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    Anthony Joshua’s incredible body transformation revealed in pictures as he gears up for Francis Ngannou fight

    ALL EYES will be on Anthony Joshua when he tips the scales to fight Francis Ngannou as the fascination on his weight continues. AJ’s fluctuating size has been a major talking point throughout his career as he looks to find that goldilocks number. Anthony Joshua’s fluctuating size has been a major talking point throughout his careerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAJ looks ripped and ready before fighting Francis NgannouCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingWhen he made his professional debut, he scaled 16st 6lb before knocking out Emanuele Leo inside the opening round. By the time he became world heavyweight champion – three years and 16 fights later – he was at 17st 4lb. Joshua then raised eyebrows a year on in his fourth title defence as he bulked up to a then-heaviest 18st 2lb before beating Carlos Takam. AJ was accused of looking sluggish during the ten-round stoppage and returned to beat Joseph Parker on points at 17st 4lb.READ MORE IN BOXINGThat was considered to be around his sweet spot until he was stunned to a first defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019. Joshua was 17st 9lb before being dropped four times and stopped in seven rounds of his US debut in New York. For the rematch – with his reputation on the line – he shrunk down to 16st 13lb to box and move his way to a career-saving victory. Before Joshua suffered defeat again, to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021, he claimed his weight was the least of his worries. Most read in BoxingJoshua weighed 18st 2lb before beating Carlos TakamCredit: SportsfileHe slimmed down to 16st 13lb before beating Andy Ruiz Jr in their 2019 rematchCredit: The SunANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I don’t really focus on my weight. It’s just training. I just put in the work.”Joshua was 17st 2lb the first time against Usyk and put on just 4lb for the rematch, which he also lost on points. The Sun’s Wally Downes Jr tells Francis Ngannou his ‘legs are looking skinny’ and he’ll ‘give him some tips’ after media workoutAJ then returned in April of 2023 against Jermaine Franklin and did so at an all-time heaviest 18st 3lb before winning by decision. Joshua went back down to 17st and 12lb before knocking out Robert Helenius in August. And for his most recent win, a five-round stoppage of Otto Wallin, he did so at 17st 13lb. Ngannou meanwhile scaled 19st 3lb before his boxing debut against Tyson Fury in October. Joshua at an all-time heaviest 18st 3lb before beating Jermaine FranklinCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAJ was 17st 13lb before his last fightCredit: GettyFrancis Ngannou scaled over 19st before fighting Tyson FuryCredit: AFPThe ex-UFC champion even floored Fury only to lose a controversial split-decision. And even AJ’s promoter and biggest supporter Eddie Hearn fears the monster of a man. Hearn told SunSport: “When you’re that strong, you can change a fight at any given moment. “You can be dominating a fight for five or six rounds and walk into one, and a fight can be over.“This is probably the most nervous I’ve been for a fight because it’s a little bit of the unknowns about Ngannou. “I’m looking at him like, ‘Can you even hurt him? Can you push him back?’ READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s just a freak of nature, but I still stand by the fact that AJ is better in every single department, and he’s got to show it on Friday.”Joshua and Ngannou facing offCredit: Getty More

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    Inside Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren’s five vs five boxing tournament with mouthwatering fight set to top bill

