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      in Soccer

      Conor McGregor meets David Beckham after becoming ‘yacht neighbours’ as he calls legend ‘big inspiration growing up’

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      in Boxing

      UFC chief Dana White suddenly CUT from Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight

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      DANA WHITE has suddenly been cut from promoting Canelo Alvarez’s fight against Terence Crawford. TKO Holdings – who own the UFC and WWE – signed a multi-year partnership to establish a boxing promotion alongside Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.Jon Anik, Turki Alalshikh, and UFC boss Dana WhiteCredit: GettyAs well as a UFC-style boxing league, two super-fights were set to be promoted by TKO and White every year. And Canelo’s blockbuster against Crawford was due to kickstart the partnership on Friday, September 12 in Las Vegas at the Raiders Stadium.Then all of a sudden, Alalshikh told Ring Magazine – which he owns – that the date of the bout was set to change to Saturday, September 13. And he was also considering having the bout move to New York or Los Angeles – opposed to the £1.5BILLION, 65,000-seat Raiders Stadium. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt caused huge confusion with the news the fight would also be under the Riyadh Season banner and on pay-per-view. That suggested White and Netflix were out of the picture – with UFC 320 also set for September 13 and due to clash with the new Canelo date. Now, Alalshikh has confirmed Saudi-based Sela will promote the super-middleweight title decider for Riyadh. A broadcaster is not yet decided but Riyadh Season have an exclusive deal with sports streaming service DAZN – who operate a PPV platform. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNetflix debuted in boxing in November when Mike Tyson controversially came out of retirement aged 58 to fight Jake Paul. And over 100 MILLION tuned in to watch YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul’s points win – causing the stream to crash. Cacace Crushes Wood, AJ & Pacquiao Plot Shock Returns | Split DecisionThe dramatic turn of events leaves White and TKO’s future in boxing up in the air – despite their plans to launch a brand new boxing league. On Monday, May 12 Alalshikh revealed he was flying to New York with White also posting a picture in the Big Apple soon after. SunSport understands Canelo, 34, and Crawford, 37, were also set to join them to film content with Netflix ahead of the bout. But, just a day later and Alalshikh dropped the news that the fight’s date and location was under consideration. White is yet to comment on his apparent removal from the mega-boxing bout and the future of his league. He has partnered with Alalshikh before having held two events in Riyadh in the past. Read More on The SunCanelo beat William Scull, 32, to regain the 168lb undisputed thrown in early May as part of his four-bout deal with Alalshikh. Meanwhile Crawford has not fought since moving up to 154lb to win the WBA title against Israil Madrimov, 30, in August 2024. Terence Crawford facing off with Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul reveals stunning behind-the-scenes talks to fight Oleksandr Usyk after teasing shock world title shot

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      JAKE PAUL revealed he is in stunning behind-the-scenes talks to fight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk after teasing a world title shot. The YouTuber-turned-boxer was called out by the heavyweight king with the two camps now in negotiations. Jake Paul pictured with Oleksandr UsykCredit: @mostvaluablepromotionsBut, Usyk has challenged Paul to a bout in the MMA cage and not the boxing ring. Paul is signed to the Professional Fighters League and eyes an MMA debut next year with Usyk among his options. Accompanied by UFC and boxing legend Holly Holm, he said: “I want to be like Holly here and test my skills in the cage. “That’s something I’m super, super interested in and I think it would be a very, very big spectacle. READ MORE IN BOXING”Nate Diaz is still ducking but we need to find the right opponent, Usyk maybe.” Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian added: “Usyk has called out Jake multiple times in MMA. “They’ve been in touch with us behind the scenes saying they want to do that in 2026. So something we definitely want to pursue.” Bidarian added that the PFL have shown interest in promoting the crossover fight. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut first Usyk, 38, returns on July 19 at Wembley Stadium to rematch Daniel Dubois, 27, who he beat in 2023. And it will be for the undisputed heavyweight titles following the Ukrainian’s two points wins over Tyson Fury, 36, last year. Jake Paul has ‘money fight’ green lit by boxing world champUsyk has warned he has just two fights left and has called out UFC star Alex Pereira, 37, in the past. Paul, 28, meanwhile faces former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, in his next bout on June 28 in California. It comes off the back of his points win in November against Mike Tyson, who controversially made a comeback aged 58. Paul moves back from to cruiserweight after moving up to heavyweight and revealed talks to fight WBC champ Badou Jack. He said: “I’m super interested. I had Nakisa contact his team behind the scenes so those discussions are happening.” It comes after Jack, 41, told SunSport: “It’s a money fight. It’s an easy fight and it’s a money fight So, why not?”Badou Jack is linked with fighting Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      If the World Cup started today Marcus Rashford wouldn’t be in the XI – latest England performance sums up his struggles

