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      Inside dramatic stadium transformation for Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou mega fight as arena looks unrecognisable

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      THE STAGE is set for Anthony Joshua’s blockbuster bout with Francis Ngannou – after the arena went through a dramatic transformation. Joshua faces Ngannou at the Kingdom Arena, where Neymar’s Al Hilal play their football. The Al Hilal stadium turning into the boxing venueOrganisers got to work for the makeoverThe stage is set for the fightThe pitch turned into a ring as organisers got to work for a sensational shakeup. Saudi’s boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh released amazing footage of the makeover with the final results a thing of beauty.The footage shows the turf being covered up and thousands of seats being placed where the pitch would normally be.A ring is then installed in the middle and a stage set – presumably for the ring walks.READ MORE IN BOXINGJoshua returns to Saudi for his third bout in the desert while Ngannou takes to the boxing ring for only the second time. The MMA superstar floored Tyson Fury on his debut last year only to lose a controversial split-decision.But he is back under Queensberry rules and weighed in a whopping 19st 6lb compared to Joshua at 18 stone. Ngannou, 37, said: “I’ve learnt a little bit from the last fight, the last camp, and leading up to this one.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”So, I get a little bit of experience, but the mindset is still the same.”This is just my second boxing match, even though I’m taking on the two best guys in the world in boxing, it’s still my second boxing match.”I’m going out there to prove you can be an underdog and take it.”Joshua, 34, meanwhile quipped: “I’ll deliver. I’m the postman.” Francis Ngannou’s anticipated MMA return date REVEALED ahead of massive Anthony Joshua boxing fight More

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      Tyson Fury claims Francis Ngannou ‘didn’t fight Tyson Fury’ in bizarre rant as he says he wanted to ‘cancel second show’

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      TYSON FURY claimed he did not start a brawl with Francis Ngannou as he feared KOing another Saudi Arabia super-fight. Fury was forced to pull out of his February 17 undisputed title decider with Oleksandr Usyk after suffering a cut in sparring. Tyson Fury opened up on his row with Francis NgannouCredit: BoxNationIt was only in October that he was floored by Ngannou and deemed fortunate to walk away with a split-decision victory.So there is no love lost between the rivals when they reunited ahead of Ngannou’s fight with Anthony Joshua. The MMA superstar and Fury even got into a verbal altercation at Saudi boxing broker Turki Alalshikh’s house. And the Gypsy King insisted only the threat of cancelling another blockbuster bout stopped him from throwing hands at Ngannou. READ MORE IN BOXINGFury told BoxNation: “Let me tell you something straight from the heart, if I never had as much respect as I do for Turki Alalshikh, I would have got up and punched his c*** right in for him. “But I didn’t want to cancel another show for Turki. I’ve already cancelled one with a cut eye. “If I had got up and set about him at the press conference, there would have been another show cancelled.” Fury, 35, escaped Riyadh last year with his reputation and unbeaten record just about intact after Ngannou, 37, took him the distance. Most read in BoxingANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTAnd he offered a bizarre analogy when explaining why he cannot truly rate Ngannou’s boxing skills.Fury said: “I can’t tell you how good or bad Ngannou is because he never fought Tyson Fury on the night and I can’t honestly tell you how good or bad he is. Tyson Fury leaks ‘ungrateful f—er’ Francis Ngannou’s fight purse that was SIX times his whole UFC career earnings-“The one thing I can tell you is that he’s a tough old boy because he took some thunderous punches about the head. “But apart from that, the one thing I can tell you though is that he doesn’t have much boxing ability because he can’t follow up on a punch. “Hence when he hit me with a shot to the side of the head and dropped me he couldn’t land another worthwhile punch.” More

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      Fans cry ‘this sport is finished’ after Love Island star Tommy Fury calls out UFC legend Conor McGregor for boxing fight

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      TOMMY FURY has called out Conor McGregor off the back of Jake Paul’s fight with Mike Tyson. Paul and Tyson are set to collide in a controversial clash on July 20 at the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Texas. Tommy Fury called out Conor McGregorCredit: X/@DAZNBoxingMcGregor is the latest UFC star called out by a boxerCredit: GettyIt leaves Fury – who beat the YouTuber-turned boxer last year – denied of a big-money rematch. So he instead told DAZN: “I’m looking to get this injury out the way nice and recovered and I have just seen that Jake Paul will face Mike Tyson next.”So how about me and McGregor next, how’s that? I need a comeback fight and I’d like for my return. So McGregor, get in touch.”But fans were not impressed as one said: “The “sport” is a joke.” READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother added: “This sport is finished.” Fury, 24, underwent hand surgery after beating Paul’s arch rival KSI, 30, via disputed decision in October.And he called to rematch Paul, 27, upon his return next year. But he will be made to wait after the American announced his shock showdown with 57-year-old heavyweight Tyson. Most read in BoxingCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIron Mike officially retired in 2005 but did come back for an eight-round exhibition against Roy Jones Jr four years ago which ended in a draw.His bout with Paul is not yet confirmed to be an exhibition or a professionally sanctioned fight – but Fury slammed is nonetheless. Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson confirmed with ‘biggest fight of the 21st century’ to be shown live on Netflix He told Boxing King Media: “The guy is nearly 60 and I mean, he’s probably the biggest name in boxing that there was but the man is also 60.”I don’t know what kind of conditioning he’s in, I know he looks great but you never really know. “A 26-year-old against a 60-year-old, it doesn’t float my boat. Jake Paul is doing what Jake Paul’s doing, i’m in the recovery process and that’s it.” More

