Boxing

OLEKSANDR USYK says he has to keep boxing so he won’t end up like the Brazlian Ronaldo.Ukraine’s WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight king is 38 now and will take on 27-year-old IBF ace Daniel Dubois again on July 19 at Wembley Stadium.Oleksandr Usyk has revealed he will never stop boxingCredit: GettyUsyk faces Daniel Dubois at Wembley on July 19Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunUsyk says he does not want to put on weight after retiring like RonaldoCredit: APThe London 2012 golden boy is showing signs of silver in the haircut around his genius mind and is being pestered with retirement questions.But the undisputed cruiser and heavyweight icon – who only started boxing at 15 – is a football fan who has seen 48-year-old Brazil legend Ronaldo pile on the pounds after retiring from professional sport.Usyk, who is a Manchester United fan and has a professional footie substitute appearance for FC Polissya Zhytomyr on his CV, said: “Even when my career ends, I will always stay in boxing and training.“I need to keep my organs fit and strong. For 23 years now I have been working on boxing alone, no more football or judo or anything.READ MORE IN BOXING“For example; Ronaldo was a great player – not Cristiano, the old Brazil one – but when he retired he got so big.“He was so fast and good at dribbling and skinny but when he stopped football and sport he became a very big man.“He stopped training and he lost his conditioning. I don’t want that, I want to live long and build up the Ukrainian boxing schools and teams.”After Usyk dethroned Tyson Fury for a second time in May, he vowed to take time away from the sport to make up with his family.Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe two-fight Gypsy King rivalry cost him birthdays and anniversaries and even the 2024 birth of his daughter Maria.But, just a fortnight into his hard-earned holiday, he was even pestering his devoted wife for sparring sessions on the family staircase.Security race to intervene as Daniel Dubois viciously shoves Oleksandr Usyk during first face-off at WembleyHe explained: “After Fury I only took two weeks off.“I went back to Spain with my team and my guys and I was running and riding bikes and swimming but it’s not good enough.“I was training hard, fitness training, regular hard training and shadow boxing.“But I called my wife and told her: ‘Hey, I think I might want to go back to the boxing gym’. She said: ‘I know’.“And then I was back home training every day, Sunday was my only day off for church to pray.”After two weeks I could not rest, it was impossible.“I was upstairs in my house and, every time I walked past a mirror, I was in my boxing stance and shadow boxing, bang, bang, bang, and move position.“Sometimes my wife would walk by and I would tell her: ‘Punch me, punch me!“But she would just kiss me to keep me quiet and stop.”He was so fast and good at dribbling and skinny but when he stopped football and sport he became a very big man.Usyk on RamosUsyk jabbed Dubois into submission in August 2023 in Poland and then went on to bamboozle Fury in sensational and mercurial style.So Dynamite Dan is not going to waste his time on trying to outfox the silver fox, who he rates as more of a dullard than a mental dominatrix.“I think he’s a boring guy,” the Brit ace said. “He should just be at home doing his mind s***. It’s all psychological.“When they feel the real pain and heat they can break through that.“I don’t think he can handle the pain and the heat I’m going to bring.Read More on The Sun“I’m going to step up and win. Points, knockout, anything.”Watch the full episode of The Sun’s Split Decision, where we dissect the enormous Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn fight. More

TYSON FURY says that he will fight Oleksandr Usyk again “any time, any place”.The Gypsy King announced his retirement from professional boxing in January following his second defeat to the Ukrainian.Tyson Fury lost his Oleksandr Usyk rematch in December 2024Credit: GettyFury, 36, retired from boxing in JanuaryCredit: ReutersUsyk, 38, will rematch Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on July 19.The heavyweight champion has claimed that he will fight once more following his dust-up with Dubois.Asked who his final fight could be against while speaking to The Stomping Ground, Usyk brought up the Gypsy King.Usyk said: “Maybe it’s Tyson Fury. Maybe it’s Anthony Joshua.”READ MORE IN BOXINGPressed on Fury hanging up his gloves, Usyk added: “He’s not retired. I think Tyson will continue training, continue boxing, because he’s a great man.”Yes, Tyson Fury… a lot of speak – blah blah blah blah – but it’s good. Great man, wow.”The interview did not escape the attention of the Gypsy King.Commenting on The Stomping Ground’s Instagram post, Fury wrote: “Beat the f***er 2 times the world knows the truth.