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    Olympic bronze medallist Lewis Richardson wins pro debut… and can now enjoy his postponed birthday curry

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    LEWIS RICHARDSON secured a debut windaloo weekend.The Colchester lad turned 28 on Wednesday but could not celebrate with his professional boxing bow slated for last night in Ipswich.Lewis Richardson beat Dmitri Protkunas in his pro debutCredit: GettyInstead the southpaw booked a local curry restaurant for 15 loved ones and just had to deliver the goods in the ring.And the 2024 Olympic bronze winner did the job, beating tough Estonian Dmitri Protkunas 60-54 on points.The Brit ace had a loud crowd make the 29-minute drive over from his doorstep.And they cheered his slick southpaw work, rapid fists and the willingness to drop his hands to his waist, in an effort to get the cautious journeyman to engage.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Essex ace used to sell Pukka Pies at the Portman Road stadium a decade ago, while doing his school exams.And he returned to his old stomping ground for six one-sided rounds where he showed plenty of his amateur skill and future potential.Richardson had to bin his birthday plans to make the middleweight limit for this weekend.The spicy celebrations have been pushed back but the silky southpaw plans to put in a curry order worthy of a Gavin and Stacey special, to make up for the diet.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLIVE – FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION FROM FABIO WARDLEY VS JUSTIS HUNI AS IT HAPPENS AT PORTMAN ROAD“The birthday is postponed for four days,” he revealed to us. “The party is pushed back to Sunday.“I have a curry house booked in Colchester for 15 of us and my mouth is watering just talking to you about it now.“I can’t even think about my order now.”But I can say for sure that I will sound like Smithy with the number of bhunas and naans and rice types I am going to order.”Richardson celebrates debut victoryCredit: Reuters More

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      Olympic bronze medalist Lewis Richardson, 28, set for professional boxing debut at stadium where he used to sell pies

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      LEWIS RICHARDSON flogged Pukka Pies as a schoolboy in the same Ipswich stadium he’ll earn his first real crust in on Saturday.The 2024 Olympic bronze winner helped put himself through his GCSEs and A-levels by serving up grub to hungry Tractor Boys at Portman Road over a decade ago.Lewis Richardson returns to the same stadium he sold pies for his pro boxing debutCredit: GettyRichardson won bronze in the 2024 OlympicsCredit: GettyRichardson turned professional in May 2025Credit: GettyAnd the Colchester southpaw will break into the paid ranks by filling in Dmitri Protkunas, just down the road from his family home in a dream debut.He told SunSport: “Despite it being so close, this is probably the first time I have been in Ipswich for a year.“I came for one night out here when I was younger but I quickly realised that I had to stay true to my roots back in Colchester.“I did do some matchday shifts here, though, serving up the Pukka Pies.Read More on Boxing“I did the same job at Colchester when I was around 16 and when Ipswich were short staffed a few times, we got the call to come over – and now I am boxing here, it’s crazy.“I thought a London debut at York Hall or Wembley Arena was going to be a perfect start but Ipswich football stadium is unreal.“All the friends and family who have talked about attending my first pro fight would have had to book trains or hotels.“But we don’t even need to arrange minibuses for anyone, it’s a 29 minute drive from my front door, so everyone is happy sharing taxis for a great night.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRichardson turned 28 on Wednesday but had to bin his birthday plans to make the middleweight limit for this weekend.The spicy celebrations have been pushed back but the silky southpaw plans to put in a curry order worthy of a Gavin and Stacey special, to make up for the diet.Three-weight world champion Vasily Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy video“The birthday is postponed for four days,” he revealed to us. “The party is pushed back to Sunday.“I have a curry house booked in Colchester for 15 of us and my mouth is watering just talking to you about it now.“I can’t even think about my order now.”But I can say for sure that I will sound like Smithy with the number of bhunas and naans and rice types I am going to order.” More

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      Gender row Olympic champion Imane Khelif skips tournament days after World Boxing announce mandatory sex testing

