I got caught with a few daft shots because I was too eager.”My coach has already told me I am in trouble when I am next in training.”Fair play to him, he was a soldier, he lived up to his nickname and was tough.”I didn’t perform as well as I can but I got the job done and my brilliant fans have made a 400-mile round trip.”Copy linkCopiedElvis sure can danceAhorgah may have lost to Callum Simpson but he made a lasting impressive…Copy linkCopiedSimpson wins TKO R5The Barnsley champ lands a few clips clean but they only encourage Ahorgah.The challenger never stops marching forward but he walks on to a hook that rocks him to the floor.Elvis bounces back up to his feet by Simpson steams in and drops him again before the ref waves it off.Copy linkCopiedSimpson v Ahorgah R4Ahorgah looked a novice push-over in the first round but he has grown into a serious threat.Simpson lands plenty but cannot put a dent in the Ghana brawler.Callum Simpson is going to need to be more clever and varied if he is going to stop this super-fit and durable character.Copy linkCopiedSimpson v Ahorgah R3Elvis is a showman!Ahorgah throws a couple of crazy haymakers and then showboats with a lairy shuffle.Simpson is in with a live opponent and they are going to war.Ahorgah whacks himself around the head a couple of times and attacks again.Ahorgah spots a US boxing legend in the front row of the crowd and yells “SHAWN PORTER!” just before the bell goes!Copy linkCopiedSimpson v Ahorgah R2Ahorgah leaps in with a lead left hook but Simpson blocks it.The challenger tries the Tyson-esque blow again but gets whacked back.Ahorgah backs off and orders Simpson to attack him, then hurls another left hook his way.Simpson needs to be careful because this rough and raw challenger is unpredictable.Copy linkCopied More

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    ‘It breaks the rules’ – Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn will NOT happen, says boxing legend dad

    CHRIS EUBANK SR has again insisted that his son will NOT fight Conor Benn.Earlier this month it was announced that the pair are set to do battle on April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Chris Eubank has insisted that the controversial fight won’t happenCredit: YouTubeEubank Jr and Conor Benn are scheduled to fight on April 26Credit: GettyThe match-up had initially been set for October 2022, only to be KO’d just days out after Benn failed two Voluntary Anti-Doping Association tests.With UK Anti-Doping having lifted Benn’s ban last November, he is eligible to compete on home soil again.The match-up naturally evokes memories of the 1990s rivalry between their fathers Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn.But the former refuses to throw his weight behind the nostalgic bout.READ MORE IN SPORTSpeaking on his Call Chris Eubank YouTube channel, he said: “My answer is no, the fight will not happen. Not because of anything other than it breaks the rules.”Rules is what we abide by. If we don’t abide by the rules then we are being reckless. We’re being reckless with what? With the lives of these fighters.”Not just Conor Benn and Christopher Livingstone Eubank Jr, but with the lives of all participants of combat sports.”Do not be distracted by re-hydration clauses.”Most read in BoxingSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYEubank Sr, 58, has long been unhappy with the catchweight bout.Benn typically fights at welterweight, with a 147lbs limit.Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn will be ‘TOXIC’ and ‘more like WWE than IBF’Eubank Jr, meanwhile, is two divisions up at middleweight, for which the limit is 160lbs.The fight is set to see Benn move up to middleweight, in contrast to the original 2022 bout which had been arranged for a 157lbs catchweight.Speaking exclusively to SunSport, Eubank Sr said: “My son, if he had taken that fight where they tried to boil him down to 157, would have lost his life.”The British boxing legend lost younger son Sebastian aged just 29 to a heart attack in 2023.He continued: “I lost Sebastian. What do I say about losing another one? Nothing, I just pray.”Eubank Sr then referenced American boxer Paul Bamba, who died aged 35 in December just six days after winning the WBA Gold Cruiserweight title by defeating Rogelio Medina, adding: “Paul said he gave himself brain damage by losing too much weight.“He lost 22lbs in a matter of days. What the promoters are doing now is looking at the names and looking at the money.“So, the names of the fathers Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, they are looking at the names that draw an audience to a stadium or an arena.“This is trampling the rules. They are running amok.“It has become a world of ‘money first’. Like with the YouTube fighters, it’s the money they think about.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And for the boxers, when they are headstrong, they are not thinking about safety. I know what it is like to get in there and to have lost all that weight.“I know what it feels like when you are getting a hammering. It is dangerous. I know what it is like in training, when you are dehydrated.”Eubank twice fought Nigel Benn in the 1990sCredit: Getty More

