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      I quit to save my LIFE, says distraught female Olympic boxer who lasted 46 seconds against rival who failed gender test

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      ANGELA CARINI’s feared for her life as she quit her controversial fight against Imane Khelif.The Italian fought her opponent, who previously failed a gender test, for just 46 seconds before throwing in the towel.Angela Carini was in tears as she revealed why she quitCredit: TwitterImane Khelif landed two powerful punches in the opening roundCredit: AFPCarini fell to her knees and cried as the result was confirmedCredit: APCarini, 25, was hit twice in the face in round one and after the first blow she walked over to her corner to seemingly have her chin strap adjusted.But after Khelif, 25, landed a second powerful blow, the fight was abruptly ended.Carini then refused to acknowledge and shake hands with the Algerian after the referee announced the winner of the 66kg welterweight bout.She then fell to her knees and began to cry.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSKhelif’s presence at the Olympics has been deemed controversial as she was disqualified from last year’s Women’s World Championships for failing to meet eligibility criteria.The International Olympic Committee said Khelif was disqualified in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.She is one of two athletes cleared to compete in Paris along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who was stripped of a bronze medal at the World Champs for failing a gender eligibility test.Opening up on her decision to quit, Carini said: “I couldn’t carry on. I have a big pain in my nose and I said, ‘Stop’. Most read in Boxing”It’s better to avoid keeping going. My nose started dripping from the first hit.”It could be the match of my life but, in that moment, I had to safeguard my life, too. I felt to do this, I didn’t have any fear, I don’t have any fear of the ring or to get hit.Paris 2024 Olympics locked in cheating storm as swimming coach slams world record as ‘not humanly possible'”I fought very often in the national team. I train with my brother. I’ve always fought against men, but I felt too much pain today.”“I am heartbroken. I have big pain in my nose and blood on my finger.”She added: “I’m used to suffering. I’ve never taken a punch like that, it’s impossible to continue. I’m nobody to say it’s illegal.”I got into the ring to fight. But I didn’t feel like it anymore after the first minute. I started to feel a strong pain in my nose.”I didn’t give up, but a punch hurt too much and so I said enough. I’m leaving with my head held high.”I am sorry not to have taken Italy onto the podium. I entered the ring and I told myself I have to take out all of myself independently from the person I had in front of me.”And honestly, I don’t care. I said to myself, ‘This is my Olympics’. Independently, from all controversy, I just wanted to carry on and win.'”I am not one that easily surrenders. Even if they told me, let’s not fight, I would not have accepted it.”I am a fighter. My father taught me to be a warrior. “When I am in the ring, I use that mindset, the mindset of a warrior, a winning mindset. This time I couldn’t make it.”You all saw my nose that started bleeding. I didn’t lose tonight, I just surrendered with maturity.”Carini bears no ill will towards Khelif, saying: “I wish her to carry on until the end and that she can be happy. Olympics gender controversyTHE International Olympic Committee (IOC) stirred up a huge controversy by clearing two women to box who had previously failed a gender test.Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified at the Women’s World Championships in New Delhi, India, in March 2023.Lin Yu-ting was stripped of a bronze medal after failing a gender eligibility test.Khelif was disqualified in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.Officials found tests showed they had ‘XY chromosomes’ — which indicates a person is biologically male.Rare ‘intersex’ medical conditions, medically known as differences in sexual development (DSDs), can also mean outwardly female individuals can have ‘male’ chromosomes, or vice versa.The Russia-led International Boxing Association organised that event but is no longer recognised by the IOC.IOC spokesman Mark Adams said: “These athletes have competed many times before for many years, they haven’t just suddenly arrived – they competed in Tokyo.”The federation needs to make the rules to make sure that there is fairness but at the same time there is the ability for everyone to take part that wants to. That is a difficult balance.”In the end the experts for each sport are the people who work in that. If there is a big advantage that clearly is not acceptable, but that needs to be a decision made at that level.”Both Khelif and Lin competed at the delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. Lin is a two-time winner at the Asian Women Amateur Boxing Championships.The IOC said all boxers in Paris “comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations”.The controversy follows the famous case of Caster Semenya.South African middle-distance runner Semenya has a condition which means her body naturally produces higher levels of testosterone than normal for women.She won gold in the 800m at London 2012 and Rio in 2016 but was unable to compete at Tokyo in 2021 after World Athletics brought in new rules independently of the IOC at the time.”I am someone who doesn’t judge anyone. I am not here to give judgements.”I simply entered the ring to fight and to fight for my dream. It didn’t happen. Evidently, God and my father wanted this and I accept it.”I am not in the position of saying this is right or wrong. I am not. “I did my job as a boxer, entering the ring and fighting. “I didn’t manage to, but I am exiting with my head held high and with a broken heart. I am a mature woman, the ring is my life. “I’ve always been very instinctive, but when I feel something is not going well, it’s not a surrender but having the maturity to stop.”After booking passage to the next round, Khelif said: “God willing, this was the first victory. “God is willing me to the golden one. Khelif later added added: “Difficult for a first fight.”Inshallah [if Allah wills it]) for the second fight. I am very prepared because it’s been eight years of preparation.”It’s my second Olympic Games after fifth place at Tokyo. ‘I need an Olympic medal here in Paris.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We will see who will win the second fight to know who will be the opponent.”We will be ready and we will do everything to bring back a medal for Algeria. One, two, three, viva Algeria.” More