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      IMANE KHELIF will SKIP the Eindhoven Box Cup just a week after World Boxing announced mandatory sex testing for all athletes.The Algerian, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting, was the focal point of an explosive gender row that dominated the 2024 Olympics in Paris last summer.Olympic champion Imane Khelif will skip the Eindhoven Box CupCredit: AFPKhelif will miss the tournament after failing to register in timeCredit: APKhelif’s absence comes just days after World Boxing announced mandatory sex testing for all athletes under their jurisdictionCredit: REUTERSKhelif fought at the Games 18 months after being banned from competing at the Women’s World Championships for allegedly failing a gender eligibility test.The alleged test administered by the International Boxing Association is said to have determined that both Khelif and Yu-Ting have male XY chromosomes.The pair, however, were permitted to compete by the IOC because of their female passport statuses, to the fury of many.Less than a year after the scandal, World Boxing announced all participants in competitions under their jurisdiction will have to undergo sex testing.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd Khelif won’t be in action at their first event since the announcement in Eindhoven having missed the deadline to register.Eindhoven Cup media director Dirk Renders said: “The decision of Imane’s exclusion is not ours. We regret it.”Mayor of Eindhoven Joren Dijsselbloem has blasted World Boxing’s decision to implement mandatory sex testing.In a letter to the Dutch Boxing Federation and the International Boxing Federation, he said: “As far as we are concerned, all athletes are welcome in Eindhoven.Most read in Boxing”Excluding athletes based on controversial ‘gender tests’ certainly does not fit in with that.Imane Khelif faced a barrage of abuse after forcing Angela Carini to quit just 46 seconds into their opening match at the Paris GamesCredit: REXKhelif is facing fresh claims she’s a ‘biological male’ following the leaking of the alleged test she failed before the 2023 Women’s World Championships”We are expressing our disapproval of this decision today and are calling on the organization to admit Imane Khelif after all.”Khelif won Algeria’s first-ever female gold medal in boxing at the Paris Games. Gender row Olympics boxer Imane Khelif fires defiant message to Donald Trump after ‘eye-opening experience’ She was subjected to a torrent of abuse on social media after forcing Italy’s Angele Carina to quit just 46 seconds into their opening bout. Her stoppage of Carini sparked claims the gender eligibility test she failed before the 2023 World Championships deemed her to be a “biological male”. That alleged test, which was conducted in New Delhi, was recently published by 3 Wire Sports. The document claimed that chromosome analysis revealed a “male karyotype”. A karotype is the set of chromosomes possessed by an individual.Khelif has yet to speak on the alleged report, but has maintained that she is a biological female from the outset.And she has taken legal action against a number of prominent figures for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”, including Elon Musk and JK Rowling. The last ten months have been a rollercoaster of emotions for Khelif, who admits he ordeal has taken its toll.These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say that I’m a transgender.”Imane KhelifShe told El Birard: “Immediately after, there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world. “And even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing….. that affected me. “I am not lying to you, it affected me. It affected me a lot, hurt me a lot.”I can’t describe to you the amount of fear I had. The scenario was very scary. “Thank god, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew Imane Khelif with her femininity, her courage, her will.”Honestly, I don’t like to get into politics in sports, but they got into politics in sports.Read More on The Sun”Sports and politics are two separate things. “These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say that I’m a transgender.” More

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      Imane Khelif breaks silence after leaked medical report ‘proves Olympic gender-row boxer is a biological male’

