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      in Boxing

      Floyd Mayweather, 47, could face Manny Pacquiao, 45, in rematch of £500m fight – but with a twist as rivals make returns

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER and Manny Pacquiao could be set for a rematch – but with a twist on their original money spinner. Mayweather beat Pacquiao in 2015 to end boxing’s most drawn out saga in a blockbuster worth over £500MILLION. Floyd Mayweather is still linked with a rematch against Manny PacquiaoCredit: ReutersPacquiao in training for his exhibition comeback fightCredit: @MannyPacquiaoBut even in retirement the pair remain linked with a rematch as they continue to box on in exhibition bouts. And Japanese MMA promotion Rizin could be the unlikely source to hold the key to a deal between the ring icons. Pacquiao, 45, returns this weekend in Tokyo against ex-kickboxing champion Rukiya Anpo, 28. Mayweather, 47, meanwhile has scored two knockout victories against martial arts opponents under the Rizin banner. READ MORE IN BOXINGPromoter Nobuyuki Sakakibara revealed a rematch with Pacquiao remains a possibility – so long as professional records are not at stake. Sakakibara told SunSport: “I wouldn’t be surprised if anything happens these days so the possibility is still there. “We still have a good relationship with Floyd but he’s not thinking of coming back to real competitive fights. “I understand that there isn’t no interest from his side on the rematch in non official bout, and Manny is interested.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”So it all comes down to the timing. And when everything aligns perfectly, I’m sure that rematch will happen.”Last year, Pacquiao and Sakakibara announced that a rematch with Mayweather was in the works for 2024. Floyd Mayweather breaks silence over Manny Pacquiao rematchBut the American great instead returns on August 24 in Mexico against John Gotti III. Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 36, but has boxed in exhibitions since. His last was against the grandson of notorious crime boss Gotti – ending in a brawl in the ring to lead to the rematch. Pacquiao meanwhile hung up his gloves following defeat to Yordenis Ugas in 2021 – but he has teased a comeback ever since. And the WBC even controversially opened the door to PacMan challenging welterweight champion Mario Barrios, 29, for the title.Pacquiao is using his exhibition with Anpo to ease back but Rizin are open to future fights with the Filipino. Sakakibara said: “Depending on the result and his performance in his upcoming fight on July 28th, we need to assess the market to see if his return would make sense. “This is a single bout agreement so if we were to have him back, we need to make sure there is a demand in the market. READ MORE SUN STORIES”If we can create momentum and anticipation together – since Manny himself is still wanting to have competitive fights – he’s not thinking that this is his last fight. “So if things turn out right, there is a good possibility where there could be more Manny Pacquiao fights in Rizin.”Mayweather beat Pacquiao in 2015Credit: Getty More

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      Premier League winner and ex-Cristiano Ronaldo team-mate in shock talks for debut boxing fight

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      MISFITS BOXING are in talks with a Premier League title winner and former team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo over a shock fight.YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI and music mogul Mams Taylor co-founded the platform as a home to celeb-style crossover bouts.Patrice Evra, Cristiano Ronaldo, Danny Simpson and Paul Scholes celebrate in 2007Credit: GettyAnd promoter Taylor has talked up the possibility of welcoming footballers into the Misfits scene.Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney admitted he was even in talks to do so – before turning it down to focus on management. But SunSport understands Danny Simpson – who played with Rooney and Ronaldo at United – is negotiating a fight with Misfits. Simpson, 37, is eager to cross over to the ring despite never actually announcing his retirement from football. READ MORE IN boxing As of last year, he was training with non-league Macclesfield while also returning to United to work on his coaching badges. He is a regular on MUTV having come through their academy before spending four years there as a professional between 2006–2010.In that period under the great Sir Alex Ferguson, the full-back only made eight appearances and spent time out on loan.But Simpson was part of the famous Leicester side that beat 5,000-1 odds to win the Premier League title in 2016.