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      Francis Ngannou’s anticipated MMA return date REVEALED ahead of massive Anthony Joshua boxing fight

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU is set to return to the cage THIS YEAR – depending on how his mega-money business in the boxing ring plays out. The ex-UFC champion last year put his cage career on hold to cross over to the boxing ring. Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou ahead of their boxing boutCredit: GettyBut he did so after signing for UFC’s rivals the Professional Fighters League, who gave Ngannou the green light to box. The Cameroonian takes on Anthony Joshua tomorrow night in Saudi Arabia just five months after making his ring debut against Tyson Fury. And while training in Riyadh, he watched from ringside as Renan Ferreira knocked out Ryan Bader. It earned Ferreira the right to welcome back Ngannou to the cage with the PFL once he is done with British superstar AJ. PFL founder Donn Davis told SunSport: “Francis is our partner, we always work with his schedule. “He wants to become the Bo Jackson of combat sports; champion in boxing, champion in MMA, so we’ll work with his schedule. “It could go earlier or it could go later but he will face “La Problema” – who destroyed Bader who is a savvy Bellator veteran. “Destroyed him in 21 seconds and he was really out in eight. That’s the next fight for Francis whether it’s in the summer or whether it’s the end of the year.Most read in BoxingANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We’ll work with that boxing schedule with whatever happens 48 hours from now when he probably knocks out Joshua.” Ngannou, 37, dropped Fury, 35, on his boxing debut but suffered a controversial split-decision loss. Did you spot the subtle change Francis Ngannou made to taunt Anthony Joshua during intense face-off?Fury now faces Oleksandr Usyk, 37, for the undisputed crown on May 18 having pulled out of their initial February 17 date with a cut. The winner between Joshua, 34, and Ngannou, 37, have been promised a shot at the unified champ. But whatever the results in the ring, Ngannou WILL be back in the cage within the next year. Davis added: “If not this year, two months after. We’ll call it Feburary 2025. “In the next 12 months, 100 per cent Francis is a PFL cage fighting Ferreira.”PFL owner Donn Davis with Francis Ngannou More

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      How Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson can bring boxing back to viewing figures of Muhammad Ali with 260MILLION signed up to watch

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      JAKE PAUL and Mike Tyson have been backed to bring boxing viewing figures into the multimillions for the first time since Muhammad Ali’s days. The YouTuber-turned boxer and heavyweight icon are set to collide in a mammoth showdown on July 20 in Texas. Mike Tyson and Jake Paul put friendship aside to fight on July 20Credit: @jakepaulAnd among the several talking points surrounding the controversial fight for the ages is that it will be shown on Netflix. As of 2024, the streaming service has 260.28 million subscribers and the bout will be available for every single one of those. It promises to bring viewing figures not seen since the days of Ali, who had anywhere from 80m-1BILLION fans tune in to watch him. Donn Davis, founder of MMA promotion the Professional Fighters League, is a friend of Tyson’s and business partner of Paul’s. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd he backed his pals to punch boxing into mainstream for the first time since the days of The Greatest. He told SunSport at PFL Paris: “Look, I’m happy for both of them because it’s a big fight and it’s the first ever combat sports on Netflix, 260millon people will have access to that fight.”It’s not since Ali will you have that broader reach. You used to see 50million people see a fight, now it’s a couple million.”So I think it’s fun for both of them and it’s going to be a global sensation and I want them to both end in a tie and both be OK.”Most read in BoxingCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPaul, 27, is 9-1 as a boxer and suffered his only defeat to Tommy Fury, 24, in February 2023 but he has won three since. Whereas Tyson, 57, retired in 2005 but returned in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr, which ended in an eight-round draw. Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson confirmed with ‘biggest fight of the 21st century’ to be shown live on Netflix Iron Mike was in Saudi Arabia last month to host the PFL vs Bellator event while Paul is signed to the MMA promotion ahead of his cage debut. So Davis refused to pick a winner and chose to stay safe on the fence. He chuckled: “I never want to talk about those guys’ business. I leave it to those guys.”I’ve texted but as I say, this will end with both of them OK, fans happy. That’s my prediction.”Mike Tyson with PFL founder Donn Davis More

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

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

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      Conor McGregor unveils three-fight plan as UFC legend teases stunning boxing match against legend in Saudi Arabia