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      Why Cuba’s Olympic boxers disguised themselves as GIRLS to flee and turn professional until 60-year rule was overturned

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      CUBA are the kings of amateur boxing – but for six decades they were BANNED from turning professional.It left some of their great champions of the past left to flee the country, often on speed boats and even disguising themselves to do so.Odlanier Solis Fonte in the 2004 OlympicsCredit: RexYuriorkis Gamboa won gold at the 2004 Athens GamesCredit: Bongarts – GettyTurning pro in Cuba was prohibited since 1962 because their late leader Fidel Castro regarded it as corrupt.So Cubans were convinced to box for country, not cash.So much so that heavyweight legend Felix Savon – a three-time Olympic gold medalist – turned down the chance to face Mike Tyson.Legendary but controversial promoter Don King offered Savon numerous multimillion-dollar offers to defect and fight superstar Tyson.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSBut his response? “Why would I box for a $1m when I can fight for 10 million Cuban people?”Despite Savon’s loyalty to the amateur code, not all of his countrymen were willing to do so.Many of Cuba’s 2004 Olympic standouts in Athens took the plunge to leave and chase their world title dreams in America.Odlanier Solis, Yuriorkis Gamboa and Yan Barthelemy all sold their medals won in Greece for as little as £1,000 to buy food for their families.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThen, while travelling to a team training camp in Venezuela in December 2006, they made a run for it and headed to Colombia.From there, they went to Germany and signed professional contracts while awaiting US visas.GB’s super-heavyweights It inspired Guillermo Rigondeaux and Erislandy Lara – both future world champs – to do the same until their efforts in 2007 were initially foiled.The pair disappeared while representing Cuba in the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro and were sent back home.According to The Independent, they were dressed up as women to slip through Brazilian security, but were sensationally captured in a BROTHEL.Both were then banned from ever representing Cuba again which only proved to encourage them to try to escape once more.And by 2009 they had each successfully defected to America, with Rigondeaux and Lara later going on to win world titles as pros.With five of their former Olympians tempted over to the paid ranks, Cuba suffered somewhat of a crisis at Beijing in 2008.Felix Savon famously turned down the chance to fight Mike TysonCredit: AP:Associated PressGuillermo Rigondeaux defected from Cuba and won a world titleCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionRigondeaux, left, and Erislandy Lara, right, got caught trying to defectFor the first time since 1988, they left the Games without a single gold medal in boxing.But it did not last long, because in London four years later they twice won gold and another two bronzes.Perhaps what was even more appreciated, no one from the team immediately turned over.However, by the time the next Olympics finished in Rio, Lenier Pero, Robeisy Ramirez and Joahnys Argilagos all defected.Cuban authorities then had a fight on their hands to convince their Tokyo 2020 stable to remain put after the Games were delayed amid the coronavirus pandemic.And they successfully did so and Cuba topped the medal charts with four golds and one bronze.Andy Cruz won gold in Tokyo in 2021Credit: AFPCruz is now an unbeaten proCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
      Julio Cesar La Cruz, Arlen Lopez, Roniel Iglesias and Andy Cruz took gold while Lazaro Alvarez left with bronze.Despite Cuba’s years of in-fighting to keep their top names from fleeing to turn pro – everything changed in 2022. Because Cuba finally ended their 60-year ban on pro boxing and gave the green light for fighters to turn over. And in turn, some boxers chose to divide their commitments to the amateur and pro codes following a separate controversial ruling. In 2016, boxers with pro records were welcomed back into the Olympic amateur scene. From Cuba’s last pack of medalists, only Cruz decided against it as he stands 3-0 and already touted for world titles. But 2-0 heavyweight La Cruz – who was eliminated in the last 16 in Paris – and 3-0 middleweight Lopez – through to the quarter-finals – returned to the amateurs. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is a sign Cubans are still committed to the amateur code despite the allure of prizefighting paycheques and world title honours away from home. Arlen Lopez is boxing in the Olympics despite having a pro recordCredit: EPA More