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    Timeline for Anthony Joshua’s next fight revealed as Tyson Fury grudge match hangs in balance

    THE working timeline for Anthony Joshua’s ring return has been revealed.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion hasn’t set foot in the ring since his demolition at the hands of Daniel Dubois in September.Anthony Joshua hasn’t fought since being knocked out by Daniel Dubois in SeptemberCredit: GETTYThe tentative timeline for the former champ’s return has been revealedCredit: REUTERSA rematch with Dubois was slated for February until AJ was convinced by his team to recover from niggling injuries.And the golden boy of British boxing, according to Matchroom CEO Frank Smith, is now on course for a summer return.In an interview with BetFred, he said: “There’s a lot of movement in the heavyweight division.“You’ve got Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker on February 22nd , we’ve got to wait and see what Oleksandr Usyk does next.”But I think you’ll see Anthony Joshua back out in the summer.”READ MORE ON AJA long-overdue domestic dust-up with Tyson Fury finally appeared to be on the cards for AJ after his fellow Brit suffered a second-straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last December.But the Gypsy King seemingly put the final nail in the coffin of the Battle of Britain earlier this month by announcing his FIFTH retirement.Long-time AJ pal and promoter Eddie Hearn, however, isn’t buying Fury’s latest hanging up of the gloves.The Matchroom Boxing chief told iFL TV: “I saw that coming. Most read in Boxing”I think, if you ever want to come back and get the max you’ve gotta retire first, ain’t you?JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Someone’s gotta bring you out of retirement. So listen, if that’s the last we see of Tyson Fury, good luck to him.”I doubt it, personally, but whatever he chooses to do much respect to him.”Amir Khan echos the nation in plead to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua… and he speaks from experienceHe later told The Daily Mail: “None of us know what Fury will do next.”But if we are to see the fight in the summer, he would probably have to come out of retirement in the next three or four weeks. “After that, the summer gets difficult for a fight of this size. “The future? Hopefully – I think he will be back, but it’s in his hands. “For AJ, we have options to pursue and we are looking at them currently.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Adam Azim vs Sergey Lipinets: Date, start time, TV channel and undercard as British superstar eyes world title

    ADAM AZIM and Sergey Lipinets go to war over the vacant IBO super-lightweight title at the OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday.Azim has threatened to retire Sergey Lipinets at Wembley Arena on Saturday night, as the two both look to claim gold.Adam Azim is one of the best young prospects in British boxingCredit: PAThe British sensation will be looking to prove he belongs at the top of the super-lightweight division after a super start to his young career.Azim won via a stoppage at the Copper Box Arena late last year against Ohara Davies and comes into this fight unbeaten.Former IBF super-lightweight champion Sergey Lipinets is looking to re-establish himself as the king of the division with this fight, with the title he last won in 2017 up for grabs.Lipinets responded to Azim’s claims that he would retire him by saying “everybody will see in the ring what happens.”READ MORE IN BOXINGWith time for talking almost over, this fight promises to be an entertainer.When is Adam Azim vs Sergey Lipinets?The fight is live from the OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday, February 1The fight will be live from 7pm GMT.The ring walk for Adam Azim and Sergey Lipinets is scheduled for approximately 10pm GMT.What TV channel is Adam Azim vs Sergey Lipinets on and can it be streamed?Adam Azim vs Sergey Lipinets will be available on Sky SportsViewers will need a Sky Sports subscription in order to watch the fightAlternatively, coverage will be available via SunSport’s live blog.Full cardCallum Simpson vs Elvis AhorgahJeamie Tshikeva vs Michael WebsterJoel Kouda vs Llloyd GermainLucas Roehrig vs Milosav SavicAlfie Clegg vs Sebastian Alejandro CastilloScott Forest vs Aurel IgnatEmmany Kalombo vs TBAGaran Croft vs TBAMost read in BoxingUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Boxing is show business with blood but dreadful ‘cockapoo vs hungry lion’ mismatches will lead to disaster

    THIS year is just a month old, yet there have already been a couple of dreadful world championship mismatches that could easily have led to dire consequences.A week ago, I watched through my fingers as Naoya Inoue defended his four world super-bantamweight titles in Tokyo.Naoya Inoue demolished Kim Ye-Joon in their world super-bantamweight boutCredit: AFPJai Opetaia defended his IBF cruiserweight crown against a late substitute in QueenslandCredit: GettyThe devastating KO was one of the most brutal you’ll ever seeCredit: AlamyInoue was supposed to have met his mandatory challenger Sam Goldman but the American was twice forced to pull out because of a cut eye.A national hero in Japan, and easily their most famous sportsman, they don’t call Inoue “The Monster” for nothing — he terrorises opponents and flattens them with freakish power for a man who weighs less than nine stone.Many believe, pound for pound, he is an even better fighter than both Terence Crawford and Artur Beterbiev.Inoue had ruthlessly won all but three of his 28 fights by knockout — and his promoters didn’t want to disappoint the 15,000 sell-out crowd or the worldwide TV audience with a cancellation.READ MORE ON BOXINGAnd they managed to find enough money to persuade journeyman Ye Joon Kim, a willing South Korean masochist, to risk life and limb against the undisputed champ.There was no doubt looking at Kim’s fearful expression and body language as he stood in the ring waiting for the opening bell in the Ariake Arena, that he appeared to be terrified.He is more used to fighting men with 15-9 records and must have been wondering how soon an explosion was about to go off in his face.If anyone fancied having a bet on Inoue, he was a 1-35 favourite — Kim had about as much chance of survival as a cockapoo being thrown into a lion’s cage at feeding time.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInoue mercifully didn’t take liberties — he could have seriously hurt Kim but he went through the motions of a sparring session for nine minutes.In the fourth, he decided he’d put on enough of a show for his fans and it was time to finish the farce.Has Tyson Fury really retired after calling it a day for the fourth time?Backing up Kim, he put an end to the miserable affair with a single shot — a perfectly-timed straight right to the chin that left the Korean in a heap.There was a more worrying outcome two weeks before, when Aussie Jai Opetaia defended his IBF cruiserweight crown against a late substitute in Queensland.Opetaia had won 20 of his 26 fights by KO and may be the best of the three cruiserweight world champions.Stepping in with him after just three weeks notice was Kiwi David Nyika — virtually a novice despite having won all his ten fights.Kim had about as much chance of survival as a cockapoo being thrown into a lion’s cage at feeding time.Brave Nyika tried to make a battle of it but Opetaia was too good for him.Nyika, dazed by a combination of head punches, was defenceless when the US referee allowed Opetaia to land a crushing fourth-round left hook to his chin — described by one reporter as possibly the most chilling KO of the year.Nyika lay on the canvas for five minutes as the medics worked feverishly to revive him.Thankfully he recovered and was able to walk unaided to his dressing room but it was a close-run thing.The governing bodies — WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO — must stop collecting sanction fees and appeasing promoters and TV companies by allowing elite fighters being fed totally inadequate opponents. It will only lead to disaster.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoxing is often referred to as show business with blood — and one of theatre’s worthy traditions is that the show must go on, come what may.A concept that should never be applied to the Noble Art. More

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    My champagne lunch date with Derek Chisora turned into a naked chat in scorching sauna as he was whipped with leaves

    “YOU know I do this s*** BUTT-NAKED, Wally.”That’s what Derek Chisora said to me as he peeled off his trunks and carefully arranged ALL of himself face-down on the massage table.SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr shared a sauna with Derek ChisoraCredit: The SunChisora braves an ice bath, which he uses to aid recovery in trainingCredit: The SunChisora is a regular at the the luxurious bathhouse BanyaCredit: The SunIt was not how I expected a champagne-and-oysters Frank Warren and Chisora media lunch to peak.But when the generous hall-of-fame promoter suffered a diary clash and had to cancel his presence at the event to promote Del Boy’s February 8 clash with Otto Wallin, things took a turn.The trademark meal Warren regularly and generously hosts at Milos’ stunning fish restaurant at No1 Regent Street was canned.But Queensberry’s quick-thinking PR team and 41-year-old Chisora’s manager arranged for a trip to Banya, the luxurious bathhouse and spa in Belgravia.READ MORE IN BOXINGZimbabwe-born millionaire Chisora is a regular at the health club, usually enjoying caviar and dumplings when he is not in training camp for a fight – but always avoiding their potent vodka now he is a teetotal athlete.His explanation for loving the exhilarating experience is simple: “This place is unbelievable, you jump from being in the scorching hot, to the freezing cold.“It keeps the heart attack away, it keeps so many problems away from your body and makes you feel great afterwards.“It keeps me young as well, it helps me keep up with all these young guys.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport jokes that he is doing well considering he is 48 and he sticks a giant middle finger up at my face and reminds us age is just a number.“When I come here after a hard session, I come here for an hour and, instead of feeling tired and beat up, I come back the next day totally normal.Derek Chisora unveils plan for shock career change once he’s retired from boxing but plans dream 50TH fight first “I am the guy who controls the heat levels in here. Nobody can beat my record.“I have four guys in there hitting me with the leaves and it gets so hot that everybody else runs out.“When you are fit your body can take more heat, so I know the more heat I can take, the better condition I am in.”Most of the reporters in attendance had never stripped off with the 18st powerhouse, followed him into a pitch-black sauna and been battered with prickly bouquets of birch, oak and eucalyptus leaves, known as veniks, in unbearable heats, while wearing unflattering hats.I have four guys in there hitting me with the leaves and it gets so hot that everybody else runs out.Derek ChisoraI don’t think I would have gone through with the challenge for any other British boxer but – outside of the financial and world title riches Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have brought us – I struggle to think of a fighter who has given more of himself to fight fans.Journalists and fans – even Warren – have been calling for Chisora to retire with his fortune and faculties intact – for almost a decade.Because we know he has suffered 14 punishing losses, done hundreds of thousands of hard sparring rounds and has two beautiful little girls at home who deserve a coherent daddy to grow up with.Chisora beat Joe Joyce in his last fightCredit: GettyHe has refused to retireCredit: PABut the fearless b*****d defies us time and time again with incredible performances and shock wins, most recently over the likes of David Price, Kubrat Pulev and Joe Joyce.The tone of the introduction gave no indication of how the afternoon would later turn.Once we sat down in a private room we were told there was water on the way and a basic round-table interview would take place.Then Del Boy strolled in and stunned us all, in a way that shouldn’t really surprise us anymore.Thanks to our mutual friend, the Daily Mail’s photographer Kevin Quigley, Chisora pointed across the room and congratulated me on a recent charity white collar bout I won for the Valencia Monroe Ward, at the Royal Brompton hospital.He went around the room and greeted everyone in his own very unique way, some got an unpublishable insult delivered with genuine affection and humour, one poor cameraman who had never met Chisora was suddenly having his long ginger hair praised.The complimentary mineral water order, placed before his arrival, was ramped up rapidly too, as Chisora demanded everyone be treated to traditional soup borscht, beef and chicken mince dumplings and an incredible caviar platter.Chisora and David Haye were involved in an infamous press conference brawlCredit: ReutersChisora infamously threw a table at Dillian WhyteCredit: ReutersChisora’s generosity does not only extend to promotional tours to flog his 49th fight.The bad-boy persona he played perfectly at the modest start of his career left a few fans thinking the mask had eaten into his face.The face-off spits and kisses, the table thrown at Dilllian Whyte, the backstage brawl with David Haye, all painted Chisora as a violent maniac.But when you are climbing your way up the amateur and small-hall circuit as an African unknown, while the likes of Fury and David Price are miles ahead of you on the circuit, you need to do something to catch the eye.Nobody as unhinged as Chisora has sometimes appeared to be could be as popular as he is.Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jr loathe each other, Fury and Joshua are in a vicious rivalry and Tony Bellew and Haye were as spiteful as sport can get.Guess who can break bread with all of those guys – as well as all of his former opponents – Del Boy.Derek Chisora’s last ten fights Joe Joyce, points win Gerald Washington, points win Tyson Fury, stoppage loss Kubrat Pulev, points win Joseph Parker, points loss Joseph Parker, points loss Oleksandr Usyk, points loss David Price, stoppage win Artur Szpilka, KO win Senad Gashi, points win Away from the cameras he regularly asks the boxing press pack how the family of much-missed colleague Ron Lewis is coping following his 2023 passing.That is another reason I jumped into the steaming underground unknown with the hulk nicknamed War, I feel like I owe him and every moment spent in his company – nude or otherwise – will be well spent.I also fear that, in ten or twenty years time, Chisora will start showing heartbreaking signs of CTE and dementia and the guilt I will feel at having benefited professionally from covering it all might be slightly softened by lighter memories of time spent together.Another reason Chisora loves the space run by Alex Lazarev, is his passionate hatred for GOLF.“Most men go to play golf,” he pointed out. “I hate golf.“I went to a charity match once and I went to hit my first ball and completely missed it.“I thought ‘f*** this s***’, gave them the kit back and tried to leave. I hate golf, I gave them some money for the charity and left.’He tells me to f*** off’“This is my golf and this is great.”Chisora has spread the gospel too, Oleksandr Usyk visits on his UK trips and Del Boy has grown the gang outside of the hurt business.Every Sunday he is joined in the pits of humidity hell by Lethal Bizzle – the steamed-up superstars call themselves the Skint Gang and challenge each other to hotter heats and colder plunges.Chisora and his pals taking over the private rooms of these palatial rooms – where far daintier Eastern Europeans and uber-rich locals quietly try to rejuvenate – has not scared anyone off.Banya director Lazarev explained to us: “Derek has been coming to The Bath House since we opened in late 2019.“I remember very well receiving a call and someone saying ‘Derek Chisora would like to visit your place’.“Derek likes the relaxed atmosphere and we hope he feels at home here. He is a part of the family now and we are good friends.When I come here after a hard session, I come here for an hour and, instead of feeling tired and beat up, I come back the next day totally normal.Derek Chisora “Banya is not a competitive exercise, but Derek can certainly absorb a lot of heat and is one of the top guys at The Bath House.”When he does our parenie treatment, he typically does four-hands hands parenie which is when two guys as opposed to just one are warming you through at the same time.“I think he values banya and parenie in particular for the recovery it offers.“It’s not about beating or whipping. Aromatic oak and birch leaves are used to move the steam around and warm your body and muscles through fully.“Sitting in the sauna is one thing, but parenie takes it to another level.”And, of course, Chisora takes it to another level when he whips off his last small layer of clothing and tells us to sit at the highest and hottest point while he gets his eight-handed horticultural hammering on his back.Chisora can break bread with boxing’s top stars like Anthony JoshuaCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunFury and Chisora fought three timesOleksandr Usyk also beat FuryCredit: GettyI took a risk and said: “You’ve been coming here for so long now, Del, I thought they would have cut a hole in the middle of that table for you by now.”He tells me to f*** off.There have been – and will be – millions of better British boxers than Derek Chisora.We have had – and are due – more choreographed and mainstream-appeal showmen in the sport.But I am not sure we have had too many better blokes.I hope his 50th fight later this year is his last.READ MORE SUN STORIESI hope little Angelina and Harare get to enjoy their dad as much as I have been lucky enough to, before the ravages of time and such a punishing career take their toll.And I hope he knows how grateful we are to have had him, his blood and brain cells and caviar and body, every last bit of it. 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    Claressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins: Start time, TV channel and undercard as pair meet with four titles up for grabs