    EDDIE HEARN reveals ‘We’ve got some unbelievable surprises up our sleeves’ as he prepares to take on Frank Warren. The British pair of promoters have put years of bitter feuding behind them to come together in Saudi Arabia. Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren will put their stables together for a 5v5 tournamentCredit: GettyThey are co-promoting blockbuster bouts in the controversial Gulf state after Middle Eastern powerbroker Turki Alalshikh brought the two together. And the latest treat for fans will be Hearn and Warren putting their stables against each other for a five-fight tournament. Each promoter will choose two weight classes while Turki Alalshikh will get the final pick with everyone kept in the dark until the big reveal. Hearn told SunSport: “We’re going to pick two weight classes, Frank’s picking two weight classes and His Excellency chooses another weight class. READ MORE IN BOXING”No one knows the fighters until they meet at the official press conference in London. “So you will pick the best available fighter from that weight class that you have. “And the big reveal will be in London. We’ll fill the weight classes this week, it will be announced I think Saturday after Joshua-Ngannou. “We’ve got some unbelievable surprises up our sleeve. It’s going to be a big format everybody’s talking about it and genuinely, we cannot lose. We must not lose this. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe historic event is eyed for June 1 in Riyadh with Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol topping the deal in a light-heavyweight undisputed super-fight. The undercard will be made up of Hearn’s men versus Warren’s and the Machroom Boxing chief will do everything he can to gain bragging rights. Exclusive Frank Warren Interview ahead of AJ vs Ngannou – reveals AJ turned down HUGE offer from him in order to join SkyHe said: “We were talking about the 5v5 and he went, ‘I ain’t losing this!’ And I said, ‘I ain’t losing this!’ “I’m going into that changing room and I am giving Churchillian speeches to my fighters, potentially win bonuses and saying, ‘Listen, you’ve got to win this fight.’ “That’s why we want the fights to be pickem’ fights so we’re sitting ringside just excited. “The opportunities for our fighters are incredible and that’s the main thing.”The promoters signed a deal for the 5v5Credit: Instagram More

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    Premier League icon & ex-England star cuts trim figure after epic body transformation as fans say it’s ‘saved his life’

    NEIL “RAZOR” RUDDOCK is a changed man after undergoing an incredible body transformation.The former Liverpool and Tottenham star began his weight loss journey in 2021 after meeting James Argent of The Only Way Is Essex fame.
    Neil Ruddock’s looks have transformed thanks to his weight loss journey
    Ruddock, left, discovered he has a heart condition during an appearance on TV show Harry’s HeroesCredit: ITV
    His weight loss journey began properly after the pandemic
    Wife Leah congratulated Ruddock on his weight lossCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Arg lost several stone and Ruddock was inspired by his journey so began to exercise, despite his bad ankles and knees.
    Ruddock admitted he ballooned during the pandemic – despite finding out about a heart condition during an appearance on TV show Harry’s Heroes.
    However, once he’d lost a bit of weight Ruddock, 55, was able to start going to the gym and began cycling and playing rounds of golf without the use of a buggy.
    Most importantly he was able to break his self-termed “bad, sad, glad, mad syndrome”, where he would eat in response to any emotion he felt.
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    His new-found discipline has worked wonders as Ruddock now looks fit and healthy having shed several stone.
    Wife Leah shared a photo on social media showing off the former defender’s new look and praised his effort.
    She wrote: “Shout out to my amazing husband @RealRazor you are absolutely smashing it.”
    Fans have also been blown away by the transformation and began showering praise on Ruddock.
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    One reacted saying: “He’s done absolutely fantastic. Saved his life….Well done.”
    Another added: “Incredible 👏🏼”
    And a third wrote: “Well done Razor. Inspiration to us all that need to lose weight.”
    The former defender won one England capCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Neil Ruddock and Paul Merson get emotional as they make up after blazing row on Harry’s Heroes: Euro Having A Laugh More

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    Tyson Fury’s garlic-mad diet revealed as Gypsy King faces race against time to be ready for Oleksandr Usyk fight