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      Tyson Fury warns Oleksandr Usyk ‘you’re on notice’ but fans love heavyweight champ’s cheeky response ahead of rematch

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk are back to trading verbals blows before they throw hands at each other again.The two went years feuding online before they finally shared the ring in a historic undisputed title decider in May. Tyson Fury sent out a warning to Oleksandr UsykFans loved Usyk’s cheeky response to FuryUsyk became the first to defeat Fury and also the first four-belt heavyweight champion in one night following 12 classic rounds.A rematch back in Saudi Arabia is scheduled for December 21 following a period of silence from both men. But that is now over. Fury, who has been unusually quiet on social media since his first loss, sent an ominous warning to Usyk following a training session. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said: “Just finished a lovely little run in the Bay with the lads. Working away, chipping away nicely. “December 21st, Usyk you’re on notice. Come on!” Usyk – who is in Paris to support Ukraine’s boxers in the 2024 Olympics – was quick to hit back in cheeky fashion. He said: “Hey, my friend Greedy Belly. Continuing training. I know you hard work, it’s good. I appreciate it. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Thank you so much, Greedy Belly, You my friend, you are my friend.” Usyk is a bonafide fans’ favourite for his genius in the ring and maverick personality outside the ropes. Oleksandr Usyk in shock career switch… as boxing champ reveals private DMs with Tyson Fury ahead of rematchAnd fans loved his hilarious response to Fury as one said: “How can you not love Usyk?”Another added: “Usyk is hilarious man.”One argued: “You can’t hate Usyk can you?”Another laughed: “Greedy belly just sounds so funny.”Usyk and Fury rematch on December 21Credit: Getty More

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      Olympics star, 26, grew up in England but can’t compete for Team GB and risks JAIL if she returns to home country