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      IMANE KHELIF has issued a response after a leaked medical report claimed the gold medal-winning Olympian was a “biological male”.Khelif, 26, won Algeria’s first-ever female gold medal in boxing during the Paris Games in 2024.Imane Khelif won Algeria’s first-ever gold medal in women’s boxing at the Paris OlympicsCredit: ReutersBut the gender row which plagued Khelif then has now resurfaced from a leaked medical reportCredit: APHowever, during Khelif’s run to the final, she was embroiled in a bitter gender row, having been banned from International Boxing Association competition in 2023.The IBA suspended Khelif after tests taken in New Delhi allegedly produced the DNA of a “male”.The IOC – who replaced the Russia-led IBA as the Olympic’s boxing governing body – were warned about the tests and urged to remove Khelif from the competition.But Khelif was allowed to box in Paris because of her female passport status.READ MORE IN BOXINGNow, the alleged sex-test results from the 2023 World Championships have been published for the first time by 3 Wire Sports, and suggest the boxer is biologically male.American journalist Alan Abrahamson has produced the result of a test said to have been carried out on the boxer in India in March 2023 – which triggered the boxer’s disqualification.The document published summarises the findings on Khelif as “abnormal”, stating: “Chromosome analysis reveals male karyotype.”A karyotype refers to an individual’s complete set of chromosomes, which in Khelif’s case has been reported by IBA as being XY, the male pattern.Most read in BoxingKhelif refused to respond directly to the claims in a social media post on Monday, instead focusing on her work as a Unicef ambassador – a role she has held since January 2024.The post featured a photo of Khelif wearing a blue polo bearing the organisation’s logo as she made a heart symbol with her hands to celebrate the “Global Day of Parents”.Imane Khelif wins Olympic gold in women’s welterweight final after huge gender row that has grabbed worldwide attentionShe paid tribute to her own parents in the caption, saying: “Today, I became a champion, but it all started long ago. When my parents believed in me, even when the dream felt too big. “When they supported me, listened to me, and stood by me. Being a parent isn’t easy. There’s no manual. But the love, patience, and trust you give your child can change everything.”On this #GlobalDayOfParents, I just want to say thank you. Thank you to every parent who chooses, every single day, to be there for their children.”Together with @unicefalgerie, I’m celebrating these everyday heroes. Because when parents are supported, children can dream and succeed.”The alleged test results disputing Khelif’s gender carry the letterhead of Dr Lal PathLabs in New Delhi, accredited by the American College of Pathologists and certified by the Swiss-based International Organisation for Standardisation.This directly challenges what IOC spokesman Mark Adams said in a tense news conference at the Paris Olympics.He described the results that saw Khelif banned as “ad hoc” and “not legitimate”.IOC president Thomas Bach even claimed that the results are the product of a Russian-led misinformation campaign.It followed after the IBA – headed by Russia’s Umar Kremlev – had been stripped of IOC recognition in a row over ethics and financial management.Khelif has always denied being a biological male and even named JK Rowling and Elon Musk in a cyberbullying lawsuit.And the 26-year-old has vowed to fight on, even eyeing another gold at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.But World Boxing has ruled that Khelif is ineligible to enter future events as a woman without first submitting to the same chromosome testing that has already triggered the boxer’s disqualification at global level.The governing body – provisionally approved to run Olympic boxing in LA – announced that all athletes in its competitions over 18 years old must undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic test to determine their sex.The test detects chromosomal material through a mouth swab, saliva or blood.Khelif has failed to provide any evidence of having female chromosomes in the nine months since the gender scandal erupted.In February, Khelif spoke out in her defence and wrote: “For two years, I have taken the high road while my name and image have been used, unauthorised, to further personal and political agendas through the spreading and dissemination of baseless lies and misinformation. But silence is no longer an option.“The IBA, an organisation that I am no longer associated with and which is no longer recognised by the IOC, have again made baseless accusations that are false and offensive, using them to further their agenda…“My team is carefully reviewing the situation and will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that my rights and the principles of fair competition are upheld.”An IOC spokesperson told Sun Sport: “The IOC has always made it clear that eligibility criteria are the responsibility of the respective International Federation.Read More on The Sun”The factors that matter to sports performance are unique to each sport, discipline, and/or event.”We await the full details how sex testing will be implemented in a safe, fair and legally enforceable way.” More

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      Leaked medical document ‘proves Imane Khelif is a biological male’ after winning gold in women’s boxing at Olympics

