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    ‘It’s f***ing brutal’ – Dillon Danis reveals horror knee injury left him suicidal before turning his career around

    DILLON DANIS has opened up on how his horror knee injury left him in the darkest of places – and how boxing has been an unlikely source of light.The American shot to fame in 2016 after being hired by Conor McGregor as a jiu-jitsu training partner before the Irishman’s rematch win over Nate Diaz. Dillon Danis recovered after horror knee injuriesCredit: @dillondanisHe has turned it around to embark on a big-money boxing switchCredit: SplashDanis has since become a controversial and outspoken figure in fight sports after going 2-0 in MMA. But two agonising knee injuries suffered in training left him bed bound and depressed.Danis, 31, told SunSport: “It was terrible. F***ing terrible.”I mean, I don’t want to get too dark, but it does get a little suicidal because you can’t do what you love and you’re stuck in a bed in a brace, you can’t move for eight months.READ MORE IN BOXING”I had it twice, so yeah, it’s f***ing brutal. You don’t know if you’re ever gonna be the same again.”There’s a lot of s***, man, it’s one of the worst things that you can go through as an athlete.”Danis’ last fight in the cage was 2019 and he became more recognisable as an internet troll than professional fighter. And despite limited striking skills, Danis chased big-money boxing bouts against the likes of Jake Paul. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe pulled out of a 2023 fight against KSI before eventually facing Paul’s brother Logan in his boxing debut in 2023. Danis does now return to the ring once more to fight KSI on March 29 in Manchester – three years after their initial bout was axed. KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring And, the New Yorker also has an MMA return scheduled for May against ex-UFC star Tony Ferguson, 41. It is a sudden turn of events for the 31-year-old – who welcomed his son into the world one month before fighting Logan. Danis said: “I’m fine money-wise, it’s just more for my legacy in my career.”I wanna get back just fighting, that’s what I love to do. I have to do knee surgeries and now I’m more healthy. “So I just wanna be active, but obviously having a son is great, but you know, providing, but I have money, so it is what it is.”Danis was disqualified in the sixth and final round against Logan after attempting an MMA-style submission move. And he had no plans of ever getting back into the boxing ring – until a mega-money offer came in from old enemy KSI.Danis said: “I didn’t wanna box again, to be honest with you. Danis welcomed his son into the world in 2023Credit: @dillondanisDanis is out to provide for his boyCredit: @dillondanis”I want MMA but then this fight came around and it was KSI and redemption and there was a lot of things into it.”A lot of money, and you know me and KSI’s backstory, him being close to Logan.”So yeah, I mean it is what it is. I knew that KSI always needed me with this fight. I don’t need him. He needs me.”KSI is yet to return since suffering his first defeat in the ring, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, the night Danis fought Logan. And the British YouTuber-turned-boxer was left scrambling for an opponent after ex-Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge, 44, pulled out.That was after KSI made reference to Bridge’s infamous feud with former team-mate John Terry.So Danis was called in as a late replacement – offering him and KSI the chance to finish their feud once and for all. But Danis said: “I just feel like he’s not equal to me. I was saying he’s like a little brother to me, so I don’t know, I don’t really care about the guy.”I’m gonna knock him out and get my money and go and fight Tony. So it is what it is. It’s an easy boxing match.”He’s gonna run around for six rounds. I know how he is. I’m just happy to punch him in the face.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe bad blood between the two escalated on stage at the press conference when KSI slapped Danis with a PANCAKE. Danis had to be held back by a team of security as he desperately tried to get his hands on KSI – who wheeled off in laughter. KSI slapped Danis with a pancake at their press conferenceCredit: PA More

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    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

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    ‘He knows the consequences’ – KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring

