More stories

  • in

    KSI’s sparring partner says he snubbed Love Island return to focus on Misfits Boxing and reveals how hard YouTuber hits

    IDRIS VIRGO turned down a return to Love Island to focus on Misfits Boxing and continue training with KSI. Virgo entered the ITV villa in 2018 as an undefeated boxer and now has a professional record of 12 wins with one draw. Idris Virgo turned down a return to Love IslandCredit: Rex FeaturesVirgo is focusing on Misfits Boxing fightsCredit: GettyBut more recently, he has focused on the celebrity-style crossover bouts with Misfits Boxing – headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI. Virgo’s next fight is against Ty Mitchell – Tyson Fury’s former sparring partner – on April 12 in Leeds. And he had to reject a return to Love Island on this year’s All Stars show to commit himself to the bout. Virgo, 31, told SunSport: “I could have taken the chance to risk going on the show and come out for this fight.READ MORE IN BOXING”But it’s too much, so I thought I’d kick it to the can. Oh, it is 100 per cent a tough decision because Love Island’s my root, that’s the reason why I’m standing here today.”I got what I have because of Love Island, so it would have been good to go back on there, build my career, X, Y, Z, but sometimes you gotta take sacrifices and that’s one of my sacrifices.”I had to kick the can and train hard ready for this fight.”Virgo has relocated from Birmingham to the capital to train at London Shootfighters alongside KSI.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe two are regular training partners and Virgo said: “KSI is really good. People don’t understand how good he is. “I believe KSI is on, say British come European kind of level if you wanna talk about pro ranks.KSI lifts lid on meeting with Turki Alalshikh and teases fight talks… but blasts Jake Paul as ‘disgrace to boxing’ “Some people are thinking, well, this guy’s chatting rubbish, but he’s really good, honestly. “He’s got power in his right hand, got good movement, good cardio, now he’s picking up boxing IQ, the guy’s got everything.”KSI, 31, has not returned since defeat to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023 which was his first loss in the ring. Virgo was KSI’s main sparring partner for the camp and was left with a sore head after their final session. He revealed: “The guy hit so hard when he was training for the Tommy Fury fight, I was his last spar.”I got into that ring, sparred him, he hit me so hard I went home and I put a bet on for a knockout.”That’s how hard he hits. He hits like a truck. Leaves me headaches 100 per cent.””He’s got power in his right hand, got good movement, good cardio, now he’s picking up boxing IQ, the guy’s got everything.Idris Virgo on KSI KSI faces 2-0 MMA star Dillon Danis, 29, in his comeback bout on March 29 in Manchester. And Virgo predicted: “He’s gonna show people his boxing IQ in this fight.”I do believe he’ll probably knock Dillon Danis out in either the third or fourth round. “It’s just gonna show people what he’s learnt from Shootfighters.”KSI was recently pictured with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh – and Virgo believes he is the man to finally make the Jake Paul grudge match.He said: “JJ wants that fight, it’s Jake Paul being a coward, being a duck who’s ducking.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If they can have the fight in the car park, they have the fight in the car park, you know what I mean? “Hopefully Turki can make it happen, you never know.”KSI and Virgo are training partnersCredit: @idrisvirgo More

  • in

    Love Island’s Curtis Pritchard ready to follow Tommy Fury into boxing ring and says he could train with a British legend

