More stories

  • in

    Tommy Fury vs Idris Virgo tale of the tape: How brawling stars compare from Love Island success to staggering net worths

    TOMMY FURY and Idris Virgo could be on course to settle their beef in the ring following their heated brawl. The two former Love Island stars went face to face at ringside of KSI’s fight against Joe Fournier.
    Tommy Fury was in attendance at KSI’s fight against Joe FournierCredit: Getty
    But he got into a brawl with Idris VirgoCredit: https://twitter.com/HappyPunchPromo/status/1657481761201311744
    Virgo is unbeaten in his 13 career fights so farCredit: Getty
    Fury is also unbeaten but has fewer fights to his nameCredit: Getty
    Footage of the incident showed Virgo approach Fury, who then stood up, before a brawl ignited between them.
    Virgo has since called Fury a “coward” for his actions.
    While the pair clearly have their differences, their careers have followed similar paths.
    They have both been contestants on Love Island, while enjoying success in boxing – with both being undefeated in their careers thus far.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    With the pair seemingly determined to end one another’s runs, but how do they compare?
    SunSport has taken a look at the pair to find what separates them.
    Of the two light-heavyweight boxers, Virgo has the upper hand in experience.
    The 29-year-old has 13 fights under his belt, including 12 wins and two KOs.
    Most read in Boxing
    Meanwhile, Fury, 24, has a perfect nine-from-nine record, with four KOs to boot.
    Here’s how Fury and Virgo compare
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Fury also holds the advantage on Instagram followers, with 5.1million to Virgo’s 214,000.
    However, Virgo can go toe-to-toe with Fury when it comes to net worth.
    The lesser known man said to be worth as much as £4m having built up his boxing brand over the years.
    Fury is worth a similar sum having seen his bank balance swell following his fight with Jake Paul, which it’s understood he earned over £3m for.
    LOVE INTERESTS
    Fury is currently dating Love Island sweetheart Molly-Mae Hughes, while Virgo is not believed to be in a relationship at the moment.
    But how did TNT and The Bodybreaker both do during their time on the Island?
    Virgo entered the Villa on Day 36 of season four of the show but failed to couple up with anyone before being dumped out of the Villa on Day 40.
    Read More on The Sun
    Fury fared far better than his counterpart. He entered on Day One of season five and partnered up with Lucie on Day Two.
    He would then go on to couple up with Molly-Mae on Day Five before eventually going on to finish runner-up. More

  • in

    Five opponents for KSI’s next fight including Tommy Fury, Jake Paul and former UFC star after controversial Fournier KO