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      MARCUS RASHFORD was given another chance by Thomas Tuchel — but again failed to shine.If you were to scribble down your starting XI for next year’s World Cup, Rashford would not be included.Marcus Rashford must do better to stay in the England pictureCredit: GettyRashford only had one attempt on goal against LatviaCredit: RexNearly all his touches were out wide in the attacking thirdThe Aston Villa loanee created six chances but lacked a killer passCredit: RexAnd the 27-year-old’s frustrating performance in the 3-0 victory over Latvia summed up his struggles at club level over the past couple of seasons.He created six chances according to the stats — but it did not feel like it.The Manchester United forward, currently on loan at Aston Villa, played with bags of positivity in the first half.He had too much pace for the ­Latvian right-back Roberts Savalnieks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he also supported his defenders on the rare occasions the visitors attacked.Rashford was certainly acting on the criticism dished out by boss Thomas Tuchel for not being direct enough in the 2-0 win over Albania.Equally, the killer pass was not there. And after switching to the right in the second half, he barely had a kick before being replaced by Curtis Jones.Rashford is not the only player to fail to cause havoc in the final third during two lacklustre England performances.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut the competition down that left position is nowhere as strong as it has been in the past.Jack Grealish’s career has gone backwards while Phil Foden has under-performed for England and moaned about being played out on the left during Euro 2024.Here’s what has happened to England’s lost football groundsAnthony Gordon, injured for this game, would be your man in that spot if the World Cup started tomorrow.Eberechi Eze also looked decent on the left when he came on and scored a deflected third.But Rashford still has a chance — purely because his international boss seems desperate for him to succeed.Tuchel has started him in back-to-back games, a luxury he has barely been afforded for club or country over the last 18 months, and an indication of just how far Rashford’s star has fallen.He lasted 74 minutes before being replaced against Albania on Friday and was afforded just five more minutes than that at Wembley last night.Tuchel has only signed a short-term contract and although he has thrown Myles Lewis-Skelly into the mix, looks determined to stick with experience.Rashford — who won his 62nd cap — comes into that bracket.And when the German announced his squad for these two games, Tuchel praised Rashford’s workrate for Villa —  something he was often criticised for at United.It is still early days for him under Villa boss Unai Emery. His nine appearances have included just two starts and he is yet to score.The last time Rashford found the net was his brace in United’s 4-0 win over Everton on December 1.When Rashford did find his way past Savalnieks in the first half last night, his final pass was not good enough.After swapping flanks with Jarrod Bowen following the break, he played a small role in the build-up to the second goal scored by Harry Kane — but otherwise was still not involved enough.Maybe fatigue due to his lack of games was a cause.But you would still expect Rashford to remain in the squad for England’s next two games in June — a World Cup qualifier in Andorra and a friendly with Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen you consider the rotten time Rashford has endured of late — much of it self-inflicted — he is lucky to be back in the England team.The jury remains out on whether he can make the most of that good fortune.Rashford struggled to create clear-cut opportunities on Monday nightCredit: Rex More

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      in Boxing

      ‘It would be interesting’ – Jake Paul called out by Oleksandr Usyk’s team for stunning MMA fight