    CURTIS PRITCHARD is ready to follow Love Island pal Tommy Fury into the Misfits Boxing ring. The likes of Fury and Idris Virgo have both featured on the hit ITV show before and after making waves in the sport. Curtis Pritchard is ready to follow Love Island pal Tommy Fury into the Misfits Boxing ringCredit: Rex FeaturesAnd more recently, the unbeaten pair signed to Misfits – the home of celebrity-style crossover bouts headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI. And now professional dancer Pritchard – who was once trained by Fury – fancies his chances in the ring. He told SunSport: “I’ve always been into fighting and boxing and all of that stuff so it’s something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid. “But dancing was my main career at the time and you couldn’t balance when you’re doing it at a very high level.READ MORE IN boxing “So I feel like now I’m at a different place in my life and I thought, let’s do some boxing. Let’s do something I’ve always wanted to do and get in the ring.”Pritchard, 29, has laced up the gloves before with the help of Fury, 25 for a series called The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer. Fury was taught how to dance for a live performance and Pritchard was coached for a white collar bout – which he won on points. And Pritchard said: “The boxer and ballroom dancer! Trained him up to a dancing competition, they trained me up to do a boxing match, loved it, sick little thing that was.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The only downside was it was a white collar fight, so we had all the headgear on and stuff, and I just feel like it distracts you slightly.”You have to move more with that on, so I would have preferred to have done it without it, but I would say it’s easier with the head guard on, so it’d be nice to try it without it on.”Love Island’s Curtis takes savage swipe at Ekin-Su’s ex Davide and offers him boxing match for ‘not treating her well’Pritchard’s friendship with Fury strained over the years but he still keeps in contact with British boxing legend Ricky Hatton after their sessions for the series. He said: “I’ve done some boxing with him before many years ago, so I can always turn to them and ask them for advice.”Lovely people up in Manchester because that’s my hometown area of Cheshire.”Pritchard has teased a bout against Davide Sanclimenti, 30, the ex of his current girlfriend Ekin-Su Culculoglu.But pressed on opponents, Pritchard said: “All things to be thinking about and in the pipeline at the minute. “But I actually did my first little session earlier today.”Pritchard met Ekin-Su on the latest series of Love Island All Stars. READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile Fury last year split up with Molly-Mae Hague despite rumours of a recent rekindling. The 10-0 boxer last fought in October 2023, beating KSI via controversial decision but he pulled out of facing Darren Till, 31, in January. Pritchard won his first boxing march for an ITV showCredit: ITV/YouTube More

  • in

    Jake Paul reveals Tommy Fury is harder puncher than Mike Tyson but brands Love Island star ‘an airhead’

    JAKE PAUL revealed Tommy Fury punched harder than Mike Tyson – but aimed a dig at his boxing rival. Fury became the first and so far only to defeat YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul – winning their celebrity grudge match in 2023. Jake Paul revealed Tommy Fury punched harder than Mike TysonCredit: AFPTommy Fury beat Jake Paul in 2023Credit: GettyPaul has won five times since then – most recently against returning heavyweight great Tyson. And the 11-1 American said it was Fury who hit harder than Iron Mike and ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley – who he twice beat. Paul said on the All The Smoke Fight podcast: “Probably Tommy. I think more so his timing, right?”I think timing is more important than anything. Like, Tyson was strong, Mike Tyson was strong, but Tommy had better timing and placement of punches.”READ MORE IN BOXINGPaul, 28, beat Tyson, 58, over eight shorter two minute rounds with over 100 MILLION tuning in to watch on Netflix. But 2019 Love Island star Fury was originally offered the bout – only to turn down the $8million (£6.4m) deal. And Paul pointed the blame at Fury’s dad and coach John. He said: “He was supposed to be the original person on Netflix and he thought he was worth more money. His ‘dadager’ is a f***ing idiot.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s bad and I feel bad. He is somewhat of an airhead and he’s listening to his father who is also an airhead. “And so, he’s going to turn down the biggest payday of his life, the most viewed fight of his life and just ego. It’s just typical boxing.”Jake Paul ‘has agreement to fight P4P great Canelo Alvarez in May’ but fans all fear what it means Fury, 25, has boxed just once since victory over Paul, beating KSI, 31, in a controversial decision in October 2023. He then underwent hand surgery and was due to return in January against ex-UFC star Darren Till. But Fury pulled out after Till threatened to KICK him in the head.Tommy Fury pulled out of fighting Darren TillCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    England’s Luke Shaw shrugs off backlash to leaked TikTok with Molly-Mae as pals drank £200 tequila at New Year party