    TYSON FURY will be knocking back extra servings of red meat and GARLIC to ensure he’s fully healed up for his historic showdown against Oleksandr Usyk.The Gypsy King was due to clash with the undefeated Ukrainian for all the heavyweight marbles last weekend before he suffered a HORROR CUT in sparring.
    Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s long overdue showdown was postponed to May 18Credit: EPA
    The fight was pushed back after Fury suffered a horror cut in sparringCredit: QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS
    An accidental elbow from sparring partner Agron Smakici delayed the fight
    Fury’s nutritionist George Lockhart has put him on a high protein and garlic diet to help heal the gaping woundCredit: INSTAGRAM@TYSONFURY
    An accidental elbow from sparring partner Agron Smakici re-opened the scar tissue left above Fury’s right eye from his 2019 clash with Otto Wallin and rendered him unable to compete.
    Saudi boxing kingpin Turki Alalshikh hastily rescheduled the undisputed showdown – the first in the heavyweight division for nearly 25 years – for May 18.
    Team Fury are pulling out all the stops to ensure the WBC heavyweight king makes the fight, with nutritionist George Lockhart implementing a diet high in protein and garlic to ensure he’s fighting fit for the Riyadh rumble.
    He told Betway: “High protein helps massively as the body needs to recover, rebuild and repair itself.
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    “Lots of protein, lots of water and fluid, and while it’s not sexy that is the type of foods that will help recover a bad cut.
    “A lot of red meats and stuff with iron in it. Not just meats but things with a lot of micro-nutrients in it, including garlic, spinach, carrots, onion, and mix everything together.
    “Garlic is a great source to help you recover quickly as it kills off bacteria and germs in a cut.
    “Like I said red meat is the key source of protein.”
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    Lockhart – the former nutritionist of UFC legend Conor McGregor – is acutely aware of the fact that Fury’s diet won’t solely aid the healing of his cut.
    He admitted: “I’m not one of those nutritionists which says food will solve everything.
    Tyson Fury takes part in gruelling training session ahead of cancelled undisputed Usyk fight
    “But it has a huge impact over time in terms of recovery and injuries of that nature, but the most important thing is time.
    “The doctor said that the cut will heal in three weeks.
    “People don’t realise that the normal person is fine with a cut like this but if you’re going to get punched in the face, it will take a long time.
    “Even May is close for this fight to be happening but I know he wants to take care of business so I think he will get it done.
    “A lot of people don’t realise that when you are injured, your body burns more calories because it is putting a lot more effort in recovering and help with whatever injury it is, including a cut.
    “Healing a cut and a sprained ankle though are two different things.
    Tyson Fury got in a career-best shape for his crack at undisputed gloryCredit: INSTAGRAM@TYSONFURY
    “For inflammation, fish such as wild salmon and omega 3 are key sources of nutrition to overcome an injury like a sprained ankle.
    “You actually need to stay away from red meats and Omega 6.”
    Fury, 35, got into a career-best shape ahead of his now-postponed date with destiny – something Lockhart believes he’ll replicate for the biggest fight of his career.
    He said: “I haven’t spoken to him much recently since the last fight got cancelled.
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    “He looks great and is in amazing shape. I saw the transformation; he’s looking lean and strong.
    “The thing about Tyson is, he is an animal, a beast, and will go in there with the reach, cardio, boxing IQ, power and size so it will be a very difficult night for Oleksandr Usyk.” More

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    Don’t ask me to run – Eden Hazard reveals incredible body transformation each summer saw him put on five kilos