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      CONOR McGREGOR has unveiled a stunning three-fight plan spanning MMA and boxing.The UFC legend has been out of action since July 2021, when he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier.Conor McGregor has unveiled a stunning three-fight planCredit: instagram / @thenotoriousmmaHe has been slated to return this year against Michael Chandler but McGregor himself has grown frustrated as talks drag on.The Irishman even took to social media to brazenly announce he was fighting Chandler on June 29 at middleweight.UFC president Dana White was quick to shut down the claim and said the fight is more likely for the winter.McGregor hosted a Q&A on Instagram in the build up to the release of his movie debut, starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in a Roadhouse reeboot.READ MORE IN UFCAnd he told his X followers that he still wants the fight date with Chandler, 37, before a trilogy bout with Nate Diaz, 38.McGregor, 35, posted: “I wish for this on Mexican Independence Day in the sphere. Chandler June. Diaz September. I have let this be known.”On his next fight, he said: “Still holding hope for June 29.”Lack of action on it, however, is now causing lack of enthusiasm. I need a decision soon. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I am the most tested athlete under this new regime. Yet no date to fight.”The game is a bit lacklustre also at present, which isn’t helping. I hope these next few cards pop and I get a date.Fans think Conor McGregor is nailed on for an Oscar after ‘fire’ Roadhouse trailer is released”Eliminate distractions and begin real work towards it.”McGregor spent time in Saudi Arabia last year when ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, faced boxing star Tyson Fury, 35.And talk of a blockbuster bout against Manny Pacquiao, 45,was reignited following their negotiations over the past few years.McGregor lost his one and only boxing bout against Floyd Mayweather in 2017 but wants a ring return against PacMan.He revealed: “It’s still there. Could be December. The Saudi’s are game changers in the market 100 per cent.”McGregor is set to face Michael Chandler on his UFC returnCredit: 2023 Zuffa LLCMcGregor wants a trilogy bout with Nate Diaz in SeptemberCredit: GETTYRoberto Duran, McGregor, Mike Tyson and Manny PacquiaoCredit: @MannyPacquiao More

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      I sparred both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury – here’s who would win super-fight between rivals

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      BOXER Jeremiah Milton’s opinion on who would win between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury has changed – having sparred them both. Milton was in camp before Fury’s trilogy bout win over American Deontay Wilder in 2021. Tyson Fury sparred Jeremiah Milton in 2021Credit: @dreamland_miltonAnthony Joshua was in camp with Milton in 2023Credit: @dreamland_miltonAnd then two years later, he shared rounds in Texas before AJ’s comeback win against Jermaine Franklin. Joshua, 34, has won three on the spin since and looked back to his best in December with a fifth-round stoppage win over Otto Wallin. And now he returns on Friday in Saudi Arabia against Francis Ngannou – who Milton has actually been in camp with. Ngannou, 37, put his MMA career on hold to cross over to boxing last year and floored Fury, 35, only to lose a controversial split-decision. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd the recent run of form has left Milton tipping Joshua to secure British bragging rights over the Gypsy King. He told SunSport: “I’d actually back AJ to pull it off. “I think these guys all deserve to fight each other at some point, because it’s all speculation. But yeah, I’ve got AJ pulling that off.”Fury is set to face Oleksandr Usyk, 37, for the four-belt undisputed crown on May 18 after he pulled out of the February 17 date with a cut. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd Saudi boxing bosses want the winner of the unification bout to then meet Joshua or Ngannou. So it paves the way for the Battle of Britain to finally commence and Milton explained why he now favours AJ in the domestic dust-up. Boxers who have sparred BOTH Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou compare rivals and break down how fight will be wonHe said: “I think there has been a silent passing of the torch and it hasn’t happened on paper yet, it hasn’t happened in the ring. “But this whole triangle theory of, ‘Oh he’s the guy because he beat this guy.’ “It’s like we’ve got back to that somehow and once these fighters fight against each other on any given night they can beat somebody. “I think Joshua is actually the better one and I’ve shared the ring with Fury and I’ve got mad respect for Fury but I think Joshua is better because he’s more consistent. “And Fury might have a big of tricks and might be able to do all these things but it’s that consistency, it’s that ‘OK I’ve got good power and I’m going to work and continue to give it my best at all times’. I think these guys all deserve to fight each other at some point, because it’s all speculation. But yeah, I’ve got AJ pulling that off.Jeremiah Milton on Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury “Sometimes Fury might say he’s giving it his best but we don’t know, we just don’t know what we’re going to get. “So again just Joshua with the consistency and proving he’s going to step up and fight a lot of people at any given notice, yeah I’d have to say Joshua.” Milton is in Saudi after completing camp with Ngannou and remained on the fence when pressed on a winner in the AJ fight. He said: “It’s going to be a knockout. “There’s going to be a knockout. I’m definitely willing to tick on the ballet that somebody’s going to get knocked out. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t think it’s that type of fight, both dudes get hit and that’s because they’re in the process of trying to hit and you get hit. “Two big punchers, what else could possibly happen? I don’t see it going to a decision.”Francis Ngannou had Milton in his camp More