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe defender was playing for Bristol City until his contract was ripped up by mutual consent in March 2022. Misfits have had stars from the social media, MMA and boxing world compete on their shows. I walked away from pro MMA career to become Conor McGregor’s photographer… now he’s helping me make Misfits Boxing debutAnd Simpson would not be the first to trade the pitch for the ring.Curtis Woodhouse played in the Prem but switched to boxing in 2006 despite having no amateur background. He had 31 pro bouts – even winning the English and British light-welterweight titles – while playing football part-time. Woodhouse’s last fight was in 2017 beating renowned and celebrated journeyman Lewis van Poetsch. Leon McKenzie was another to have played in the English top-flight for the likes of Crystal Palace and Norwich. McKenzie is the son of British and European title holder Clinton and nephew of three-time world champ Duke.So after his playing days stopped in 2013, he also moved into boxing making his super-middleweight debut that year. McKenzie amassed a record of eight wins, two losses and one draw before hanging up the gloves in 2017 aged 39. Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing currently have former Accrington Stanley midfielder Paddy Lacey signed. Lacey still plays for Welsh top-tier side Flint Town United but is 10-0 as a middleweight boxer. Despite the successful switches – it does not work out for everyone.Rio Ferdinand infamously tried to turn pro aged 39 but was denied a British Boxing Board of Control licence in 2018.Ferdinand’s former team-mates Wes Brown and Simpson both train at the same Punchline Boxing Gym in Macclesfield. READ MORE SUN STORIESSimpson has been in boxing training as far back as 2020 with an eye now on a debut bout.The player’s reps and Misfits Boxing have been contacted for comment. Danny Simpson in the boxing gym training More

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      Eddie Howe’s hint he could succeed Gareth Southgate as England boss shows job is more attractive than ever before

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      EDDIE HOWE, the bookies’ favourite to become the next England manager, is an avid fan of the 80s Norwegian pop group A-ha.And while this may not be a ringing endorsement of his personal tastes, the idea of Morten Harket & Co performing a secret gig for our brave Three Lions at the next World Cup is surely still an improvement on Ed bleeding Sheeran.Eddie Howe is a candidate for the England jobCredit: GettyGareth Southgate stepped down from the role after Euro 2024Credit: GettyHowe’s response to links with the England job wasn’t quite a ‘take on me, take me on’ plea to the FA.The Newcastle boss insisted he has an ‘unwavering’ commitment to his club, that he is ‘happy’ on Tyneside, which is ‘the best place’ he could be.But then came the caveats.Asked if he would still be Newcastle manager at the start of the season, Howe replied: “As long as I’m happy in the position that I’m in.READ MORE ON SPORT“As long as I feel supported by the club and free to work in the way that I want to work, yes. That is the crucial thing.”This was not typical of Howe — usually extremely measured in media interviews — and it sounded like a prime example of a man speaking to two conflicting audiences simultaneously.There were hearts and flowers for the Toon Army — the self-styled ‘loyalest football supporters the world has ever seen’.But for the FA — who want an English successor to Gareth Southgate — it was also a major suggestion that Howe might be open to a move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowe has been unsettled by a summer of boardroom upheaval in Geordie Arabia — the arrival of sporting director Paul Mitchell and the departures of Amanda Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, who had provided the key link between Howe and his Saudi paymasters.There are also Profit and Sustainability restraints, which mean Newcastle’s inevitable rise to the Premier League summit is likely to be a long-term project.Footage resurfaces of what Eddie Howe said about England job as he is tipped to succeed Gareth SouthgateSouthgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. But this was still a bold public statement to make for a man who has just failed to qualify for Europe at the club with the  richest owners in world football.Howe ought not to be in a position to call any shots — and he surely wouldn’t be doing so if there wasn’t an England job that’s probably his for the taking.Last week, SunSport revealed Howe had stated his long-term ambition to manage England in an interview conducted before Southgate’s resignation.And the fact that Howe clearly holds some interest in succeeding the outgoing Three Lions chief is a huge compliment to Southgate.Because eight years ago, this wasn’t a job the boss of a filthy-rich top-flight club would have regarded as any sort of step up.Especially given that Howe would have to take a hefty pay cut if he were to leave Newcastle for England.Not since the launch of the Premier League has the national team been truly regarded as  ‘bigger’ than the biggest clubs.Although, admittedly, there have been fewer Englishmen operating at top clubs over these past three decades.It’s 42 years since Bobby  Robson and Brian Clough duked it out to succeed Ron Greenwood — and Clough, a two-time European Cup-winning genius, was left unfulfilled by never having managed his national team.Southgate has raised the status of the England job back to those levels by leading his team to two Euros finals, a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final, and by changing the national-team environment.The FA are right to prefer an English  successor and, given  Howe is pretty much the only English candidate whose Prem record must be regarded as an overall success, he is the best man for the job.While his Newcastle predecessor, Steve Bruce, referred to Howe as ‘the fella who got Bournemouth relegated’, he had previously guided the Cherries from the Football League basement to the top flight, then led Toon to the Champions League in his first full season at the North East club.Howe possesses many of Southgate’s better qualities — a good man-manager and an able media communicator — but also a tendency for the more positive footballing approach which England will need if they are to finally win a trophy.Some in the FA had hoped  Howe would part ways with Newcastle at the end of last season, avoiding the need to pay compensation to the Saudis.But the positives far outweigh the negatives when it comes to Howe’s candidacy.Even if the dressing-room playlist might still not be an easy listen.TEE ‘N A FAGDan Brown finished joint 10th at The Open – and enjoyed a smoke along the waySMOKING isn’t big or clever but plenty of sportsmen — and many more managers and coaches — still do it. Although only privately.So it was amusing, and strangely heartening, to see English debutant Dan Brown leading The Open with an oily rag on the go while standing on the tee at Royal Troon.Darts and snooker stars used to puff away while playing and there were plenty of elite football bosses — including World Cup winners Cesar Luis Menotti and Marcello Lippi — who used to light up in the dugout.Meanwhile, cigarette companies would sponsor F1 teams and several major sporting events.But now golf is pretty much the only major sport where smoking on the go is still vaguely acceptable.A major boon for all those treated as social pariahs due to unfashionable addictions.RAY HAD ALL FANS ALL SHOOK UPRay Reardon mentored Ronnie O’SullivanCredit: ReutersIT’S easy to forget just how famous leading snooker players were in the 80s.On a childhood holiday, I watched Ray Reardon play at Butlins in Barry Island and it felt like watching an Elvis residency in Las Vegas.Reading obituaries to the legendary Welsh cueman — who has died aged 91 — reminded us of a life far more varied than those of most sportsmen.Reardon was not just a six-time world champion, and mentor to  Ronnie O’Sullivan, but a man who defied death in both of his previous careers as a coal miner and a policeman.He was also a better entertainer than any holiday camp Redcoat.SHO FAITHShoaib Bashir took five wickets as England beat West IndiesCredit: ReutersTHERE was a Test match to be won at Trent Bridge on Sunday and — in the fourth innings, when the pressure is always on a front-line spinner — Shoaib Bashir went and won it for England.The 20-year-old off-spinner isn’t even first-choice for his county Somerset.But after decimating the West Indies at Nottingham, he has three five-wicket hauls in his first five Tests.If England are to have any chance of regaining The Ashes in Australia 18 months from now, the continued progression of Bashir will be crucial.READ MORE SUN STORIESPAR BLIMEYParis is hosting the Olympics this weekCredit: GettyTHE Olympic Games are always a joyous opportunity to showcase some weird and wonderful sports — and stop us from obsessing about football for a fortnight or so.But the best thing about boarding a Eurostar and travelling to watch the Paris Olympics live and in person will be not having to view wall-to-wall cheerleading TV coverage on the BBC.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out. 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      Listen to Anthony Joshua’s brutal voicenote to Carl Froch after Brit boxers’ public fallout