    THE influencer boxing world is waiting with bated breath for KSI’s next move following his controversial win over Joe Fournier.The YouTube sensation stayed unbeaten on Saturday night with a second-round knockout of the self-proclaimed billionaire at the Wembley Arena.
    KSI locked horns with Joe Fournier on Saturday nightCredit: PA
    The YouTuber controversially knocked Fournier out with an illegalCredit: PA
    KSI is now plotting his next moveCredit: PA
    But replays showed The Nightmare laid out Fournier with an illegal elbow – which is reportedly set to be investigated.
    Despite the cloud hanging over his latest win, KSI is looking forward, not backwards.
    And with that in mind, SunSport thought it’d only be right to run through the five men in contention to face the Brit next.
    Tommy Fury
    KSI faced off with Tommy Fury after his victory over Joe FournierCredit: GETTY
    The seed for a showdown with the former Love Island star was planted several weeks before KSI threw down with Fournier.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    And the interest in seeing the social media celebs trade blows is now sky-high following their post-fight face-off and near scuffle.
    It may not end up being the most technical of fights, but a KSI vs Fury bout will no doubt be a box office smash.
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Jake Paul
    KSI and jake Paul are long-time rivalsCredit: GETTY
    KSI’s rivalry with fellow YouTuber turned boxer Paul has stretched back the best part of five years.
    The pair have repeatedly traded verbal jabs and took part in a fiery face-off in 2020 after Paul’s stoppage win over AnEson Gib.
    Most read in Boxing
    Fans of the duo are desperate to see them trade blows – although Paul wants to fry bigger fish after his August showdown with former UFC star Nate Diaz.
    Anthony Taylor
    Former Bellator fighter Anthony Taylor is a contender to share the ring with KSI nextCredit: GETTY
    Former Bellator fighter Taylor has made quite the splash in the influence boxing world – locking horns with ex-Love Islanders Fury and Idris Virgo.
    ‘Pretty Boy’ has become one of Misfits Boxing’s go-to fighters to fill their cards and they could very well pivot to him should KSI struggle to land an opponent.
    Tyron Woodley
    Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley could be an option for Jake PaulCredit: GETTY
    Former UFC welterweight champion Woodley could be a shock opponent for KSI should bouts with Fury and Paul fail to come to fruition.
    The duo have gone back and forth with each other on social media over the last year – with KSI repeatedly mocking The Chosen One’s knockout loss to Paul.
    Woodley has gone 0-2 in his post-MMA boxing career and would no doubt jump at the opportunity to get his hands on KSI and try to pick up his first win in the sport.
    Joe Fournier
    Given the illegal manner in which their fight ended, a rematch with KSI and Fournier makes the most sense.
    KSI may deny finishing the fight with an elbow, but he can’t escape the clear fact he landed an illegal blow.

    The honourable thing for him to do would be to acknowledge the accidental strike and run it back with Fournier.
    But that seems unlikely now that he’s got a big money fight with Fury in the palms of his hands. More

  • in

    KSI and Tommy Fury agree to fight NEXT before brawl breaks out in ring after YouTuber’s controversial Joe Fournier win

    KSI and Tommy Fury kicked off their build-up the latest celebrity blockbuster boxing bout with an argy bargy face-off.Fury, who beat KSI’s main rival Jake Paul in February, took a ringside seat at Wembley Arena to watch the YouTuber in action.
    Tommy Fury facing off with KSICredit: Getty

    Both appeared to ignore the fact the fight ended with Joe Fournier being knocked out with an accidental but illegal blow.
    They followed the script and went face to face for the first time in the ring – and struck an agreement to fight.
    KSI, 29, said: “I want this, I want to do what Jake Paul couldn’t; knock you out.”
    Fury, 24, replied: “That’s never, ever gonna happen. All I can say is, sign me up. Easy money, easy money.
    read more in boxing
    “You are going to sleep in four rounds. Four rounds, asleep. gung ho, no defence, no head movement. Knocked out.”
    Fournier, a 40-year-old nightclub tycoon-turned fighter, was on paper KSI’s first opponent with boxing experience.
    But Fury, 24, was quick to discredit the legitimacy of KSI’s win.
    He said: “Guess what? You didn’t beat a pro boxer tonight, I’m the pro boxer, let’s get that straight.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    “I’ve already ticked off one name in Jake Paul, he’s done, he’s finished and you will be ticked off.
    “Like it or not you will be ticked off and Misfits is going to be over.”
    KSI hit back: “No chance.” Before a bumping of the heads obviously caused the pair to begin pushing each other.
    It remains to be seen whether Fournier will content his controversial loss but KSI denied landing an illegal blow.
    He said: “I hit him with a massive shot and he was dazed, he was scrambling trying to hold onto me for dear life.”
    KSI beat Joe Fournier in round two following an accidental elbowCredit: Getty
    Joe Fournier was unable to beat the countCredit: PA More

  • in

    Tommy Fury reveals ‘easy money’ fight with KSI is ‘close’ as he watches YouTuber’s bout with Joe Fournier from ringside