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      CINDY NGAMBA is the Olympian who grew up in England and trains with Team GB – but will not represent them.Ngamba left Cameroon for Britain aged 11 and has forged a successful path into boxing – reigning as a three-time English champion. Cindy Ngamba boxes for the Olympic Refugee teamCredit: PAAnd despite training and travelling with Team GB – she instead represents the Olympic Refugee team. She told iNews: “I feel I’m already part of Great Britain. “I train with them, travel with them, compete with them, I just don’t represent them.”Ngamba has lived in England for over half her life, where she also went to school and university while also having family in the UK. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt was ten years after uprooting with her brother and uncle to Britain – where her father lived – and eight attempts before she was granted papers to stay.She was arrested in 2019 as she signed on at an immigration centre. Ngamba, 26, said: “I was with my brother. We went there, to Manchester, every week but this time, we were arrested.”They were sent to separate detention camps in London and spent two days there before the Home Office were satisfied they had family in the UK.Most read in BoxingPrison would also be a threat if Ngamba was to return to Cameroon, where same-sex sexual activity is criminalised – she revealed she was gay to her family but STILL had to prove it to the Home Office.She said: “You can be killed, beaten up or put in prison. I can’t go back.”GB’s super-heavyweights Ngamba received her asylum papers in 2020 and was already on track for a successful career in boxing. She first started aged 14 in Bolton Lads and Girls Club which is part of the national OnSide network of youth zones but was the only female fighter. Ngamba said: “I was the only girl. Going there meant the world to me. “It gave me something to look forward to after school and kept me off the streets where I could have been dragged into something bad.”Ngamba’s Olympic dream got the green light when she won sponsorship from the Olympic Refugee Federation.She faces Tammara Thibeault of Canada in the first round of the middleweight bracket. Ngamba trained alongside Team GB athletes at the national institute in Sheffield ahead of the Games. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd there is already hope she will finally win citizenship to join GB for the next Olympics in LA in 2028. But Ngamba said: “I’m not really focused on my future at the moment, I’m focused on the present, on my medal, on winning.”What’s happening today at The Games?WHAT TO WATCH TODAY…TODAY’S BRIT MEDAL HOPESFreestyle BMX world and European champ Kieran Reilly will be aiming to add the Olympic title to his collection (12.40pm).Team GB’s men and women will both be in contention in the rowing quadruple sculls finals (11.25am).BRITS TO WATCHAndrea Spendolini-Sirieix – daughter of First Dates star Fred – and Lois Toulson go in the 10m synchro diving final (10am).In the hockey, Team GB’s women know a win against South Africa is vital after starting with defeats to Spain and Australia (9.30am).Commonwealth bronze medallist Jemima Yeats-Brown begins her -70kg judo campaign, two years on from losing her sister Jenny to brain cancer (9.20am).GLOBAL STARS TODAYThe all-star USA men’s basketball team, featuring LeBron James and Steph Curry, face Olympic debutants South Sudan (8pm).The 100m men’s freestyle final could be a classic with Tokyo champ Caeleb Dressel, new 200m gold medallist David Popovici plus Brits Duncan Scott and Matthew Richards all in contention (9.15pm).And Jessica Fox could win her second gold of Paris 2024 if she defends her C1 canoe slalom from three years ago (4.25pm).FANCY SOMETHING DIFFERENT?The beach volleyball is always spectacular viewing at any Olympics but this year even more so – because it is being played at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.There are matches all throughout the day from 8am to 9pm.Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.Ngamba could still represent Team GB in 2028Credit: Getty More

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      From reality TV to the ‘heir to the Klitschko throne’ how GB’s heavyweights fared after Delicious Orie’s Olympic exit

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      TEAM GB’S medal-laden super-heavyweight success came to a controversial end following Delicious Orie’s Olympic exit. Orie was bidding to become GB’s sixth super-heavy medalist in seven Games but he lost a disputed decision to Davit Chaloyan of Armenia. Delicious Orie was knocked out of the 2024 Paris OlympicsCredit: ReutersIt means for the first time in a decade, Team GB go without a super-heavyweight medal – with Orie now touted to turn professional.But it has yielded differing success from boxing superstardom to reality TV shows and failure to live up to heavy billing. Audley Harrison, Sydney 2000 Harrison became GB’s first super-heavyweight gold medallist in Australia and came home a hero. Promoters queued up for his pro signature and soon he signed a £1million deal with the BBC to show his first ten bouts. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd he got off to an excellent start with 19 straight wins in five years – until he faced Danny Williams for the Commonwealth title. Williams – who had stunned and out-of-shape Mike Tyson the year prior – won the fight by split-decision. Harrison was then beaten in his very next bout by Dominick Guinn to leave his career in crisis. Audley Harrison won Olympic gold in 2000Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdIn the years following, his world title aspirations went up in smoke with inconsistent form. Most read in BoxingHe then fought David Haye in a 2010 domestic grudge bout but lost in three rounds – landing just TWO punches.A year after the infamous defeat, Harrison featured on Strictly Come Dancing – getting KOd in round seven. Harrison’s boxing career came to a sad end in 2013 losing to future heavyweight champ and star Deontay Wilder. A year later, he starred on Celebrity Big Brother alongside boxing promoter Kellie Maloney – formerly Frank. Harrison in 2016 featured on Celebrity MasterChef and now spends his time as an occasional boxing pundit and pro poker player. David Haye KOd Audley Harrison in 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHarrison went in Celebrity Big Brother in 2014Credit: GettyDavid Price, 2008 Beijing Liverpool’s 6ft 8in giant pipped a young Tyson Fury after becoming one of the only to beat the Gypsy King in the boxing ring. Price won bronze in China and turned pro with huge expectation – not helped much by future champ Tony Bellew’s prediction. Bellew told iFL TV in 2012: “David Price is the heir to the Klitschko throne.” Price, Fury and Wilder were all touted as the ones to succeed Wladimir and Vitali Klitshcko but only two of them made it. David Price won 2008 in BeijingCredit: PA:Press AssociationBecause while Fury defeated Wladimir in 2015 the same year Wilder also won the WBC belt, Price laboured behind. He was knocked out twice by Tony Thompson in 2013 – despite the American testing positive for a banned substance. Price in 2017 chased a mega-fight with Joshua and revealed he dropped a young AJ in sparring. Joshua admitted the story was true but the bout never materialised with Price further being knocked out by Christian Hammer and Alexander Povetkin. His career came to a crashing end in 2019 following defeat to Derek Chisora – with Price spending his retirement supporting his beloved Reds. Price was KOd by Alexander PovetkinCredit: ReutersAnthony Joshua, 2012 London Joshua came second in the World Championships in 2011 but ran into trouble with the law the same year. He avoided jail for drugs offences and turned his life around to qualify for the London Games – where AJ’s road to stardom began.Joshua took the gold on home soil and was quickly signed up by Eddie Hearn – at the time and up-and-coming promoter. Within four years he was heavyweight champion and one of the biggest stars in Britain. Anthony Joshua won gold at the 2012 London OlympicsCredit: PAJoshua has reigned twice as unified world champion and returns for his third crack on September 21 against Daniel Dubois. His career as a prizefighter has seen him earn over £200MILLION. Away from the ring, Joshua has sponsorship deals with Under Armour, Hugo Boss and Lucozade. And up until 2022, he was still training at Team GB’s Sheffield training HQ. Joe Joyce, 2016 Rio Joyce only began boxing at 22 after growing up as a talented track and field athletics talent. But he took to the sport well and used his huge 6ft 6in frame to win national titles and a place in the 2016 Olympic squad. And Joyce looked on the way to emulating AJ before he lost a controversial decision to France’s Tony Yoka in the final. The loss was among a series of bouts being investigated amid allegations of corrupt scoring.Joe Joyce won Olympic silver in 2016Credit: Getty Images – GettyStill, Joyce turned pro in 2017 aged 31 and raced through the ranks with a succession of big wins including against Dubois and Joseph Parker. But his career was left hanging in the balance following consecutive stoppage losses to China’s 20st giant Zhilei Zhang. Joyce did return with a laboured victory over Kash Ali before again losing to British veteran Derek Chisora. Despite the run of three defeats in four, Joyce hinted he will continue after talking down retirement. Frazer Clarke, 2021 Tokyo Clarke might have thought his Olympic dream would never come true. He first became a GB boxer in 2009 but was overlooked for Joshua in 2012 and then lost out to Joyce four years after that. Clarke – who worked security for Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing fights – eventually got called up for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. But again disaster struck as the coronavirus pandemic KOd the Games and potentially Clarke’s hopes. Frazer Clarke took bronze in 2021 in TokyoCredit: GettyClarke stuck with it and eventually made it to Japan and walked away with silver before turning pro in 2022 aged 30. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is currently unbeaten in nine bouts and featured in one of the fights of the year in 2024. Clarke shared 12 gruelling and thrilling rounds with Fabio Wardley in March – fuelling demand for an anticipated rematch. Fabio Wardley and Clarke drew in a British classicCredit: Reuters More

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      Inside Team GB’s boxing failure in Paris with fighters controversially beaten before iconic sport VANISHES from Olympics