    KSI revealed Dillon Danis risks heavy penalties if he tries any more MMA moves in the boxing ring. The rivals settle their score in the squared circle on March 29 in Manchester – three years after Danis pulled out of their original bout. KSI revealed Dillon Danis risks penalties if he tries anymore MMA moves in the ringCredit: PADillon Danis got disqualified for an MMA move on Logan PaulCredit: GettyDanis did make his boxing debut in October 2023 against Logan Paul but it ended in chaos when the jiu-jitsu champion got himself disqualified. The American attempted an MMA-style submission move in round six – sparking a mass brawl in the ring and his expulsion from the bout. But KSI – who lost to Tommy Fury on the same night – has come prepared to avoid a farcical repeat with the devil in the fine print details. He said: “We’ve put stuff in the contract. So yeah, I don’t think he’s gonna do anything stupid. READ MORE IN BOXING”I think he knows the consequences, I just know he’s screwed. I can’t wait to show what was meant to have happened, compared to what Logan did.”KSI has goaded Danis by claiming he only accepted the fight to afford the lawsuit launched by Paul’s fiancee Nina Agdal for online harassment. But Danis, acknowledging the contract stipulations, told SunSport: “They’re gonna take my check away if I choke him out. “So we’ll see if I need the money or not.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKSI – who trains at MMA gym London Shootfighters – is already anticipating some of Danis’ wild antics in the ring. He said: “I’m just more active. I just do more, I’m not a guy that throws one jab and then just gives him time to breathe.”I’m gonna be on him. I like to close a fight. I like to knock someone out. “I like to finish a fight, so yeah, I’m not gonna just give him time to breathe.”I’m going to be on him smothering him and making his life hell, to the point where he’s gonna be desperate and probably try to do some jiu-jitsu move.”Obviously, you know I’m in an MMA gym so I’m gonna see it coming and then use it to my advantage and knock him out.”KSI, 31, is yet to return since losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, his first boxing defeat. He was also forced to pull out of his August comeback bout due to a hand injury – which KSI has since recovered from. And the YouTuber-turned-boxer struggled to find an opponent for this fight claiming FIVE names turned him down. At one point, he even signed to face Wayne Bridge, 44, until the ex-Chelsea star pulled out after KSI referenced his infamous feud with John Terry. KSI – who slapped Danis with a pancake at their heated press conference – has faced criticism for his level of opposition.That is despite his training and managerial team also having a say on who he fights as Danis, 31, was drafted in as an emergency replacement. But KSI said: “It always comes down to me in terms of who I get to fight. Everyone has an opinion.”But I’m able to say the final say and they gave me Dillon Danis as the guy because we went through a load of people and it was getting to a point where it was like maybe there isn’t an event.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So we saw Dillon and I’ve wanted to knock this guy out. We’ve been going back and forth in DMs or publicly and I just I didn’t feel that Logan Paul did enough.”I didn’t think he did enough. He won, easily won the fight but I don’t want to just win the fight, I want to see him knocked out. I need to see him knocked out.”KSI slapped Danis with a pancakeCredit: PA More

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    I was more nervous to meet my girlfriend’s parents than I was to push BGT golden buzzer or for boxing fights, says KSI