    TOMMY FURY took a ringside seat to watch KSI’s fight with Joe Fournier up close and personal. YouTube sensation KSI returns to the ring tonight against millionaire nightclub tycoon-turned 9-0 boxer Fournier at Wembley Arena.
    Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul last month and will now keep an eye on KSICredit: Reuters
    KSI weighing in to fight Joe Fournier at Wembley ArenaCredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing
    And he has already eyed up Fury as his next opponent – and it appears both are on board.
    The 2019 Love Islander rocked up in London to much fanfare and kickstarted his scouting mission of KSI.
    KSI had hoped to finally settle his bitter score with Jake Paul this year but Fury gave those plans the KO by beating the American.
    And Paul has since snubbed a rematch or talks with KSI to instead return on August 5 against ex-UFC star Nate Diaz.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    So KSI has vowed not to wait around and will instead try to finish what his great nemesis started.
    The Londoner has not only revealed that he wants to fight Fury next, but in fact the two are closing in on a deal to meet in the ring.
    And Fury’s dad and coach John also confirmed that negotiations are nearing completion.
    He said live on DAZN: We’re talking to his people, they are talking to me, we’re close.”
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Fury, 24, beat Paul, 26, in February by split-decision in Saudi Arabia to hand the self-proclaimed Problem Child his first loss.
    And he claimed having done so, KSI, 29, should be an easy night’s work.
    Fury, who also bumped into old rival Paul Bamba, said: “In my opinion out of all this influencer boxing stuff, I beat the top of the tree.
    “Jake Paul’s the best out of all of these, so all this now is easy money baby.”
    Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul on pointsCredit: GETTY
    KSI facing off with Joe Fournier for the final timeCredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing More

  • in

    I was drinking and doing drugs before boxing showed up out of nowhere and saved me, says Jake Paul

    JAKE PAUL has opened up on how boxing prevented him from his life spiralling out of control on drink and drugs. The American shot to fame on social media app Vine and later YouTube along with his brother Logan.
    Jake Paul formerly lived a life of partyingCredit: @jakepaul
    And in pursuit of fame and fortune, both moved to Los Angeles where their life moved in the fast lane.
    But it almost became too much for Paul until thankfully a shock career in boxing helped turn his life around.
    He bravely told DAZN: “I was drinking, doing drugs, doing all sorts of crazy s*** in Los Angeles, not being myself. 
    “Because that’s what happens when you’re drinking like that and doing those things like that.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “I needed something to save me and boxing showed up out of nowhere. 
    “I definitely worry – that side of me is the Problem Child side of me – that can get involved in those of things. 
    “But everybody has a story and I’m just now comfortable telling that story because I was kind of embarrassed by it. 
    “I didn’t know if I could talk about those things, I didn’t want to say that I had those problems or was doing those things. 
    Most read in Boxing
    “But I was like, if I can share my story about that and finding boxing and saving me then maybe someone else will be able to relate.” 
    Paul, 26, made his professional boxing debut in 2020, beating online rival AnEsonGib.
    It kickstarted a polarising prizefighting career which has seen the social media sensation headline around the world.
    He even moved out of LA in late 2020 to rid of any distractions, since building an isolated base in Puerto Rico.
    Paul has wins over ex-MMA champions Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 41, and Anderson Silva, 48.
    But he was beaten in his last bout in February by boxer Tommy Fury, 23, losing a split-decision in Saudi Arabia.
    Paul now returns on August 5 in Texas against ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, in a bid to prove he can bounce back from defeat.
    And having seen boxing change his life, the Most Valuable Promotions boss insisted he will be a mainstay in the sport.
    Read More on The Sun
    Paul said: “One hundred per cent, always. Promoting fights, helping fighters, using my platform. 
    “I’ve even thought about getting my referee’s licence. Wouldn’t that be funny? Wouldn’t that be funny, if I’m like in the ring, refitting a match?” 
    Jake Paul in training for his next fight More

  • in

    Tyson Fury hopes Anthony Joshua knocks out ‘little b****’ Deontay Wilder… but fears Brit rival will get ‘chinned’

    TYSON FURY admits he wants to see Anthony Joshua knock Deontay Wilder out cold in their desert dust-up.AJ is on the verge of throwing down with The Bronze Bomber in a long overdue grudge match, which is currently in the works for December.
    Anthony Joshua is on course for a blockbuster showdown with Deontay WilderCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
    The pair’s long-awaited clash is is currently in the works for DecemberCredit: GETTY
    Tyson Fury has tipped Wilder to knockout JoshuaCredit: EPA
    Gypsy King Fury would love to see his fellow Brit do a number on his old rival but can’t foresee any other outcome than him getting “chinned” by the devastating knockout artist.
    When asked to give his prediction for the Saudi showdown, the WBC heavyweight champion said: “Do you need me to answer that?
    “I think we all know what happens. I’d love for AJ to knock him out, because Wilder’s a little b****.
    “He’s a moaning p***y, forgive me for my language. But I just see [Joshua] getting chinned to be honest.”
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Fury and Wilder, 34 and 37 respectively, seemingly buried the hatchet with one another in Saudi Arabia in February.
    But it wasn’t long before Wilder renewed claims that his old rival cheated in two of their three fights.
    Fury said: “When I met him man to man, his a***hole fell out.
    “He come over and cuddled me, like the little b**** that he is.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    “It was like, ‘All right, it must be done. He’s given me the cuddle, forget about it.’
    “Then a week later he goes, ‘Tyson’s still a piece of s***’ this that and the other.
    “I thought you little slimy… Deontay Wilder is Deontay Wilder and that’s it.”
    “I’ve beat him three times. I’ve absolutely done his record right in. Give him two knockout losses and a draw, which I won anyway.
    “It is what it is. I don’t hate the guy, he’s just a bit of a t***er.”
    Joshua and Wilder were due to throw down with one another five years ago when they held all the heavyweight marbles.
    Their showdown never came to fruition, although AJ is confident this round of negotiations will bear fruit.

    In an interview with The Metro, AJ said of the American: “He is good, I respect him.
    “I don’t undermine him. That will make me raise my game.
    “I respect what he has done and what he has done in this division.
    “It is hard to become a champion and he did it so I have to respect that.
    “It’s going to be a tough fight but I am confident in myself.
    Read More on The Sun
    “I’m a better, more well-rounded athlete, a better, more well-rounded fighter.
    “In terms of it getting delivered [from my side], I honestly believe it is 95 per cent there.” More

  • in

    Tyson Fury admits he is ‘not very optimistic’ about his next opponent and says ‘time is ticking’ to secure July fight

    TYSON FURY is “not very optimistic” about his next opponent and admitted “time is ticking” to secure a return fight in July. The Gypsy King is looking to defend his WBC title in the summer after talks for a unification with Oleksandr Usyk collapsed earlier in the year.
    Tyson Fury attending a press conference during in TenerifeCredit: EPA
    Now, Usyk, 36, has been ordered into a WBA mandatory defence against Daniel Dubois, 25, with talks ongoing.
    It left Andy Ruiz Jr and Zhilei Zhang as frontrunners to face Fury.
    But Joe Joyce has exercised his rematch clause with Zhang and Frank Warren told Boxing News that Ruiz has priced himself out.
    It leaves Fury in the dark about who his next opponent will be and in a race against time with July less than two months away.
    READ MORE ON TYSON FURY
    He said at a press conference in Tenerife: “I hear all these names being chucked around but I don’t pay any heed to them until I’m actually in the ring with them.
    “As we’ve seen over the last 14 years, you can be linked to fight somebody and it never happens.
    “I’m not very optimistic about any of the names until I’m actually in with them.
    “One thing I can say is, if they’re going to do something [in July] then they better get their finger out.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    “Time is ticking. They better hurry up, we’re in May now.”
    Joyce, 37, was beaten by Zhang, 40, in April after his eye was swollen so badly the referee waved off the contest.
    The Chinese star then emerged as a contender to fight Fury, 34, until Joyce activated his right to a rematch.
    And with Ruiz, 33, also now seemingly out of the equation, it leaves Warren short of options but adamant Fury WILL still fight.
    He said: “We’re getting very close [to summer], that’s part of the problem, but we’ll get him out.”
    Meanwhile, talks are taking place behind the scenes with boxing bosses in Saudi Arabia.
    They hope to negotiate a deal for Anthony Joshua, 33, to fight Deontay Wilder, 37, in the Middle East in December.
    And they also have plans for Fury and Usyk to finally meet, as US promoter Bob Arum confirmed talks with the Saudis.
    Arum told Ringside Reporter Live: “I have talked to a representative of Skill Challenge that puts on these boxing events in Saudi Arabia.
    “That is correct [that talks are ongoing], we know these people, we work with them in connection with the Jake Paul and Tommy Fury fight as far as US television was concerned. 
    “So we know who the players are and we’ve had some very interesting talks with them.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Tyson Fury with US promoter Bob ArumCredit: Getty More

  • in

    I’m an OnlyFans star who only watched boxing for Anthony Joshua because he’s hot – now I’m a fighter just like him

    ELLE BROOKE has taken the influencer boxing world by storm – but she only laced up her gloves because she fancied Anthony Joshua.The OnlyFans star traded her camera tripod for boxing gloves last year – taking up the sweet science with respected coach Mark Tibbs.
    Elle Brooke is best known for being an OnlyFans star and X-rated actressCredit: INSTAGRAM@THEDUMBLEDONG
    But the blonde beauty has since turned her hand to boxingCredit: GETTY
    Brooke only started watching boxing because she fancied Anthony JoshuaCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
    Brooke has gone 3-0 in the influencer boxing scene, with her most recent victory being a decision win over Aleksandra Daniel last month.
    But the blonde beauty wouldn’t have ever set foot inside the ring – or watched boxing – had she never laid eyes on two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua.
    The 25-year-old told Legal Sportsbooks: “Kingpyn Boxing DM’d me and I was a bit hesitant at first because I honestly had no idea about boxing.
    “But then I was like, ‘Yeah OK cool why not give it a go.’
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “I was definitely a casual boxing fan previously.
    “If Anthony Joshua was fighting I’d watch him because he’s hot and I’d watch the other very hyped fights like Tyson Fury or whatever.
    “But I couldn’t tell you a middleweight other than Canelo for example.”
    Brooke’s ventures to the ring have not only boosted her confidence, they have also boosted her bank balance by landing her additional subscribers to her OnlyFans account.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    The X-rated actress said: “They do go hand in hand [boxing & OnlyFans}.
    “And I’ve already grown my OnlyFans.
    “Whereas other content creators who have started boxing are having to take a major hit in terms of the amount of content they can put out because boxing is so hard and time-consuming.
    “You have to work at it for hours and it’s so tiring. For me at the moment the two go well together.”
    Although she was initially hesitant about becoming a pornstar pugilist, Brooke is now fully invested in the sport.
    Elle Brooke says her forays into the ring have grown her OnlyFans accountCredit: INSTAGRAM@THEDUMBLEDONG
    Brooke will be back in action on July 1 against Brazilian Jully PocaCredit: KINGPYN
    She said: “Boxing has taken over my life now. I’m in the gym six days a week. It was definitely sink or swim.
    “And the first day I met Mark Tibbs he made me do a fitness test to decide whether he would train me or not, so he definitely threw me in the deep end!
    “I was sparring within two or three weeks and the girl I was fighting was absolutely huge.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Brooke is already back in the gym preparing for the semi-finals of the Kingpyn’s women’s tournament.
    The Manchester City fan will take on fellow social media star Jully Poca in Dublin on July 1. More