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      TEAM GB’s boxing team have been knocked off the podium in dramatic fashion.By Monday night, FOUR of our six fighters were already out.Team GB used to be at the top of the world boxing podiumCredit: PABut four of the nation’s six boxing hopefuls at Paris 2024 – including Delicious Orie – are already outCredit: GETTYRob McCracken’s tenure as performance director is under serious threatCredit: GETTYAnd if Lewis Richardson and Chantelle Reid cannot halt the downward trend, the value of the £12million injected into boxing for the Paris Olympic cycle will be seriously questioned.Three of the British defeats were split decisions — with the verdicts against Delicious Orie and Rosie Eccles controversial to say the least.Mike Tyson was world champion in 1996 the last time Britain left without an Olympic boxing medal.Golden duo Galal Yafai and ­Lauren Price led the way last time as GB claimed six medals in Tokyo.READ MORE OLYMPICS NEWSNicola Adams won gold in Rio with Joe Joyce denied a title by scandalous judging that later cost the IBA its job of running boxing for the IOC.There was a golden hat-trick at London 2012 through Adams, Luke Campbell and Anthony Joshua.But the path paved by amateur pioneers like Audley Harrison, Amir Khan and James DeGale has crumbled.It seems unlikely performance director Rob McCracken will remain at the helm.Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it is not British boxing that is desperate for reform — it is the entire amateur code of the sport.Boxing could be binned for 2028 in Los Angeles if a replacement body cannot be found to run the event.GB’s super-heavyweights The IBA was stripped of recognition by the IOC in 2023.That came after professor Richard McLaren reported “significant” and “rampant” manipulation of results among 77 Rio bouts the IBA oversaw.Umar Kremlev, a Russian pal of Vladimir Putin, was elected president in 2022 and promised a revolution.But a sponsorship deal with Gazprom and throwing cash around the unpaid ranks has raised alarm bells.Any talented boxer who watched the robbery Joyce suffered in 2016 or the suspiciously harsh decisions in Paris could be forgiven for ditching their own Olympic dream.Because even if Orie had got the nod over Davit Chaloyan, he looked nailed on to lose to Uzbekistan’s ­Bakhodir Jalolov — a pro with an unbeaten 14-fight record who is still allowed to clean up at amateur events.It is no surprise that British heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma, 19, and super-lightweight Adam Azim, 22, ditched the vest and headguard to make a living out of the sport.Undefeated heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma opted against pursuing Olympic goldCredit: RexAs did super-lightweight prospect Adam AzimCredit: PAAnd yet the amateur code — and the Olympics specifically — is supposed to be the sport’s pinnacle.Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasyl Lomachenko will all tell you their gold medals mean more than every belt and pound note banked since.Britain’s lack of success this week seems to say more about the state of the sport than the form of our crop.Far more worrying than a disappointing medal haul is the feeling younger stars may be better off out of amateur boxing.READ MORE SUN STORIESEspecially our women since the IOC allowed two athletes with male DNA to fight in Paris.Boxing’s toughest opponent right now is itself. More

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      How Olympics defeat sparked Floyd Mayweather’s unbeaten pro legacy while rival’s career went wildly different direction