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      JAKE PAUL has been called out by Oleksandr Usyk’s team for a stunning MMA fight.Usyk has admitted he has just two fights left in his career and he wants to rematch Daniel Dubois next for the undisputed title. Jake Paul has been called out by Oleksandr Usyk’s team for a stunning MMA fightCredit: GettyUsyk says he only has two more fights leftCredit: ReutersBut afterwards, he has opened the door to a crossover bout against UFC star Alex Pereira, 37, or an MMA fight with Paul, 28. One of his trainers, Sergey Lapin, told OLBG: “Usyk has always cared only about fighting the best and creating a lasting legacy in the great sport of boxing. “But in the future, as he further solidifies his place as one of the true great fighters, we’ll see what other opportunities open up for him.”It might be great to step into the cage with Jake Paul under MMA rules, it would be interesting if there is money to be made from it. READ MORE IN BOXING”Also, we never say never about fighting the dangerous Alex Pereira, possibly partnered with Dana White. “Dana’s move to boxing could open the door for more fights between boxers and current UFC stars. “Dana is a capable guy, and with Turki’s abilities, they would create a very interesting project. “It will bring attention to our great sport, expand the fan base, attract new investment and possibly increase the purses of the athletes.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPaul has 11 wins and just one loss in the ring, coming against Tommy Fury, 25, in 2023. His last bout was against 58-year-old Mike Tyson which he won on points amid huge controversy due to the age gap. Jake Paul reveals talks for Tommy Fury rematch and slams Canelo Alvarez over failed fight And Paul has recently called out Anthony Joshua, 35, after losing out on a deal to face Canelo Alvarez, 34, in May in Las Vegas. Joshua has not returned since his knockout loss to Dubois, 27, in September. Dubois defended the IBF title that he inherited after Usyk, 38, vacated it to rematch Tyson Fury, 36. Usyk beat Fury for the undisputed crown in May but had to relinquish the IBF belt to proceed with the December rematch – which he won on points. Dubois was elevated from interim champ to the full version and was due to defend it again against Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh. But he had to withdraw with just days to go through illness as Parker, 33, instead beat late substitute Martin Bakole, 31, in just one round. Parker has since been ordered by the WBO to fight Usyk next but the Ukrainian prefers to face Dubois for all the belts. Usyk beat Dubois in 2023 but only after going down in round five to a controversial low-blow. READ MORE SUN STORIESLapin said: “Oleksandr Usyk wants to make his next fight against Daniel Dubois. Dubois is our priority, because he has the belt. “We are waiting for the date of the fight with Dubois, we assume it will take place in Riyadh or London, one of the world capitals of boxing and Usyk will once again prove that he is the best fighter of our generation.”Usyk wants to rematch Daniel DuboisCredit: GETTY More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul and UFC star Conor McGregor called out for ‘gritty’ never-before-seen boxing fight with ELBOWS allowed

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      MIKE PERRY has called out Jake Paul and Conor McGregor to a fight under his Dirty Boxing rules. The former UFC star-turned-bare-knuckle champion last year launched his promotion – which consists of hybrid rules. Jake Paul has been called out to a rematch by Mike PerryCredit: GettyConor McGregor was also called out by PerryCredit: GettyPerry’s Dirty Boxing involves bouts using MMA-style gloves with elbows permitted in smaller-sized rings. The American was beaten in six rounds by YouTuber-turned-prizefighter Paul in their July boxing bout. But Perry, 33, told SunSport: “It would be a dream match up to have a rematch with Jake Paul over in Dirty boxing.”You know, see how our styles match up when I get to do a little bit more dirty fighting style in a clean manner which goes with the rules, not against the rules.READ MORE IN boxing”I’m all about the technique and the style. Me and Jake had a boxing match and I would love a chance to redeem that and face him in Dirty Boxing. He’s talked about it as well, so that’s one match up.” Perry filled in on three weeks notice to fight Paul, 27, after Mike Tyson, 58, pulled out amid a health precution.Tyson did eventually make it to the ring – after 20 YEARS in retirement – and lost to Paul on points in November.Perry meanwhile also has his eyes on McGregor, 36, who has not fought since July 2021 when he snapped his leg against Dustin Poirier, 36. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I was just watching a video of his last fight against Dustin Poirier and he was doing well.”I mean, his striking is crisp, his hands, speed and all that. I feel like that fight. Jake Paul blasts Anthony Joshua and vows to KO heavyweight superstar”He had like an old school style of kick like UFC we kick the old ways, they kicked the thigh and Conor was doing the thigh kick.”And nowadays, the game has evolved a bit and all the kicks are to the calf now. “All the calves are getting kicked, which is I think stopping people from getting that injury that he got.”Yes, he is talented with his legs, but I know he loves boxing and I think boxing with elbows over here in Dirty Boxing would be a great way to get himself back in the fight and face me.”Perry’s Dirty Boxing returns for its second event on Saturday in Miami with Yoel Romero fighting Ras Hylton and Andrei Arlovski taking on Terrance Hodges.And Perry said: “It’s very rough and gritty, it’s very in your face and all action all the time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I mean, when I fight, I bring it and now I got huge names fighting under my banner, my promotions banner like Yoel Romero and Andrei Arlovski.”Two kings of the fight game really and I make myself a third one. Dirty Boxing, it’s here to explode onto the scene this Saturday, March 22nd.”Yoel Romero, right, in a Dirty Boxing fightCredit: @DirtyBoxing_ More