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA sent Carl Froch have been involved in a very public, very bitter public row – and now you can listen to AJ’s brutal voice note to his rival.The two were once friends and training partners at Team GB’s Sheffield HQ. Carl Froch played out a voicenote sent from Anthony JoshuaCredit: YouTubeJoshua and Froch were locked in a feudCredit: GettyBut in retirement, Froch has become an outspoken pundit not afraid to criticise the likes of AJ and Tyson Fury. Joshua and Froch then went back-and-forth with WhatsApp messages at the peak of their feud.But things look to have cooled down as AJ sent in a question for Froch on his YouTube channel – despite aiming a dig.Joshua said: “What’s happening? How’s your week going? How’s your podcast going? READ MORE IN BOXING”Quick question – when you boxed Jean Pascal for your first world title in Nottingham, Tyson Fury actually made his pro debut on that card, you fought for a vacant title right?“So you didn’t beat a champion. What do you feel about that? Do you feel that you was regarded a champion because you fought for a vacant one? “So the title not being there, it would have just been a normal fight. But they threw a title in the air and you became champion.“You didn’t beat a champion, to become champion if you get what I mean. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Do you feel like that win is, not irrelevant, but it’s not highly regarded the same as if you was to have gone and beat a world champion? How do you feel about that fight with Jean Pascal?”Froch beat Pascal for the vacant WBC super-middleweight title after Joe Calzaghe moved up to light-heavyweight. Carl Froch adds fuel to fire of Anthony Joshua feud with big claim and says Daniel Dubois fight could be his lastAnd in response to Joshua, he said: “Did I feel like world champion? I had the green and the gold belt. “When I woke up and saw the belt at the bottom of my bed in the morning, I felt like a world champion. “I know what he means. I didn’t beat the champion to become the champion. That’s probably why he conveniently didn’t ask about the IBF title.”Froch won the IBF belt in 2012 against Lucian Bute and later unified it with the WBA version against Mikkel Kessler. He retired in 2014 after knocking out George Groves in their rematch – famously in front of 80,000 at Wembley. It is the same stadium where Joshua, 34, returns on September 21 against Daniel Dubois, 26, in his challenge for the IBF title. I think he’s alright. I think we’re seeing eye-to-eye. We’ve had a good exchange of messages. Carl Froch on Anthony JoshuaAnd Froch, 47, revealed they are mending their relationship and teased a reunion. He said: “I think they all know. Anthony Joshua was the first question. He sent me a voicemail. “I think he’s alright. I think we’re seeing eye-to-eye. We’ve had a good exchange of messages. “For all you fanboys out there that are upset that we’ve played the voicenote ‘oh you shouldn’t be releasing private messages’. “Trust me, me and Anthony Joshua are OK. We’re both fighters. We’ve both shared the ring and we’ve shared same trainer and environment.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s got respect for me, I’ve got a lot of respect for him and I wish him all the best. “He actually said he’d be coming on the channel in the near future. He’s paying me lip service.”Joshua and Froch pictured in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Paris Olympics star Jalolov is next in line to heavyweight throne and so good he was gifted luxury BMW by boxing boss

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      BAKHODIR JALOLOV is the 6ft 7in horse-riding, gun-toting Uzbek southpaw tipped to top heavyweight boxing after the Paris Olympics.The 30-year-old leftie already has a winner’s medal from Tokyo 2020 and is the red-hot favourite to do the double in France.Bakhodir Jalolov won super-heavy Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020Jalolov was gifted a luxury BMW as a wedding gift by a Russian boxing bossAnd – in another embarrassment for struggling amateur boxing – he has been allowed to reach 14-0 in the pro ranks, knocking over all of the stiffs inside the distance.The scary stats impressed Russia’s International Boxing Association boss Umar Kremlev so much he sent Jalolov a luxury BMW – complete with bright red bow tied across the bonnet – as a December wedding gift..And the flashy gift from the controversial figure arrived with a whiff of ludicrous as it failed to blend in with the much more modest surroundings of Jalolov’s home.With 37-year-old undisputed king Oleksandr Usyk, 35-year-old rematch challenger Tyson Fury and 34-year-old former champ Anthony Joshua all approaching retirement, the throne will soon need a huge and super-talented backside to take over.Read more OLYMPICSAnd – even though 19-year-old Kent prodigy Moses Itauma has shown staggering early potential – giant Jalolov is earmarked to be the next monster success.Legendary Top Rank promoter Bob Arum revealed Paris was always part of the plan when the US powerhouse did their deal with the ace.The mastermind, who has played a pivotal role in the careers of icons from Muhammad Ali to Vasyl Lomachenko, explained to us: “When we signed Jalolov last year, his participation at the Paris Olympics was always part of the plan. “I have the utmost confidence that he will win another gold medal.