    NOT EVEN fighting in front of thousands of people or being watched by millions on TV can make superstar KSI nervous. No, only meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time did that.KSI admits meeting his girlfriend’s parents was more nerve-wracking than boxingCredit: GettyKSI hitting the BGT golden buzzerCredit: ITVHe is a guest judge on the ITV showCredit: ITVThe social media influencer, rapper and boxer has lived more than half his life in the public eye after shooting to fame on YouTube. And his career climbed to new heights after being announced as a guest judge on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. KSI pushed his first golden buzzer to automatically send 29-year-old singer Stacey Leadbeatter into the semi-finals. But the new panelist reveals that decision – and boxing in front of sellout crowds – was nothing compared to first meeting his partner’s parents. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said: “What would I say is more nerve-wracking? I don’t know, meeting my girlfriend’s parents probably was a lot more nerve-wracking than those two events.”Yeah, definitely. Before that, I’m always like sweating and everything. Like I only get nervous when it comes to relationships.”In terms of fighting or in terms of pressing the golden buzzer or in terms of performing in front of thousands, I never get nervous because I just know what I need to do.”I’m prepared and I’m ready, whereas I guess with meeting someone’s parents, you never know what could happen.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite his celebrity fame, KSI keeps his girlfriend private and away from the public eye – but he cherishes the time they spend together. The 31-year-old might just have the most packed celebrity schedule of all time, squeezing in TV and charity appearances into his boxing training. KSI sparks carnage on press conference stage after slapping Dillon Danis with a PANCAKE ahead of boxing grudge fightKSI returns to the ring on March 29 in Manchester against old rival Dillon Danis – three years after the collapse of their original bout. By the time KSI laces up the gloves, he would have played in two charity football matches, in Qatar and the Sidemen match at Wembley. That is also after filming for BGT – but how does he fit it all in? KSI laughs and reveals: “Honestly, I don’t know, I just do it. That’s just how I am. I just make it work.”With the Sidemen match at Wembley Stadium, that’s gonna be insane, 90,000 people screaming.”I don’t even think I’m gonna be able to hear myself. I think that’s gonna be good. “I’m seeing it as like a training session, keeping fit, just running around, passing the ball, having a good time with my mates and raising a lot of money for charity.BGT stars Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, KSI and Bruno TonioliCredit: The Mega AgencyKSI poses with his fellow BGT judgesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/noholdenback/3479470000301991191/?hl=enKSI, pictured in the 2022 Sidemen match, will play in this year’s gameCredit: Alamy”During that, I’ve got like a couple shoots here and there, a couple bits here and there just that I need to do but I just make it work.”I find time to train, whether it’s me waking up early, just to find time to train, I do it. That’s just my mentality, that’s how I am.”KSI has not fought since October 2023 when he lost a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, his first defeat in the ring. He was then forced to cancel his August comeback bout after suffering a hand injury – which he has since recovered from. He also had a fight on his hands just to find an opponent after failing to strike a deal with up to FIVE different names. Even ex-Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge, 44, was bizarrely drafted in before promptly pulling out when KSI made reference to his infamous John Terry feud. It forced the KSI camp to go back over old ground and call upon Danis – a controversial MMA fighter known as Conor McGregor’s training partner. Logan Paul beat Dillon Danis in their 2023 fightCredit: PADanis was DQd for trying an MMA submissionCredit: AlamyIt sparked a mass brawl in the ringCredit: ReutersDanis, 31, pulled out of fighting KSI in January 2023 but made his boxing debut against Logan Paul, 29, last year. It ended in a farcical sixth-round disqualification after Danis attempted an MMA submission in the ring – sparking a mass brawl. The American attacked Paul’s fiancee Nina Agdal online before the bout and is still being sued by the Danish model. So KSI admits to hesitating when offering Danis another opportunity and payday – but vows to put the feud to bed once and for all.KSI, who slapped Danis with a pancake at their press conference, said: “He was the fourth, fifth choice. It’s not the first person I wanted to fight.”I think at the time, I was happy to fight him because when I was just coming back from boxing it made sense.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And now I guess it’s frustrating to have to platform him but you know there isn’t many options, there just isn’t many options.”So fair play for him saying yes, but I’m going to punish him for all the things he’s done to me.”KSI slapping Danis with a pancake ahead of their fightCredit: PA More

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    KSI sparks carnage on press conference stage after slapping Dillon Danis with a PANCAKE ahead of boxing grudge fight