    ENGLAND footballer Luke Shaw has shrugged off backlash over miming “your mum’s on benefits” for a TikTok trend – despite being paid £150,00 a week while injured, according to a pal.The 29-year-old came under fire for starring in the clip with his partner Anouska Santos’s close pal Molly-Mae Hague at a New Year’s Eve bash where friends drank shots from a £200 bottle of tequila.Injured footballer Luke Shaw was slammed over a TikTok videoCredit: TikTok @alishalemayMolly-Mae Hague is close friends with the footballer’s missusCredit: InstagramAnouska with partner LukeCredit: Instagram / @anouskasantosThe controversial video was met with anger from fans who said it made them “sick in their mouth” after the player’s lengthy spell on the sidelines.But those close to the Manchester United defender say he’s “grown a thick skin” in response to online hate – and his focus remains on getting match fit.One pal told us: “Luke Shaw is used to the backlash he gets on a daily basis and often has people joking around with him about the fact he gets paid more for being off the pitch than he does on the pitch as he’s always injured.”Even though the TikTok video was filmed at a private gathering, it ended up going viral, but Luke didn’t have a problem with it.READ MORE ON LUKE SHAW”To him, it was just a bit of light-hearted fun.”He’s so used to the abuse he doesn’t let it bother him.”That night everyone was in the mood to party and had a great night- with some drinking Class Azul Reposado – a really expensive tequila that’s a favourite with footballers at the moment.”The TikTok was filmed to the trending music, Mugshot Freestyle (The Northern Boys Remix).Most read in FootballIt was shot the same night as a video of Molly-Mae kissing her ex Tommy Fury was leaked to The Sun.The Sun has reached out to his rep for comment.Molly Mae & Tommy Fury KISS in NYE video sparking rumours they’re back together after cheat scandalShaw has played just 98 minutes in 20 games so far this season – with the club sitting at 13th in the Premier League.Man Utd insiders say he’s working hard to make a speedy return to full fitness after posting an emotional message to fans about suffering a setback.”I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time,” he said on Instagram.”I understand there is going to be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all of that. There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time..”But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season.”The 29-year-old shares three children, Reign, Storie and Lumie with his long-term partner Anouska – who’s been one of Molly-Mae’s “rocks” in her inner circle of friends since her split from Tommy.Shaw signed for Man Utd in 2014 for a then world-record £30million transfer fee.Molly-Mae snogged ex Tommy Fury on New Year’s Eve at Luke Shaw’s partyCredit: SuppliedShaw with his partner and two of their three childrenCredit: INSTAGRAM @anouskasantos More

  • in

    Fresh blow to Marcus Rashford as Man Utd ace is DUMPED by girlfriend who is set to go on Love Island All Stars

    MARCUS Rashford’s Love Islander girlfriend has dumped him — ahead of her speedy return to the villa in the new year.The Sun on Sunday last month revealed the Man Utd star, 25, had gone on dates with Grace Jackson, also 25, who was on this year’s series of the ITV show.Love Islander Grace Jackson has dumped her Man Utd ace boyfriendCredit: GettyManchester United’s Marcus Rashford had gone on dates with GraceCredit: GettyA source revealed: “Grace realised that Marcus wasn’t serious about her and has unfollowed him on Instagram.“She realised there was no future so she has decided to cut ties.“When the opportunity arose to take part in Love Island All Stars this winter Grace jumped at the chance, she is still young in her career and is keen to maximise the exposure to help with her modelling work and net campaign deals.“If she finds love on the show that’s a bonus, especially since she didn’t meet a suitable match in the summer.READ MORE ON MARCUS RASHFORD“As far as she is concerned it’s Marcus’ loss, she is putting her best foot forward and can’t wait to enjoy some winter sun in gloomy January.”Marcus had previously been in a long-term relationship with childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi before they split last year.In August, former shop worker Grace, who has amassed 594,000 followers on Instagram since leaving the villa, landed a six-figure deal with fashion and shoe brand EGO.An ITV spokeswoman said: “Any names suggested are speculation until our line-up is officially announced.”Most read in FootballMarcus, who has won 60 senior international caps for England, was dropped from the Manchester derby facing bitter rivals City last weekend and hinted last week that he is ready to leave Old Trafford.Speaking at a visit to his old primary school, Button Lane, in Manchester, to hand out Christmas presents, he said: “I think I’m ready for a new challenge.”The model has gathered a huge social media followingCredit: InstagramGrace has nearly 600,000 Instagram followersCredit: instagramHer snaps routinely receive more than 20,000 likesCredit: InstagramGrace was reportedly ‘smitten’ with Marcus before their splitCredit: instagramGrace reveals what really happened between her and Joey before Love Island villa More

  • in

    Jake Paul drags Molly-Mae into row with ‘muppet’ Tommy Fury after Love Island star calls out YouTuber for rematch

    JAKE PAUL blasted Tommy Fury as a “muppet” and dragged Molly-Mae Hague into their war-of-words amid speculation of a rematch. Fury became the first and so far only fighter to beat YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul following his split-decision win in Saudi Arabia in February 2023. Jake Paul as blasted Tommy Fury as a ‘muppet’Credit: SportsfileTommy Fury called out Jake Paul for a rematchCredit: RexMolly-Mae Hague has been dragged into the feudCredit: SplashAnd the celebrity fight rivals have continued to feud building towards a lucrative second bout between them. Paul, 27, recently claimed in a now-deleted social media post that Fury, 25, turned down $8million (£6.2m) to rematch. But the 2019 Love Islander – who recently pulled out of facing ex-UFC star Darren Till – hit back on Instagram. Fury said: “So I just woke up and I saw Logan Paul talking on his podcast about how I don’t want to fight Jake and that I’m running scared. READ MORE IN BOXING”I saw Jake tweet the other day about how he offered me XYZ on Netflix. I just wanted to come on here and say no-one’s running from that fight.”I beat you once already, I handed you your first loss. The minute you stepped up and fought a real boxer you lost, fair and square.”I can give you a second loss, that’s not a problem but let’s talk some serious numbers down the phone.”If you want to get in touch you know where I am. It’s as easy as that.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I can come back after a year and beat the pair of you so at the end of the day if you want to fight let’s talk some serious numbers, you know where I am”If you want to get in touch you know where I am. It’s as easy as that.Tyson Fury’s dad John calls out Logan Paul for fight on undercard if Tommy and Jake Paul rematch”I can come back after a year and beat the pair of you so at the end of the day if you want to fight let’s talk some serious numbers, you know where I am.” Paul has won five times since his sole boxing loss, most recently on points over eight round against 58-year-old Mike Tyson. Fury meanwhile beat Paul’s arch rival KSI, 31, on points in October 2023 but has not returned yet since amid a hand injury. He was due to on January 18 in Manchester against Till, 31, but withdrew after the MMA fighter made threats to KICK him in the bout. Responding to Fury’s video, Paul posted: “What an absolute muppet. Buddy you just pulled out of a fight for the 3rd time. You have ZERO credibility.”I offered you $8M dollars and you ran away from it. And now you got dumped by Molly, getting sued by DAZN and still can’t call a shot without your dad.” I can give you a second loss, that’s not a problem but let’s talk some serious numbers down the phone.Tommy Fury to Jake PaulSunSport understands Fury is not facing legal action from DAZN and the pay-per-view fight with Till does still remain on. Fury said in reply: “I’ve got plenty of credibility pal, beat both you and that other mug inside 9 months.”No matter what you do, you’ve always got that loss to me. I’ll always be your boss, you can’t change anything.”You’re just not good enough.” Paul responded: “Is that what you said to Molly mae when she left your dirty ass, “pal”.” READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Fury, who split with Molly-Mae this year, wrote: “Resorting to my personal life when you haven’t got a clue, instead of discussing boxing.”I must really be living in your head rent free since I beat you. The fear of another L is real…” Jake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury in 2023Credit: GETTY More

  • in

    ‘More pullouts than a dodgy plumber’: Darren Till launches brutal swipe at Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae after fight KO’d