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We plan on moving him very quickly after the Olympics. “He is a uniquely talent fighter, and I do not doubt that he’ll one day be a dominant heavyweight champion.Inside Muhammad Ali’s stunning former LA mansion up for sale“His combination of size and power from a southpaw stance doesn’t come around too often. “Every time I watch him fight, I am amazed by his composure and unique skill set.”The devout Muslim is multi-talented too, judging from the photos and clips from his star-studded Instagram account.Sandwiched between photos of Jalolov with Conor McGregor, Mike Tyson and Cristiano Ronaldo, are snapshots of his far-more pious personal life.The 18st hulk knows his way around a stable and can even mount and ride a giant horse, without either of them collapsing.I have the utmost confidence that he will win another gold medal.We plan on moving him very quickly after the Olympics.He can also bend a left-footed free-kick into the side netting from 25 yards so sweetly that – if he were English – Gareth Southgate would undoubtedly guarantee him three minutes off the bench in a pointless friendly.One Englishman who already rates Jalolov very highly is 2016 Olympic silver winner Joe Joyce, 38 – who beat the rising star in Rio.Jalolov has already been invited out to boxing hot bed Saudi Arabia and mixed with Cristiano RonaldoThe giant Uzbek southpaw has also met Mike TysonTeam GB hero Joe Joyce did beat Jalolov at the 2016 Rio GamesCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Putney Juggernaut – who was robbed of a gold by scandalous judging – told SunSport: “He was quite young back then and I felt I was in my prime, unstoppable.“It was a good fight, he tested me but I was ready and really ripping through people back then.“He was fresh back then and a tricky southpaw, but I was driving through anyone to get that gold medal.“That was eight years ago so he will have more experience and power and be even more difficult to beat.”Away from the ring and sport, Jalolov is a patriot too.Every January 14 he celebrates Uzbekistan’s military holiday by donning their combat fatigues.World title next yearBy Wally Downes JrBAKHODIR JALOLOV will get his world title shot in 2025.A second Olympic gold in Paris at the start of August will only strengthen his case but he already has most of boxing’s powerbrokers firmly in his corner.Heavyweight kingmaker Turki Alalshikh has already hosted the amateur star in Saudi Arabia and promoter Bob Arum knew he was dedicated to competing at the 2024 Games when he signed him last year, so the wheels are turning perfectly.Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will decide an IBF boss on September 21 and Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will settle their two-fight rivalry three months later.Then Jalolov will join in-form giants like Joseph Parker and Agit Kabayel – who have seriously impressed in the Middle East since its takeover – in competing for the four major titles that are bound to fragment.Brit prodigy Moses Itauma seems nailed on for the top too but Jalolov has over a decade of experience on him and two Olympic gold medals would definitely put him at the head of the mega-money queue.Saudi is hosting a US show on August 3 in Los Angeles – featuring Andy Ruiz, Martin Bakole and Jared Anderson – and an eye-catching win for one of those hulks will sling them in the mix too.But Jalolov – complete with his rare heavyweight stance, his size, amateur pedigree and power – will be the golden bloke of 2025.Read more from Wally Downes Jr.And in 2020 – to mark the May 9 Uzbek Memorial Day – he showed off his rifle handling skills flanked by soldiers.In Paris, if the form book is to be believed, Jalolov should meet Team GB’s hero Delicious Orie in a mouth-watering semi-final clash.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Russia-born Brit with the beautiful backstory will need to add another chapter to his tale to win, after suffering three 2024 defeats already.But it already promises to be a cracker as the Turkic cowboy targets one more gold mine before turning pro and hunting down belts to match his stirrups and reins. 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      Inside Lautaro Martinez’s Miami trip with bikini clad wife as fans go wild for model Agustina Gandolfo’s sizzling posts