    KSI slapped Dillon Danis with a PANCAKE to spark carnage at their pre-fight press conference. The two were originally set to meet in January 2023 but Danis pulled out – with the bad blood brewing ever since. KSI slapped Dillon Danis with a pancakeCredit: PAIt sparked carnage on stageCredit: PAAnd now they get to settle the score once and for all on March 29 in Manchester – but KSI threatened to start the fight early. As the two went face-to-face, the YouTube sensation wrapped a pancake – on Shrove Tuesday – around Danis’ chops. The MMA star furiously went after KSI as security desperately tried to keep the pair apart. Danis and KSI were both eventually escorted out separately after the melee. READ MORE IN BOXINGKSI, 31, has not fought since October 2023 when he suffered his first defeat in the ring, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25. He was due to fight YouTuber Slim Albaher, 30, and former MMA fighter Anthony Taylor, 35, in a wild two-one-one bout last August. But KSI was forced out with a hand injury – which he has since recovered from. Danis meanwhile made his boxing debut on the undercard of KSI’s loss to Fury against Logan Paul. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Paul, 29, won after Danis, 31, was disqualified after attempting an MMA submission. KSI admits the American was his FIFTH choice to fight but gave Danis the opportunity after failing to find another opponent. Jack Whitehall shocks BRITs crowd with huge swipe at Simon Cowell and makes cruel joke about KSI and Stephen HawkingAnd he predicted: “Knockout. I’d like to do it in round four. “I feel like round one he’ll probably try it see he can’t do anything to me and then he’ll close up and become a punching bag. “Then it’s me just beating him down for a few more rounds and then round four, I just let him know what time it is.” Danis faces penalties if he tries an MMA move like he did against Paul.He Danis plans to: “Choke him unconscious and stomp on his head as he’s f***ing dead.”Danis was left raging after the slapCredit: PA More

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    KSI reveals private message he sent to Wayne Bridge after controversial John Terry joke led to collapse of fight

    KSI revealed he apologised to Wayne Bridge for making an insensitive remark about the ex-footballer’s infamous feud with John Terry. The YouTube sensation and former Premier League winner with Chelsea were set for a shock March 29 fight in Manchester.KSI apologised to Wayne Bridge for making an insensitive remarkBut after announcing the pay-per-view clash in January – KSI brought up Bridge’s controversial past with former Chelsea team-mate Terry.Terry allegedly had an affair with Bridge’s ex-partner Vanessa Perroncel in 2009 – something both have always denied.And after KSI referenced the alleged affair – Bridge pulled out of the fight just days later.KSI explained that he was playing the bad-guy role to help sell PPVs – and sent Bridge a message of apology. READ MORE IN boxing He said on his podcast: “I privately DM’d him. And the thing is, I messaged him like, ‘Bro, I’m not a d*** head…’ “But we’re selling the fight and I thought he should know that.” KSI added: “Wayne Bridge, I’m sorry. I’ve told you in DMs anyway but yeah, my bad.” Bridge has an 18-year-old son with ex-Vanessa and withdraw himself from the fight with KSI to avoid any further verbal warfare.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt came after KSI said: “Wayne Bridge, aren’t you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex? “That is what you are known for.”He then sung a crude chant about former model Vanessa – who has always denied ever having an affair with Bridge’s former team-mate Terry.KSI breaks silence on sick Wayne Bridge taunt and refuses to apologise to former Chelsea star KSI, 31, will now fight replacement Dillon Danis, also 31, at Misfits 21 at the AO Arena. The social media star has not fought since losing to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023 which was the first defeat of his career. Danis meanwhile lost his boxing debut to Logan Paul, 29, on the undercard that night. He was meant to fight KSI in January 2023 but pulled out – fuelling the bad blood between them. Dillon Danis will fight KSI instead of BridgeCredit: Getty More

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    Tommy Fury set for awkward reunion with KSI and Darren Till as brother Roman fights Netflix star on Misfits undercard