    DARREN TILL fired a brutal swipe at Tommy Fury for pulling out of their fight – and dragged Molly-Mae Hague into the war of words.The pair were due to headline Misfits 20 on January 18 in Manchester live on DAZN PPV.Darren Till fired a brutal swipe at Tommy Fury for pulling out of their fightCredit: AlamyMolly-Mae Hague was dragged into the feudCredit: GettyAnd in the build-up to the bout, Till joked that he would KICK Fury in the head if he was losing the fight.So subsequently, Fury announced that he will no longer be fighting the ex-UFC star because of the threat.Till has launched stinging attacks on the former Love Islander in response – this time bringing Fury’s ex-partner Molly-Mae into it. He said: “Hard to keep track of how often Tommy’s stepping aside these days.READ MORE IN BOXING”He’s got more pull-outs than a dodgy plumber — even Molly-Mae’s had enough with his constant leaks.“Last time I saw someone bail this much, it was a taxi driver refusing fares. Molly-Mae probably just got fed up waiting for a fella who never turns up. “Tommy’s better at dodging commitments than dodging punches. Molly-Mae clearly sussed that out before he could miss another date as badly as he’s missed fight night. “It’s like Tommy’s allergic to showing up. If he bobbed and weaved like this in the ring, he’d never lose a round. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Molly-Mae was  just the first to call him out on it.”Fury was twice forced out of fighting YouTuber Jake Paul via injury and US visa issues – although he later went on to beat the American in 2023.Till, 31, has insisted he will remain on the card with the search for a new opponent ongoing.The likes of Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers, 37, who has had five boxing bouts, and ex-world champ Billy Joe Saunders, 35, called out Till. Fury, 25, also claimed he will still fight after revealing plans to withdraw from the bout and returned to training. Reality TV star, 37, and former world champion offer to replace Tommy Fury after pulling out of Darren Till fight More

  • in

    Tommy Fury seen for the first time after announcing that he has cancelled his fight against UFC fighter Darren Till

    TOMMY Fury has been seen for the first time after announcing that he has cancelled his boxing fight.The former Love Island star sensationally pulled the plug on his showdown with Darren Till. Tommy Fury has been seen for the first time since he pulled out of his boxing fightCredit: tommyfury5570/SnapchatThe boxer immediately got back in his brothers ringCredit: tommyfury5570/SnapchatTommy, 25, seemed to put the controversy behind him as he immediately got back in the ring. He donned a black vest and matching shorts as he rehearsed his moves in a new snapchat video. The younger brother of World Champion Tyson Fury made full use of his siblings personalised gym. His muscles were on full display as he weaved around the ring, practising his punching technique. READ MORE ON TOMMY FURYHe broke a sweat as he showed off a display of hooks, jabs and a furious set of uppercuts.This was after pulled out of the match just 19 Days after their huge Misfits event was announced to the world.He was due to come face-to-face against the former UFC welterweight title challenger in Manchester on January 18.He wrote a raging essay to his fans on his Instagram stories as he explained why he withdrew from the boutMost read in BoxingThe former reality star wrote: “For the one simple reason being that Darren has stated over and over that he does not want to abide by professional boxing rules.”And that if he is losing the fight he will resort to kicking and other stupid MMA tactics.Reality TV star, 37, and former world champion offer to replace Tommy Fury after pulling out of Darren Till fight”I am a professional boxer, I have been out of the ring for over a year and I wanted this to be a great BOXING fight for the fans.”I have wasted weeks in training camp. We are working hard to get a new opponent and date.”I promise to get a better opponent and better fight for you guys. Good news around the corner.”However, Till’s team previously insisted he will remain on the card as new opponent will be lined up.Several names that have been put forward include Geordie Shore’s Aaron Chalmers, 37, who was 5-2 record in MMA and has had five boxing bouts.The reality star exclaimed: “Tommy Fury has absolutely s*** his pants to fight Darren Till.”Till’s put it on him and his dad at the press conference and they’ve f***ing s*** themselves saying he’s gonna head kick him.”Here it is, I was in negotiations to fight Darren Till in December until Tommy came along and he’s obviously went with the Tommy Fury fight.”Tommy has now s*** his pants, so I was game to fight Darren in December, January, February, so I will happily step in and take Tommy Fury’s place and fight Darren Till.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He can happily throw head kicks at me because he’ll get one straight back. No danger whatsoever, so there you go.”Tommy sensationally pulled out of his fight with Darren Till, just 19 days after it was announcedCredit: AlamyHe practised a range of punching techniques as he weaved around the ringCredit: tommyfury5570/SnapchatTommy’s muscles were on full display as he flaunted his movesCredit: tommyfury5570/SnapchatIn his essay to his fans on social media, he said he wanted to abide by boxing rulesCredit: tommyfury5570/SnapchatTommy claimed his opponent (pictured) wanted to use ‘stupid MMA tactics’Credit: AlamyTommy claimed he is working hard to find a new opponent for a ‘better’ fightCredit: GettyAaron Chalmers (right) has offered to fight Darren instead of TommyCredit: EPA More