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUsyk, 38, mentioned Fury in an interview”Any time, any place. sucher (sic) UK next time 100k people.”Fury sparked speculation that he is set to perform a retirement U-turn by linking up with trainer SugarHill Steward on Monday. Tyson Fury links up with his boxing coach in biggest hint Gypsy King is making comebackThe pair looked to be in good spirits as they worked up a sweat during a gym session.Fury said: “Just in the gym, I bump into somebody you might know.”While Steward declared: “We’re back guys, you know what time it is.”Fury then teased: “You know what’s coming.”Usyk faced off with Dubois on the Wembley pitch on Monday.The Brit, who controversially lost to Usyk in August 2023, shoved his opponent – leading to security stepping in.Watch the full episode of The Sun’s Split Decision, where we dissect the enormous Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn fightThe Gypsy King posted footage from a gym session on MondayCredit: INSTAGRAM / @tysonfuryFury trained alongside SugarHill StewardCredit: INSTAGRAM / @tysonfury More

JARRELL MILLER has pulled out of his world title heavyweight clash with Fabio Wardley.The 36-year-old was due to fight Brit Wardley for the interim WBA title on June 7 at Portman Road.Jarrell Miller has pulled out of the bout with Fabio WardleyCredit: GettyHowever, he will no longer be able to participate.It is understood the card has not been cancelled.Instead, a different fighter will be called in to replace Miller and take on Wardley.The event will take place at Portman Road – home of Wardley’s boyhood club, Ipswich Town.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt will be the first boxing event held at the stadium.And music superstar Ed Sheeran, also a fan of the Tractor Boys, has already been lined up to perform at the event.Discussing Miller when the bout was announced, the 30-year-old said: “He’s a top 10 contender, he’s challenged with the big boys before, and I’m in that world title race and I want to prove myself against one of those top-level guys.”I think he’s a perfect fit for that because he brings energy and he brings the fight in simple terms.Most read in Boxing”You know what you’re going to get from him. You’re going to get the entertainment factor and that’s something that I bring and he brings. The clash of us together is going to be chaotic.”Miller has become a controversial figure in boxing due to his previous use of drugs. Tyson Fury links up with his boxing coach in biggest hint Gypsy King is making comebackPrior to his proposed fight against Anthony Joshua in 2019 he failed a doping test for banned ‘muscle growth’ substance GW1516 and was denied a license to box.He then failed a second drugs test the following year and was expelled by the WBC.Miller last fought Andy Ruiz Jr in August 2024 and the bout ended in a majority draw. More

MIKE TYSON confirmed his return to boxing five months after his defeat to Jake Paul.But Iron Mike will not be stepping into the ring this time. Mike Tyson will return to boxing this week – but not inside the ringCredit: GettyTyson, 58, made a controversial comeback in November when he lost to Paul for their underwhelming Netflix fight. The former heavyweight world champion landed just 18 punches in the drab eight-round farce.Worryingly, he admitted he could not remember the majority of the fight and even “blanked out” for parts. So boxing fans will be relieved to see Tyson’s next public appearance will be outside the ring – not inside it. READ MORE ON BOXINGThat is because Tyson will be at Times Square on Friday as a guest analyst.He is set to provide expertise for a card that includes both Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney. Garcia takes on Rolly Romero while Haney will fight former unified WBC and WBO super lightweight champion Jose Ramirez.Teofimo Lopez puts his WBO super lightweight belt on the line against Arnold Barboza Jr.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd exciting Japanese talent Reito Tsutsumi makes his pro debut against Levale Whittington.Tyson said of his new role: “Can’t wait! I’ll be there in Times Square as guest analyst.”Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when revealing heavyweight who would have beaten him The Baddest Man On The Planet, though, has no intention of stepping back into the ring for a boxing fight.He told Men’s Health earlier in April: “The only person I’m fighting now is my accountant.”Other than that, I’m just living life and I’m doing good right now.”Tyson is also the new CEO of Carma HoldCo, the parent business to his cannabis brand Tyson 2.0. More