    TOMMY FURY is set for an awkward reunion with KSI and Darren Till when brother Roman fights Chase DeMoor. Tommy controversially beat KSI on points in October 2023 and pulled out of his return bout against Till set for January. Tommy Fury is set for an awkward reunion with KSI and Darren TillCredit: InstagramKSI returns in Manchester on March 29Credit: SplashRoman Fury fights Chase DeMoor on the undercardCredit: Instagram / ChaseDeMoorBut he could be about to run into the pair after it was announced his brother Roman will take on American DeMoor on the Misfits 21 card. Headlining is KSI against rival Dillon Danis with Till facing ex-UFC star Darren Stewart on the undercard. Roman will be making his Misfits debut and will expectedly be cornered by dad John and 10-0 Tommy. A back and forth started after Roman, 28, posted on Instagram: “This fool is finally getting put to sleep.”READ MORE IN BOXINGDeMoor, who starred on Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle, replied: “I’m shivering in my boots egg head.” Tommy, 25, also commented: “Easy work.” But DeMoor, 28, jibed: “Your ex gf easy work buddy.” A reference to Tommy’s break-up with Molly-Mae Hague. Roman is 4-0 in his career with DeMoor having four wins, four losses and one no-contest. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTommy beat KSI and underwent hand surgery afterwards before a scheduled return against Till. But after Till threatened to KICK the 2019 Love Islander in the head, he pulled out of the bout. Tommy still has not got a comeback fight lined up while KSI, 31, and Till, 32, will return on the same card. Darren Till returns on Misfits 21Credit: Getty More

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    ‘That’s you in both photos?’ – Elle Brooke shows off incredible body transformation that led to boxing career

    ELLE BROOKE believes her loss is her gain.But fans were stunned the boxer’s ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures as she shed weight to get fighting fit were both her.-Elle Brooke is proud of the honed technique she’s worked hard forShe has 2m-plus fans on TikTok and nearly 1m on InstagramCredit: @ellebrookeukFans are used to selfies with less on than in the ringCredit: Instagram @thedumbledongBrooke, seen here taking on Andrea Jane, remains fighting fitCredit: GettyThe Misfits fighter and OnlyFans star shared the snaps as she attributed her change to “Hard work and Ozempic”.Weight-loss jabs have a controversial reputation, with some celebrities taking them but medical experts launching warnings.But the influencer is proud of her transformation.However, that’s mainly because she ditched her lifestyle as a “really bad party girl” while also overcoming issues with drugs and depression.READ MORE IN BOXINGBrooke’s’s 962,000 Instagram followers were staggered by her change in appearance – as shown in a clip she posted featuring two mirror selfies.The drastic metamorphosis was no doubt helped by her decision a couple of hears ago to give up alcohol.First Brooke was seen in a typical boxer’s pose, grinning as she flexed her arm muscles, albeit only wearing lacy underwear.Then the video drifts to an image of how she looked before her new holistic lifestyle – a healthy shape in a more modest bikini.Most read in BoxingHere’s how she looked before her transformationThe Brit looked more serious and perhaps less confident in this shot, as she peered down at her phone rather than at the mirror.She summed up the altered images by adding: “Red Bull gives u… wings.”SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr reveals Daniel Dubois’ chances of fighting Joseph Parker ‘look grim’But “speechless” fans focused on her physical change.One said: “That’s you in both photos? Wow!! That’s incredible. Bravo!!”A second wrote: “Wow, great transformation and dedication.” And others praised the Tiktok sensation for her commitment to peak conditioning.One said: “Wow, great transformation and dedication.” Another reckoned: “That’s real motivation.”And a third claimed: “Consistency and determination are sexy as f, and with age, it just gets better and better.”However, Brooke might prefer that her dedication and honed body make sparks fly in the boxing ring.She first picked up her gloves for a victory over AJ Bunker in July 2022 and has since also dabbled with bareknuckle fighting.Brooke has since told the Sun of her emotional and physcial jounrey.She said: “From going out every week to the pub, going clubbing, sniffing tons of cocaine, ketamine… to the other side, watching what you put in your body, dieting, health and exercise, regular routine.“Routine is my favourite thing about boxing. It gives me a reason to wake up in the morning. It gives me structure. Now I just live a boring life. She added: “I was at one point on antidepressants, taking sertraline before I started boxing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So I was relying on a pill everyday to make me happy and so I didn’t have like dark, suicidal thoughts whereas now I have those good days and I have those bad days but it’s more about training and what I’m focusing on.“So boxing really has changed my life.”She offers fans frills and spills out of the ringCredit: Instagram @thedumbledongNot even Elle can do without white trainersCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledongBrooke has put many problems behind her for a new lifestyleCredit: RexShe was an elegant visitor to WimbledonCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong More