Boxing

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

CHRIS EUBANK JR is facing an investigation by the British Boxing Board of Control after his brutal victory over Conor Benn.Eubank Jr claimed the win after 12 stunning rounds of boxing with a unanimous 116-112 decision from judges at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Chris Eubank Jr is facing an investigation after his win over Conor BennCredit: ReutersPre-fight build-up was clouded by controversy after Next Gen failed to make the 160lbs weight limit at the official weigh-in by just 0.05lbs.The 35-year-old managed to achieve the weight but not before before having to forfeit £375,000 of his pay cheque for his original failure to comply with the agreed restrictions.Eubank Jr shared his radical weight cutting programme ahead of the fight, including a heat suit and sauna.However, BBBofC chief Robert Smith has suggested those weight cutting practices are prohibited.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd as a result of this apparent breach of regulations, an investigation could be launched.Smith told Boxing Scene: “The problem arose because he was late for the weigh-in. “If he’d have got there on time, considering he was only slightly over, he’d have made weight.”I don’t know what they were doing. Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”But by turning up late, it meant he had very little time to get down to the contracted weight.”Eubank Jr previously fought as high as super-middleweight but has entered the ring as a middleweight during recent bouts, while Benn moved up from welterweight for last Saturday’s clash.Conor Benn back in training just 48 hours after brutal fight with Chris Eubank Jr that put both boxers in hospitalSmith added: “We had no concerns. Eubank was on track to make 160lbs. “We keep records of previous fights, and the trajectory of Eubank’s weight loss was very similar to how it’s been in the past.”It is an ongoing matter.”SunSport has reached out to Eubank Jr’s team for comment.It is understood the BBCofC will request more information from Eubank’s camp in the coming weeks to help clarify the situation.A rematch clause was inserted into the fight deal, which Benn said he wants to trigger to get “revenge” when was asked about it after his defeat.Both stars were taken to hospital as a precaution following the event, and are even said to have been placed a few beds down from one another as they were treated.Eubank Jr was discharged from the hospital on Monday morning after undergoing medical checks.In a statement, he said: “Well it took nearly 3 years but we finally got the job done. “Big shout out to everyone that supported the fight on Saturday & made it the once in a lifetime event that it was… without the fans none of this is possible, thank you.”Benn, 28, replied by saying “Great News”, and a hand-clapping emoji.The Destroyer has already returned to training in the ring following the defeat.A rematch was touted for September by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh at the same venue.Read More on The SunHe said: “If they’re not injured and ready, we want the rematch in late September at Tottenham.”The British fans were amazing, and I thank them.”Round by brutal roundCHRIS EUBANK JR secured the family bragging rights in his second generation grudge match against Conor Benn.With three unanimous 116-112 verdicts, Eubank Jr prevailed in the family feud, with his dad making a return to his corner to watch it.It lived up to the all hype – EVERY round was bloody, tasty and violent, before the more-experienced Eubank stood strong to come back into it and snatch victory.Here, SunSport’s Jack Figg gives you the ultimate breakdown of a gripping clash between the sons of two British boxing legends.  More

TYSON FURY has dropped his biggest comeback hint yet after linking up with boxing coach SugarHill Steward.The pair were all smiles as they enjoyed a gym session together, four months after Fury’s second defeat to heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.Tyson Fury dropped an incredible comeback hint following his retirementThe Gypsy King linked up with trainer SugarHill Steward in the gymThe Gypsy King was unable to get the better of his Ukrainian opponent in Saudi Arabia, having already lost their initial bout last May.After suffering just the second defeat of his career in December, Fury bowed out once again from boxing.However, the 36-year-old may have one more fight left in him.That’s after appearing with his coach Steward for an impromptu gym session.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe duo looked to be in good spirits as they worked up a sweat.Fury said: “Just in the gym, I bump into somebody you might know.”Steward declared: “We’re back guys, you know what time it is.”Fury added: “You know what’s coming.”Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFans were left thrilled as they reacted to the reunion.One said: “More returns than the Undertaker at this point.”Tyson Fury training TWO TIMES a day as speculation ramps up over £300m comeback fight against Anthony JoshuaAnother declared: “He wants his title back.”One noted: “His retirement didn’t last five weeks.”Another added: “Chisora 4 going to be a banger.”Fury’s comeback hint comes after foe Usyk confirmed he wants a trilogy bout once he fights Daniel Dubois at Wembley in July.Usyk told The Mail: “Right now my focus is on Dubois and that is what I’m working towards.“But for my last fight I have two options. Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.“(My preference?) Tyson Fury.”Fury fell to a second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk – then announced his retirementCredit: Getty More

JOHNNY NELSON has lifted the lid on his role in Chris Eubank Sr attending his son’s huge fight with Conor Benn.Eubank Sr, 58, had been passionately against the blockbuster bout going ahead due to worries over Jr’s weight cut.Johnny Nelson has spoken about his conversations with Chris EubankEuband Sr was by his son’s side at Tottenham on SaturdayCredit: GettyThe former two-weight champion even called his son a “disgrace” last week – adding that his license should be revoked.Eubank Sr’s 1990s rival Nigel Benn joined his son Conor for the huge Tottenham Hotspur Stadium fight.And in a shock U-turn, Eubank Jr had his father by his side as he arrived at the venue – with the pair later embarking on a memorable ring walk together.Nelson, 58, had been speaking to his old pal Eubank Sr regularly in the build-up to the fight.READ MORE IN SPORTSpeaking to Sky Sports following Eubank Jr’s unanimous decision victory over Benn, Nelson revealed: “He said he was always coming in our conversation on the day, so he fooled me.”It was father to father. I messaged him the day before Chris was struggling to get down to the weight, as a father you panic and think ‘my God, what if the worst case scenario happened?'”I’d been speaking to Chris (Eubank Sr) over the past two or three months and he had said, ‘I am not going, this fight is not happening’ and he went through every reason why he would not go. He quoted scriptures of the Bible to me and everything.”So I said ‘whatever has gone on, you have got to forgive your son. You might not like what he is doing but he is your son. Do not regret this’.Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Our conversation on the phone must have gone on for an hour and a half, back and forth. I had got to the venue by then.”I said ‘Chris look, I’ve got to go, people are around.’Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in classy nods to their iconic dads during ringwalks for huge grudge fight”Regardless if that had anything to do with it or not, as a father it was important that he was there because god forbid the worst case scenario happened.”He would never, ever forgive himself and that is what I was trying to get across to him.”Hopefully it hit the mark or hopefully he was always coming.”But to me it was a father to father conversation that he had to understand and if that wasn’t going to prick his conscience, nothing would.”Speaking in the ring after the gruelling fight, Eubank Sr spoke of his delight at having his dad back onside.’HE NEEDED TO BE HERE’The victorious bruiser said: “The fact our fathers did it all those years ago brings out a different spirit in you and that’s what we showed here tonight.”I’m happy to have this man [Eubank Sr] back with me. He needed to be here. All this is because of what he did.Eubank Sr added: “He couldn’t move around the ring and so he had to stand toe to toe. That is legendary behaviour in the ring. Legendary.”Conor Benn is an extraordinary fighter. He’s gone pear-shaped somewhere, but an extraordinary fighter.Read More on The Sun”I thought he would blow out in four of five rounds he was going strong right the way through the fight.”I am so proud. That’s my son. I was always going to be here.” More

CONOR BENN reckons he beat Chris Eubank Jr by a round – but his dad revealed where the fight was truly lost. Benn was beaten via unanimous decision against his bitter rival at Tottenham’s £1billion stadium.Chris Eubank Jr beat Conor Benn on pointsCredit: ReutersThe welterweight – who suffered his first loss – was dignified in the post-fight press conference. But 48 hours later and Benn was already back training – believing he deserved to win. He said: “Yes, people. Attack the week, make the days count.”School’s never out. Working, learning and staying in shape. The same, really.READ MORE IN BOXING”I watched the fight back. I, personally, have me up [by] a point. I wouldn’t mind a, you know, one point either way.”Four points is a bit wide, in my opinion. But you keep it moving. I ain’t gonna cry over spilt milk. I’ve got to do better than I do.”And work harder, if that’s possible, and work as smart as I can. We gotta keep it moving. “We’re just getting started. Just getting started, baby. Come on, attack the week. Let’s go.”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 DEPOSITSBoth boxers were sent to hospital for precautionary checks.Eubank missed the press conference due to his hospital dash with Benn going in a day later. Conor Benn back in training just 48 hours after brutal fight with Chris Eubank Jr that put both boxers in hospitalBut Eubank was released on Monday and posted: “Well it took nearly 3 years but we finally got the job done. “Big shout out to everyone that supported the fight on Saturday & made it the once in a lifetime event that it was… without the fans none of this is possible, thank you.” Benn did attend the press conference and listened as his world champion dad Nigel claimed too much time spent on the ropes led to the loss. Nigel said: “I thought he did really well. “He learnt a lot from this and will come back stronger. He was working too much on the ropes, he should have been off the ropes.“We’re not taking anything away from Chris, it’s his night. We can handle defeat gracefully. We’ll go back to the drawing board.”Nigel Benn with his son ConorCredit: Getty More