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER’S last-ever defeat sparked an unbeaten professional legacy – while victory left his opponent doomed. Mayweather was just 19 when he made it into the 1996 Olympic semi-finals in Atlanta against little-known Bulgarian Serafim Todorov. Floyd Mayweather famously missed out on gold at the 1996 OlympicsCredit: AP:Associated PressMayweather was left in tearsCredit: NBCThe American legend retired at 50-0Credit: ReutersAnd he looked to be on his way to the final after the referee Hamad Hafaz Shouman raised his hand following three convincing rounds. Except confusion ensued around the arena when it was in fact Todorov’s name announced as the winner – to the shock of all. Mayweather was so devastated and full of emotion that he could barely get his words out in the aftermath. Fighting back tears, he told NBC: “I feel I won that fight.” READ MORE IN BOXINGMayweather then let out a cry and walked away from the interview as he was too heartbroken to speak. That pain followed the American legend throughout his career and it ultimately proved inspirational to his unmatched 50-0 pro record. Mayweather, now 47, told ex-NFL star Shannon Sharpe: “Am I happy with my amateur career? Absolutely. “Am I happy with the bronze medal and not winning gold? Absolutely. The referee raised my hand because he thought I won. Most read in BoxingEven the referee thought Mayweather wonCredit: YouTube Todorov was left in equal shockCredit: YouTube CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But I am glad that the fight went how it went because it made me work that much harder as a professional – not to feel that same pain again. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me.” Mayweather made his pro debut just months on from Olympic heartache while Todorov rejected lucrative deals to stay amateur. Floyd Mayweather cried on camera after 1996 Olympic final defeat Todorov – who took silver after losing the 1996 Olympic featherweight final – was locked in a dispute with the Bulgarian Boxing Federation. He even tried to switch alliances to represent Turkey in the 1997 World Championships – a year after his controversial win over Mayweather. The move was barred and Todorov refused to represent Bulgaria again – finishing his amateur boxing career in 2003. In the years since, Mayweather became boxing’s richest prizefighter of all time, topping Forbes’ rich list of the decade in 2019 with over £700MILLION made. Todorov meanwhile barely had enough to get by.He was living in a house in Peshtera, located in the southern area of Bulgaria, but he was forced to sell it to after falling on hard times.In 2015, New York Times tracked the former Olympian down and revealed he and his wife were working in sausage factories and supermarkets. And Todorov – who also turned down approaches from the Bulgarian underworld – was left to rely on £370 benefits. Serafim Todorov took a different path to MayweatherCredit: ReutersMayweather is the richest prizefighter of all timeCredit: InstagramHe is known for his extravagant lifestyleCredit: Instagram @liramsustielHe said: “I live on just a handout from the state, the money I get from the government is not enough, my family have no jobs. “It’s hard here because it is a small town and there is very little work. “I did have a bigger house in my home town, Peshtera, 20km from where I live now but I had to sell because I had no money to get by.”Mayweather caught wind of Todorov’s sad circumstances and said: “I wish him nothing but the best.”I don’t know why he didn’t become a boxing trainer because at the time when we fought, he was already a lot older than I was.”I was fighting at the elite stage at 16. I wanted to turn pro at 14, but it never happened. Five years later, I turned pro at 19. Within a year, I was a champion.”As Mayweather used the setback to greater good, Todorov took the opposite approach of self-pity. He said: “After I lost we had to stay in Atlanta for two more days to wait for our plane. I am glad that the fight went how it went because it made me work that much harder as a professional – not to feel that same pain again. Floyd Mayweather on his Olympic loss “I drowned my sorrows in alcohol and when I came back to Bulgaria, I wanted to quit boxing.”Mayweather – who has never once touched alcohol – was famed for his exhausting training sessions – and has Todorov to thank for it.He told Showtime in 2015: “I’m happy with how the result went. “I’m really happy because that made me strive and work hard to get to where I’m at today.”Mayweather officially hung up his gloves in 2017 after beating ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor, 36, in a lucrative crossover clash. But even in retirement, the money continues to come in with Mayweather still boxing in exhibition bouts.His next is a rematch against the grandson of notorious New York crime boss John Gotti on August 24 in Mexico. Gotti III was disqualified last year before a brawl in the ring.READ MORE SUN STORIESTodorov on the other hand has kept a low profile although a movie about his life was said to be in the works. So it may not be the last we hear of the man who gave Mayweather his last loss.Mayweather is still boxing in exhibitions and rematches John Gotti III on August 24Credit: Rex More

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      Giant 22st heavyweight legend calls out Jake Paul for £1.5million winner-takes-all fight ahead of Mike Tyson showdown

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      JAKE PAUL has been called out to a £1.5million winner-takes-all fight by boxing legend Butterbean. Butterbean – real name Eric Esch – became a fans’ favourite during the 1990s for his run of knockouts. Butterbean called out Jake Paul to a £1.5m fightCredit: GettyButterbean – real name Eric Esch – lost a stunning amount of weightCredit: https://www.instagram.com/butterbeanboxer/Now he wants to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake PaulCredit: RexDuring the height of his career he weighed as much as 36 STONE and only ever went past the fourth round once – against the great Larry Holmes. His last boxing bout was in 2013 but Butterbean has teased a comeback in recent years having lost a stunning 14 STONE. And YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul is his target opponent as he laid down his latest challenge. Butterbean, 57, said on TikTok: “Hey Jake Paul, would you fight me for $2m [£1.5m]? Winner takes all.”READ MORE IN BOXINGThe American had over 100 fights across boxing, kickboxing and MMA while even having a run in pro wrestling. Butterbean lost the huge amount of weight after starring in a TV show alongside former wrestler Diamond Dallas Page. He had 91 boxing bouts – over EIGHT TIMES the amount of 10-1 Paul. The social media sensation’s only loss came in 2023 against Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy, 25, in Saudi Arabia. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPaul, 27, has won four since most recently stopping ex-UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 32, in six rounds. Perry had filled in for Mike Tyson after the heavyweight legend, 58, pulled out amid a health precaution. But Tyson’s controversial clash with Paul is now rescheduled for November 15 in Texas. Jake Paul is going to Paris Olympics after bursting onto boxing scene with just one defeat on pro record More