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      in Boxing

      Oleksandr Usyk teases shock MMA fight with UFC superstar but only after undisputed Daniel Dubois showdown

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      OLEKSANDR USYK has teased a shock switch to MMA – after being called out by UFC superstar Alex Pereira.But first Usyk wants to rematch Daniel Dubois for the undisputed heavyweight titles. Daniel Dubois lost to Oleksandr Usyk in 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunHe told Al Arabiya News: “We want to fight Dubois. My team is ready. “A lot depends on how God will give us a way to do it and the second person who can do it is His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, because he is the person who can organise this fight. “I think there would be obstacles otherwise.”Usyk, 38, beat Dubois, 27, in the ninth round of their 2023 fight but controversy struck due to a low-blow in the fifth. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Ukrainian would go on to twice beat Tyson Fury, 36, in 2024 but he had to vacate the IBF title to proceed with their December rematch. Dubois was elevated from interim IBF champ to the full belt and knocked out Anthony Joshua, 35, in September. He was then due to defend the title against Joseph Parker, 33, in February but he pulled out with just days to go with illness.Parker instead knocked out replacement Martin Bakole, 31, and has since been ordered to fight Usyk by the WBO. Most read in BoxingBut Usyk still has his eyes on Dubois in a bid to unify the belts once more. It comes after Pereira – who recently lost his UFC light-heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev – called out the boxing legend. Usyk spotted ‘giving Anthony Joshua tips on how to beat Tyson Fury’ in ringside footage at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2.mp4And Usyk revealed he would entertain a crossover bout with Pereira, 37, and even doing so in the MMA cage. He said: “Yes, I would be interested, but only after the fight with Daniel to merge our belts. “I even considered the option of fighting in a cage. It is a joke, but every joke contains an element of truth.”Alex Pereira has called out Usyk beforeCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Can’t delete anyone’ – Turki Alalshikh lifts lid on Dana White’s boxing league and futures of Hearn and Frank Warren

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      TURKI ALALSHIKH has lifted the lid on his new boxing league amid fears Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren could be “deleted”.Alalshikh has teamed up with TKO – who control and own the UFC and WWE – on a new boxing venture involving Dana White. Frank Warren, Turki Alalshikh and Eddie HearnCredit: Matchroom BoxingDetails are limited but White has teased using fewer weight classes and having just one title per division – bypassing the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO. And it has also led to fears boxing’s old guard including Hearn and Warren will be phased out by TKO. But Alalshikh said in a live video: “Last week, we announced the TKO Boxing League with Dana White. “We are focusing on this league to give the opportunity for the fighters and to make something that the fans like.READ MORE IN BOXING”We have a lot of ideas that I will keep until the right time for Dana to announce.”This league is not against anyone; it is not against the commission, not against the promoters. This is my opinion.”This is a project, and there will be space in the market. We will still see the four belts, the commissions and the promoters.”The market is huge, and no one can delete anyone from this market.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I understand the panic in the market because there are a lot of companies, and there are a lot of promoters.”What I want to say is, we care about the fans and the fighters, and we will support the fans and the fighters, and we will continue to do the big fights for the people.KSI lifts lid on meeting with Turki Alalshikh and teases fight talks… but blasts Jake Paul as ‘disgrace to boxing’ “The relationship between Riyadh Season, Ring Magazine and the promoters will continue at least for the next one or two years.”This depends on their reactions and about the options they will give us. If it is good for us, we will do it.”In this situation, I like what Matchroom and Eddie Hearn are doing.”Eddie is still discussing with me and my team about making the big fights around the world.”He has decided to continue to work with us, and we will continue to do business with him.”Also, we have had a lot of discussions with Golden Boy to have some of their fighters on different cards.”Me and my team are always happy to work with the promoters in boxing if they give us good options.”Dana White announced a boxing league with Turki AlalshikhCredit: Instagram @turkialalshik More