CHRIS EUBANK JR’S emotional reconciliation with his dad on the night of his life resonated with both Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez. Eubank Jr was preparing to head into the biggest bout of his career against Conor Benn without the man who inspired the second generation fight.Chris Eubank Jr reunited with his dad before beating Conor BennCredit: GettyThe father and son duo celebrate the historic victoryCredit: ReutersDevin Haney with his dad and coach BillCredit: Getty Images – GettyTeofimo Lopez with his dad Teofimo SrCredit: APAmid a public falling out, Eubank Sr blasted his son’s decision to stay at middleweight to fight welterweight Benn.But, three decades on from his victory and draw against Benn’s dad Nigel, Eubank Sr sent the boxing world into a frenzy by returning to his son’s side.The 67,000 fans inside Tottenham’s £1billion stadium went wild and left a huge grin on Haney’s face as he watched in awe from across the pond.Haney, 26, told SunSport: “Oh man, I love to see both of them.READ MORE IN BOXING”I love to see that moment. It was great for boxing, it was great for the fans, it was just great overall seeing both with their dads.”Even one losing, and his dad embracing him and one winning and his dad embracing him it was just beautiful to see.”I was smiling ear to ear, just watching the whole thing.”Haney has always been coached and guided by his dad Bill – with the pair inseparable. Most read in BoxingEubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSimilarly, Lopez is also trained by his dad Teofimo Sr, and he felt Nigel and Eubank Sr’s presence in their sons’ corners more than most. Lopez, 27, told us: “It was good to see Nigel Benn, not only Nigel Benn, but it was good to see Chris Eubank and his father for sure, man. Ryan Garcia ready to fight Conor Benn and settle feud after rival’s ‘war’ with Chris Eubank Jr”It was very good. I was happy to see that. I think we all were as a boxing community happy to see them together and yeah nevertheless I think that it was great.”Eubank walked away with a unanimous decision win and most importantly family bragging rights after a gruelling slugfest. Lopez added: “The fight was amazing. “Turned out more than what everyone expected it to be – a full blast of entertainment. These guys didn’t stop throwing punches.”I look forward to the rematch, definitely well earned and deserved and I had my prediction correct and I had my odds right, I said before the fight that I had Eubank winning. I was right.”Lopez himself has had public spats with his dad like Eubank Jr – causing a strain on their relationship away from boxing at times.And he admitted: “It’s definitely not easy if you’re gonna be separated from your loved one or from your father who’s always been in your corner.It was just beautiful to see. I was smiling ear to ear, just watching the whole thing.Devin Haney on Chris Eubank Jr reuniting with his dad “Thankfully I haven’t been in that position, to see Chris Eubank go and still push forward and keep moving forward despite his father being in his corner until then, I mean kudos to him as well.”Well earned and I was happy for him for him getting the decision.”Haney is using Eubank’s resilience in and out the ring as inspiration for his return fight on Friday night against Jose Ramirez.He said: “It was more motivation for me even going into this fight, because this is a big moment for us. “The whole world is gonna be watching, seeing what Devin Haney shows up. So yeah, it was just motivation.”The former undisputed lightweight champion was dropped three times in defeat to Ryan Garcia, 26, in April 2024.But the result was later overturned due to Garcia testing positive for ostarine – which helps improve muscle gain – in tests taken on the day of and 24 hours following the fight. Haney subsequently had his unbeaten record restored – but the beatdown against Garcia still lives long in the memory for fans.He took a year off – with his baby daughter arriving into the world in January – and a rematch with Garcia is planned for this year.But Haney has to first beat Ramirez, 32, while Garcia faces Rolando Romero, 29, on the same night in Times Square. Haney said: “Right now it’s not time for me to speak on that. Right now my main focus is Jose Ramirez and focusing on Jose.”We’ll get to that Ryan fight after this one, but right now I put all my attention, all my focus on Jose Ramirez because he’s a live dog. “He’s coming to fight. That’s my main focus right now.”Read More on The SunLopez also features on the historic three-fight card outside the iconic New York tourist spot.He defends his WBO super-lightweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr, 33, and said: “I’m happy, looking forward to a great show.”Devin Haney and Jose Ramirez ahead of their fightCredit: GettyTeofimo Lopez faces Arnold Barboza on the same nightCredit: Getty More

RYAN GARCIA is ready to settle his feud with Conor Benn in the ring. Benn is coming off a devastating defeat to Chris Eubank Jr in their second generation grudge match at middleweight.Ryan Garcia is ready to fight Conor BennCredit: GettyChris Eubank Jr beat Benn in a thrillerCredit: GettyBut a few months before that, he clashed with Garcia during a glitzy red carpet Ring Magazine event in London.Garcia has not forgotten or forgiven the run-in – and fancies a crack at Benn himself if a rematch with Eubank does not materialise.He told SunSport: “I wouldn’t mind fighting Conor Benn, that would be a lovely fight for me. Obviously he had a war with Chris Eubank. “I don’t know if they’re gonna do a rematch but if that makes sense to my team and everybody else, let’s run it. We can do it.”READ MORE IN BOXINGEubank, 35, beat Benn, 28, three decades on from their dads’ famous two-fight series. And both Eubank Sr – who won the 1990 thriller before drawing three years later – and Benn’s father Nigel were in attendance at Tottenham.That is despite Eubank Sr threatening to boycott the bout amid fears over his son sweating down to 160lb and Benn jumping up from welterweight.The 67,000 fans in Spurs’ £1billion stadium erupted when Eubank Sr arrived by his boy’s side – helping inspire the heroic victory.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Garcia, whose dad Henry helps corner him, said: “It’s awesome, it really shows that connection between father and son, especially as a boxing duo.”It really has a special energy towards it, especially in boxing. Nowhere else is that like that because you’re watching your son get in the ring and fighting, it’s crazy.SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on Chris Eubank Jr’s win over Conor Benn”So it was heartwarming to see both of their dads in their corners and making sure that they’re supporting their sons.”I think that there’s no better feeling in life having your family there with you as you enter that ring.”So it was definitely a beautiful moment to see both of the fathers in their corner.”Benn was first due to fight Eubank in 2022 but he was pulled out with just days to go after failing two drugs test.He tested positive for clomiphene – a banned substance known to boost testosterone. But Benn refused to accept a ban and fought his innocence while taking his career Stateside for two wins at the super-welterweight limit.And eventually, UK Anti-Doping dropped the case against him – allowing him to return to fight in Britain. Garcia, 26, initially beat Devin Haney, also 26, in April 2024 dropping his rival three times inside Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.I know I didn’t cheat. I’ll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn’t take it.Ryan Garcia on his failed drug testBut the win was revoked after Garcia tested positive for ostarine – banned for helping aid muscle growth.Garcia protested his innocence – like Benn – but opted to accept a one-year ban – unlike his adversary from London. And Garcia explained: “Well, I mean, what did he get out of that? People still think he cheated, so at the end of the day, I know I didn’t cheat.”I’ll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn’t take it.”I know my team, we know we didn’t take anything, so honestly it doesn’t really matter to me at the end of the day.”People are gonna believe whatever they want to believe, they’re gonna believe I’m innocent, the large majority believes that, so who cares?”Benn never released the evidence or reason his case against him was dropped – opting to keep it confidential. Garcia meanwhile never explained why the ostarine was found in his system in tests taken on the day of and 24 hours before the bout.’I feel good both, mentally and physically’He did however pass VADA tests throughout the lead up to the fight. And Garcia said: “What we did find out is that it was at the lowest amount you could possibly find, trace amount.”So again, it’s proven that there was such low dosage in my system that has no effect on my body, so that’s just the truth. It is what it is.”Garcia – whose team blamed contaminated supplements for his failed test – suffered a mental health breakdown after his fight with Haney. He was even arrested last June and charged with one misdemeanour count of vandalism after causing £11,000 worth of damage in an LA hotel room.But thankfully, Garcia turned it around and has got back on track both mentally and physically.The boxer now returns against former sparring partner Rolando Romero, 29, on Friday night in a historic event staged outside in Times Square.Garcia said: “I’m feeling good. I mean, I’m just ready to go.”I may have been acting crazy last time around but I was still feeling good pretty physically. Read More on The Sun”But for me this time around I feel good both, mentally and physically. I’ve done this before.”I’ve fought many fights in my life and I’m ready, I’m in shape, ready to go 12 rounds and ready to do my job.”Garcia returns in New York against Rolando RomeroCredit: Getty More