    EDEN HAZARD has revealed the body transformation he underwent each summer which saw him put on FIVE KILOS during pre-season.The forward, who retired at 32 after his time at Real Madrid was cursed with injuries, has opened up on his love for food and Belgian beer.
    Eden Hazard would put on five kilos in the summer during pre-seasonCredit: Getty
    Hazard retired from football last October while at Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Hazard basked in the glory of seven trophy-laden seasons at Chelsea but he could not replicate the success at the Bernabeu.
    Real Madrid turned into a nightmare for the star due to a series of unfortunate events, including injuries and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    And the Belgian icon told the Obi One podcast with his former Chelsea team-mate John Obi Mikel that he arrived at Real’s pre-season overweight when he first arrived at the Spanish capital.
    He said: “It was true, but me, every summer, I was putting on four or five kilos because I was thinking you give so much for ten months.
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    “You put your body at the highest level and people kick you, so your time off is your time off.
    “Don’t ask me to do anything. I enjoy being with my family, going to the beach, so don’t ask me to run in those three or four weeks.
    “I can play football on the beach with my kids, no problem, but don’t ask me to run.
    “But if you look throughout my career, the first month of the season is the bit where I was thinking, ‘It’s just the beginning,’.
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    “And then from September and October, I was flying, because I needed time to put my body and mind in the best way.
    “So yes, it’s true, I came back after holidays with five kilos, I knew it.”
    ‘Three games out? Perfect’ – Eden Hazard reveals why he was HAPPY with ban after ex-Chelsea star kicked Swansea ball-boy
    The former Chelsea man signed for Spanish giants Real Madrid in June 2019 for £88.3million but only played 76 times across four terms before hanging his boots up in October last year.
    But Hazard said his love for his family, friends, food and a cheeky beer after a match was the reason for the weight gain.
    He said: “I love everything with family and friends. If you ask me to eat something I’m going to eat. Even if I don’t like it, I’m going to eat.
    “As a Belgian guy, we love beers because my country has the best beers in the world.
    “So I’m not telling you I used to drink every day because it’s not true, but sometimes after a good game, one or two is nice.”
    During his time at Chelsea, Hazard won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, two Europa League trophies, and was the Premier League’s player of the season in 2014-15.
    He only missed 26 games for club and country across the seven years he spent at Stamford Bridge.
    A look at Hazard’s impressive trophy haul
    Hazard won two Premier League titles at ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Pep Guardiola apologises to Kalvin Phillips for fat-shaming him… but insists ‘one mistake in eight years isn’t bad’

    PEP GUARDIOLA has apologised to Kalvin Phillips for fat-shaming him.The Manchester City boss criticised his England midfielder for being 1.5kg overweight when he returned from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
    Phillips made just two Premier League starts for Man CityCredit: AFP
    But Phillips, trying to rebuild his career on loan at West Ham, revealed the comments had a huge impact on him.
    Guardiola has said it was the only time in his City reign he made such a mistake.
    He said: “Yeah, I’m sorry. Once in eight years is not bad but I’m so sorry. I apologise to him. I do. I’m so sorry.”
    but I’m so sorry. I apologise to him. I do. I’m so sorry.”
    READ MORE ON MAN CITY
    Guardiola insisted he had done things the right way in speaking to the £45million signing privately BEFORE telling the world.
    The Etihad chief added: “I spoke about that. Before our game, I spoke to him.
    “Before I say something here, I speak with the players — and I did in that case.”
    Phillips, 28, started just two Premier League games in 18 months at City — and only six matches in total.
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    He moved to West Ham to try to preserve his England place ahead of this summer’s Euros finals in Germany but has endured a disastrous few weeks.
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    His errors resulted in the Irons conceding goals in his first two appearances, a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth and 3-0 loss at Manchester United.
    Phillips was then sent off for two yellow cards in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
    Awkward moment Michail Antonio told of Kalvin Phillips West Ham loan live on Sky Sports as fans say ‘can’t hate the guy’
    Earlier this month, Phillips opened up about his tough time at City following his move from Leeds in 2022.
    And he revealed the jibes about being overweight had taken a heavy toll on him.
    He said: “After the World Cup was probably the toughest, when Pep came out and said I was overweight.
    “He was right to do so but there are different ways to go about it.
    “It was just a misunderstanding, he was very frustrated with me coming back 1.5kg over my target weight.
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    “It took a big knock on my confidence and how I felt at City.
    “My family were not happy about it, either, especially my mum.” More

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    Fans say Eddie Hearn ‘will be fighting in Misfits soon’ as he leaves Love Island star stunned with body transformation