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      LAUTARO MARTINEZ is living his best life on a well-deserved summer holiday.He’s been joined by his model wife Agustina Gandolfo and their holiday snaps have been sending fans wild.The couple are currently on holiday in Miami and hired out a luxury yachtCredit: INSTAGRAM@AUGUS.GANDOLFOThe Inter Milan hitman is now enjoying a well-earned holiday with his wife Agustina GandolfoCredit: INSTAGRAM@AUGUS.GANDOLFOAgus Gandolfo has over two million Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM@AGUS.GANDOLFOThe couple enjoyed a spot of jet skiing on the Atlantic OceanCredit: INSTAGRAM@AUGUS.GANDOLFOThe Inter Milan star was part of the Argentina side that lifted the Copa America trophy for a second tournament running earlier this month.Martinez played a pivotal role in La Albiceleste’s latest triumph, scoring five goals in six matches.That haul added to the glut of goals he scored for Inter last season, in which he found the back of the net 27 times in 44 appearances.The striker has well and truly earned his R&R time, which he’s spending with his wife Agustina.READ MORE ON WAGSThe couple, 26 and 29 respectively, are currently on holiday in Miami, Florida.Martinez and the love of his life have been making the most of Miami’s plush restaurants and amazing scenery.They even hired out a luxury yacht for the day to sail the Atlantic Ocean and were joined by Martinez’s basketball-playing brother Jano.No yacht trip on the ocean is complete without a spot of jet skiing, which the loved-up duo enjoyed and then some.Most read in FootballThe Martinezes documented their epic day out on their Instagram stories.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Martinezes were joined on holiday by their pals and Lautaro’s brother, JanoCredit: INSTAGRAM@AGUS.GANDOLFOThe couple have been happy to share their relationship with fansCredit: Instagram / @agus.gandolfoAgustina is his biggest supporterShe has 1.6million followersAnd they ended the day by sharing matching posts of them smooching on the yacht.Lautaro’s accompanying caption read: “My life!!! I love you.”Lautaro Martinez celebrates into the night after Inter victory on the Serie AAgustina shared a snap of herself in a blue bikini on the beach which the model’s 1.6million followers couldn’t get enough of. She is arguably as popular as her husband, with previous photos posted on social media jokingly labelled “illegal” by fans.The couple have two children together – Nina, three, and Theo, who was born in August.Martinez’s impressive displays for Inter over the last few years have caught the eye of several teams, including Premier League big boys Chelsea.But Inter have tied down the Argentine to a bumper new deal at the San Siro.Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta told Sky Sport Italia: “It’s all done, he already signed the paperwork.”But we want to make it official when he has returned from his vacation.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMartinez’s new contract with the Nerazzuri is said to run until the summer of 2029. And reports claim it will see him take home a cool £7.5million a season.Lautaro Martinez played a big role in Argentina’s Copa America triumph this monthCredit: REUTERS More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Perry’s stunning rise from fighting in the streets to working as a weed whacker in prison and now boxing Jake Paul

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      SITTING in a prison cell after a botched robbery – Mike Perry’s prospects in life looked bleak. But after serving his time and turning to a career in professional fighting, Perry has completed a complete life turnaround. Mike Perry has had a stunning life turnaroundCredit: Instagram / platinummikeperryHe went from prison to prizefighterCredit: Instagram / platinummikeperryHe is the face of bare-knuckle boxingCredit: Instagram / bareknucklefcThe American was raised in Michigan, were racial tensions were high in Perry’s predominantly black neighborhood. It meant Perry was brawling in the streets way before he was being paid to do so as a profession. “I’ve always been a fighter. Being born in Flint, Michigan, we got great fighters from that area,” Perry told SunSport. “And, I ain’t gonna front being a white boy, having to defend yourself, just hazing in school between the boys.“Guys were strong already and at a young age, I remember guys being 6ft tall with beards in middle school, dunking the basketball and that went around all the sports, football, basketball, boxing, wrestling.” Perry discovered his talent for throwing hands well before picking up prizefighting paydays. “I always just had a knack for physicality,” he said. “I was strong, I was short, I was low to the ground and it took me a long time to realise that I had those abilities. I didn’t know.Most read in Boxing“And then I’ve been coached a lot, had lots of different trainings in my life.“It’s just something that I’ve had in my back pocket and that if I get mad or angry, I can fight, I can fight out of anything.” Sadly, it did not take long for trouble to find Perry. In 2011, aged just 19, Perry and a pair of accomplices drove to a home with the intention of committing armed burglary. But it was botched as the homeowner was in – although police happened to be scoping the area and caught the trio red-handed.Perry was sentenced to two years house arrest and probation – but he was later jailed after violating his terms. He finished the rest of his sentence incarcerated – but it kickstarted the turnaround his life needed. “I did learn a lot from it,” he admitted. “It was like a strict boarding school and you’re in there with a bunch of other guys who can’t get their s*** together either and you got nothing in there but time to get your s*** together.” Perry would spend time in the jail house gym or doing his own makeshift workouts in his cell when he was not working. “I had a job, I went to two different jails without leaving jail,” he said.”They transferred me a couple of times and I worked in the kitchen at one, so I could eat more.“It’s like you worked for just for food, for extra food in there. And then at the other one, I worked road crew where we got to leave and I weed whacked.”When Perry was released he got a job at a UFC gym teaching kickboxing classes while having a few amateur MMA fights. He made his MMA debut in 2014 and in just two years and seven bouts he was signed by the UFC. “I started making jumps and leaps and in the pros and in a short amount of time,” he said.”I think two years, I had seven knockouts in under the third round.“I hadn’t even been to the third round and then I got to the UFC and knocked out a couple more.”It was like a strict boarding school and you’re in there with a bunch of other guys who can’t get their s*** together either and you got nothing in there but time to get your s*** together.Mike Perry on his prison time Perry would go on to become a cult hero in the UFC, beloved for his toughness and all-action style. He spent five years in the UFC before leaving in 2021 to find his true calling. Perry signed a deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and became the face of the brand thanks to his gritty style. He is 5-0 with exposed fists having knocked off some of MMA tops stars of recent years. And after years of callouts, Perry has finally landed his dream fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Paul, 27, was due to face Mike Tyson until the boxing icon, 58, withdrew amid a health scare. So Perry – three years after sparring Paul in Miami – finally gets his crack at the 9-1 social media sensation. And he promised that Paul will not hear the scheduled eighth and final round. “My prediction for the fight, I think I’m gonna get in there, I’m gonna showcase my skills,” he said. READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m probably gonna hit Jake pretty hard throughout the fight early on, second round, third round, fourth round.“And then I’m thinking I can stop him in the seventh. I’m looking to stop him, I’m looking to hit him hard with significant strikes and stop him before the end of the fight.” More

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      Meet Brit boxing’s best social media star who coached in the Maldives and has Snoop Dogg and Sugar Ray Leonard as fans

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      DAN MORLEY – British boxing’s best social media star – is back with a bang.The 28-year-old Epsom welterweight clocked up a modest 8-0 record on the small-hall circuit between 2018 and 2022, to little fanfare.Dan Morley launched his comeback with a perfect liver shot knockoutCredit: RexMorley is now hoping to get a British title shotCredit: Boxing TunesThe 28-year-old coached out in the MaldivesCredit: Instagram @danmorleyboxingHe coached Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown during his time thereCredit: Instagram @danmorley97And a disillusionment with the frustrating sport, combined with the covid pandemic that crippled it, put him on the sidelines for two years and bedridden at mum’s house.In that time though, the self-taught video whizz started creating brilliant boxing clips and biographies on some of history’s greatest boxers.This has earned follows and friendships from superstars from Sugar Ray Leonard, to Carl Froch and even Jackass legend Johnny Knoxville and music legend Snoop Dogg.Morley’s TikTok and Instagram accounts grew to over 500,000 followers and he was invited to teach the sport he loves in paradise hotels in Switzerland and the MaldivesRead more BoxingAnd on July 6 the newly empowered puncher won his comeback with a beautiful body shot in the opening round and he already has another September date secured as promoters who previously overlooked him now chase his signature.The entrepreneur sat down with SunSport to explain his rapid rise from the obscurity of his barber’s chair to his mum’s spare sickbed to a couple of star-studded profiles.“I started during Covid when my barber told me to start a TikTok account,” he told SunSport.“I couldn’t be a**ed with it at first but then I started doing a few about myself and my training but that stuff doesn’t stand out and nothing happened.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMorley also spent time coaching and training in SwitzerlandCredit: Instagram @danmorley97Morley is ready to cause a ripple in the boxing world after conquering social mediaCredit: Boxing TunesEpsom welterweight Dan Morley is a TikTok and Instagram whizzCredit: Rex“But then I caught Covid and was in bed at my mum’s and I asked her if she thought people would be interested in the Cuban style of boxing.“She said ‘probably not’ but I did it anyway and it got about 250,000 views and then the TikTok grew.Brit boxer Dan Morley delivers stunning liver shot KOBoxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard is one of Morley’s social media followersCredit: GettyMusic legend Snoop Dogg is also a big Morley fanCredit: Reuters“Since then a few crazy things have happened, like a friendship with Johnny Knoxville, which is mad, Sugar Ray Leonard follows the account and Carl Froch has sent me messages. It’s amazing and a big confidence booster.“When I was first boxing these big names weren’t paying attention and now they are, for my boxing knowledge.”Too many boxing promoters and broadcasters flogged themselves to the social-media-influencer world at the start of the digital craze and we have seen some thoroughly dismal acts and ‘fights’.Thankfully the sport now seems to be pulling away from the fame-desperate circus act it helped kickstart around 2018 when Watford showman KSI danced with American entertainer Logan Paul in Manchester.But it means a bonafide throwback fighter and boxing fan like Morley has been cautious about using the platforms to boost his well-deserved popularity.Morley’s mum told him nobody would watch his Cuban boxing clip – then 250,000 didCredit: RexHe explained: “I was cautious because it is not my nature to sell-out or make a spectacle of myself.“I had a plan to build my following but I had to do it in the right way, which would benefit me but also help people.“I am not very good on phones, my friends get the hump when I take two days to reply to a message.“I am no good at technology but I taught myself all that and learned how to edit up to four good videos a day.“I had to learn how to clip things probably, merge things together but also learn how to not rip anybody else’s footage off.“In my 18 months out I did over 2,000 posts so I put the work in and have hopefully deserved the following.”Morley teaches boxing in stunning spots in Switzerland and Maldives but can’t switch offCredit: RexMorley’s accounts are must-follow content for fellow boxing nerds, sports fans and even history buffs.And he hopes that the modern tools at his disposal help him teach Generation Z about the incredible and criminally underrated men who paved the way for glitz-and-glamour version of the sport we see today.“I have read every book I can find and I am a proper nerd about it,” he laughed.“I want people to know that Harry Greb lost ONCE in 100 fights and went 45-0 in one year – all while being BLIND in one eye.“Some of these feats are so amazing.“Henry Armstrong won 59 of 61 fights in three years – through SEVEN weight divisions.“People rave about Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson – and rightly so because they are amazing fighters – but it wrongly feels like people think they are the only boxers who ever walked the earth.”I was cautious because it is not my nature to sell-out or make a spectacle of myself.Dan MorleyMorley now has a following that some British world champions would be proud of – or even have their PR people pay for.The pugilism media pioneer has a podcast and book ideas and has been wisely used by Wasserman to present some of their Channel 5 shows.So why on earth is he back in the back in the gym, punishing and starving himself, sparring hundreds of unpaid rounds and risking his life?“I love boxing,” he said. “I took a break from it and that told me how much I love it.“I have goals that I want to achieve, the social media stuff is all-well-and-good but I have not fulfilled my potential.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I built my social media in a way that allows me to do it as a passion, it doesn’t feel like a cringey way of doing things.“I have the followers that I needed and now I love it.”MORLEY AND THE MALDIVESBy Kealan HughesBRIT boxer brushed shoulders with ex-England rugby stars Jason Robinson and Ben Cohen, as well as fitness guru Joe Wicks.Morley even trained members of the Qatar royal family and a then 15-year-old Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things fame on the Maldives island of Huvafen Fushi where he stayed in hotel rooms costing £60,000 a night.Time away from the spotlight gave Morley a much-needed break both physically and mentally and he got his love back for boxing, sharing his knowledge first-hand and online.He quickly began to build his fanbase and now boasts 400,000 fans across his social media platforms, including Snoop Dogg, Sugar Ray Leonard and Johnny Knoxville, who recently appeared on his podcast. 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