    CLARESSA SHIELDS looks to add the vacant IBF and WBO belts to her collection as she fights Danielle Perkins.The two will put their unbeaten records on the line as they face off for four titles in Michigan.Claressa Shields beat Savannah Marshall in her last fightCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe defending champion Shields comes into the fight with a 15-0 record in boxing to date, having also tried her hand at MMA, winning three of her fights by KO.Perkins lacks the 15-fight experience of Shields but is still unbeaten heading into the fight.The 42-year-old currently holds a record of 5-0, winning two of her fights by KO.Claressa Shields is putting her WBC and WBF titles on the line against Perkins, while the pair will both be battling for the vacant WBO and IBF titles.Read more BoxingThe fight will main event a ten match card, and is the only title fight of the night, coming live from the Dort Financial Centre in Michigan.When is Claressa Sheilds vs Danielle Perkins?As the fight is in America, it will be an early start for viewers in the UKThe fight card will start on Monday, February 3, live at 12:30am GMT on Monday morning.Claressa Shields and Danielle Perkins are expected to make their ringwalks at approximately 3:50am GMTWhat TV channel is Claressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins on and can it be live streamed?Claressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins, as well as the whole undercard, is available to stream via DAZN.Viewers will have to purchase a DAZN subscription in order to watch the fight.You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £14.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.A flexible pass, worth £24.99-a-month (minimum three-month contract), is also available, and you can cancel at any time.You can also pay £119.99 for the year upfront, which is the lowest cost option.Full cardClaressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins in a heavyweight bout for the IBF, WBC, WBO and WBF titles.Joshua Pagan vs Ronal Ron in a light welterweight bout.Brandon Moore vs Skylar Lacy in a heavyweight bout.Leon Lawson III vs Chris Thompson in a super middleweight bout.Joseph Hicks Jr. vs Keon Papillion in a light middleweight bout.Caroline Veyre vs Carmen Vargas in a super featherweight bout.Samantha Worthington vs Vaida Masiokaite in a welterweight bout.Pryce Taylor vs Robert Simms in a heavyweight bout.Jaquan McElroy vs Nathan Mitchell in a super middleweight bout.Ashleyann Lozada vs Denise Moran in a featherweight bout.Most read in Boxing More