    EDDIE HEARN has fans convinced he will be fighting on Misfits after showing off his body transformation. The boxing promoter has been on a health kick over the past 18 months having lost two stone through his new clean lifestyle.
    James DeGale with Eddie Hearn in 2015
    The boxing promoter has been on a health kick over the past 18 month
    Hearn has lost two stone through his new healthy lifestyleCredit: Instagram @kaipeacockfitness
    Hearn has been keeping his 1.3million Instagram followers up to date with his workouts in the gym.
    And in his latest, he posed in a grey vest and looked like a lean, mean, fighting machine.
    So much that one fan reacted: “He will be fighting in misfits soon.”
    Another said: “What a transformation.”
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    One joked: “Shreddie Hearn.”
    Love Island star-turned boxing presenter Josh Denzel said: “Go on the boy!!!!”
    The 44-year-old recently embarked on a demanding ten-week workout programme to get in shape and now feels better than ever.
    And he even copied UFC boss Dana White’s gruelling 72-hour fast without food, living off just electrolytes and water.
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    He told Men’s Health UK: “When I wake up in the morning, I go into the bathroom and I get a glimpse of myself and go, ‘F**king hell yeah,’ and that’s good enough.
    “That makes me feel great for the day.”
    Eddie Hearn left dripping blood after suffering injury while celebrating boxing star’s win
    Hearn’s outlook has completely changed as he focuses on improving his fitness even further.
    He added: “Right now, physically, I feel better than I’ve ever felt in my life, and I’m 44 years old.
    “I’m excited to see what’s going to happen in six months, what’s going to happen in 12 months, what’s going to happen in three years.”
    Fans joked Hearn will be fighting on Misfits soonCredit: instagram @kaipeacockfitness More

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    Tyson Fury sends Usyk a reminder of his incredible body transformation on date of their axed undisputed showdown

    TYSON FURY has sent Oleksandr Usyk a reminder of the incredible shape he was in for their undisputed showdown.The duo were set to throw down for all the heavyweights in Saudi Arabia TONIGHT in a dust-up well over two years in the making.
    Tyson Fury was set to face Oleksandr Usyk for all the heavyweight marbles tonightCredit: EPA
    A horror cut above his right eye scuppered the historic fightCredit: QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS
    Fury looked to be in incredible shape for the biggest fight of his careerCredit: INSTAGRAM@TYSONFURY
    Fury reshared a clip of one of his gruelling training sessions on what would’ve been the day of his long-awaited clash with the UkrainianCredit: TIKO@KRISTIAN.BLACKLOC
    But a HORROR CUT for The Gypsy King in one of his final sparring sessions earlier this month postponed the first undisputed heavyweight bout in nearly 25 years.
    Fury, who suffered a huge laceration above his right eye, looked to be in incredible shape for his legacy-defining fight.
    And the WBC heavyweight champ has shared fresh footage of himself in the shape of his career on the day he could have cemented his legacy.
    The 35-year-old re-shared a video from his strength and condition coach Kristian Blacklock of himself performing plyometric footwork drills and explosive medicine ball slams to his Instagram story.
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    Blacklock jokingly claimed Fury was moving so fast as he’d accidentally taken two scoops of pre-workout.
    Fury’s legion of fans were quick to comment on how good shape he was in, with one saying: “Best shape he’s been in.”
    Another said: “Best shape he’s been in. Can’t wait for him to flatten Usyk.”
    And another said: “Chiseled out of stone.”
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    One remarked: “Absolute boss.”
    Another chimed in: “Geed up the king.”
    Inside Oleksandr Usyk’s training camp as boxer continues brutal regime despite Tyson Fury postponement
    Saudi boxing kingpin Turki Alalshikh has rescheduled Fury and Usyk’s long-awaited showdown for May 18.
    And Wythenshawe warrior Fury is planning for their rescheduled Riyadh rumble to be the first of a stunning five-fight run to close out his unblemished career.
    “I keep hearing talk from people that I should retire or I’m gonna retire soon,” he said. “I ain’t retiring [anytime soon].
    “I’ve got two fights with Usyk for the undisputed, twice.
    “Then I’m gonna fight AJ at least once, maybe twice if there’s a rematch.
    “If he wants one after the first battering I give him.
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    “Then I’m gonna fight Ngannou again. And that’s just the start.
    “So there’s five little fights for you to whet your appetite with.” More