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      OLYMPIC gender row boxer Imane Khelif has been hit with fresh accusations of being a biological male. Khelif won gold for Algeria at the Paris Games in 2024 – a year after being banned from International Boxing Association competition. Imane Khelif has been hit with fresh accusations of being a biological maleCredit: GettyIn 2023, the IBA banned Khelif after tests taken in New Delhi allegedly produced the DNA of a “male”.The IOC – who replaced the IBA as the Olympic’s boxing governing body – were warned about the tests and urged to remove Khelif from the competition. But Khelif was allowed to box in Paris because of her female passport status.Now, the alleged sex-test results from the 2023 World Championships have been been published for the first time by 3 Wire Sports.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe medical report appears to indicate that the boxer is biologically male.American journalist Alan Abrahamson produced the result of a test said to have been carried out on the boxer in New Delhi in March 2023 – which triggered the boxer’s disqualification. The document published summarises the findings on Khelif as “abnormal”, stating: “Chromosome analysis reveals male karyotype.”A karyotype refers to an individual’s complete set of chromosomes, which in Khelif’s case has been reported by (IBA) as being XY, the male pattern.Most read in BoxingThe alleged test results carry the letterhead of Dr Lal PathLabs in New Delhi, accredited by the American College of Pathologists and certified by the Swiss-based International Organisation for Standardisation. This directly challenges what IOC spokesman Mark Adams said in a tense news conference at the Paris Olympics.Gender row Olympics boxer Imane Khelif fires defiant message to Donald Trump after ‘eye-opening experience’ He described the results that saw Khelif banned as “ad hoc” and “not legitimate”.IOC president Thomas Bach even claimed that the results are the product of a Russian-led misinformation campaign. It followed after the IBA – headed by Russia’s Umar Kremlev – had been stripped of IOC recognition in a row over ethics and financial management.Khelif has always denied being a biological male and even named JK Rowling and Elon Musk in a cyberbullying lawsuit. And the 26-year-old has vowed to fight on, even eyeing another gold at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. But World Boxing has ruled that Khelif is ineligible to enter future events as a woman without first submitting to the same chromosome testing that has already triggered the boxer’s disqualification at global level.The governing body – provisionally approved to run Olympic boxing in LA – announced that all athletes in its competitions over 18 years old must undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic test to determine their sex. The test detects chromosomal material through a mouth swab, saliva or blood.Khelif has failed to provide any evidence of having female chromosomes in the nine months since the gender scandal erupted.In February, Khelif spoke out in her defence and wrote: “For two years, I have taken the high road while my name and image have been used, unauthorised, to further personal and political agendas through the spreading and dissemination of baseless lies and misinformation. But silence is no longer an option.“The IBA, an organisation that I am no longer associated with and which is no longer recognised by the IOC, have again made baseless accusations that are false and offensive, using them to further their agenda. “This is a matter that concerns not just me but the broader principles of fairness and due process in sport.“My team is carefully reviewing the situation and will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that my rights and the principles of fair competition are upheld. Read More on The Sun”Those responsible for these actions must be held accountable, and we will pursue all legal avenues to ensure that justice prevails.”SunSport has reached out to the IOC for comment.Khelif still wants to fight in the 2028 OlympicsCredit: Getty More

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      Olympics gender row boxer Imane Khelif BANNED from next week’s World Cup as chiefs introduce mandatory sex testing

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      IMANE KHELIF will not be allowed to compete at next week’s Eindhoven Boxing Cup.World Boxing are now set to implement mandatory sex testing for all athletes hoping to compete in their events.Imane Khelif won gold at last summer’s Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyKhelif, 26, won gold at last summer’s Paris Olympic Games.The Algerian did so amid a backdrop of criticism from certain pundits.Her first round win over Angela Carini saw the Italian give up after just 46 seconds in the ring.Khelif had failed an unspecified gender test administered by the Russian-led International Boxing Association in 2023.READ MORE IN BOXINGCarini left the ring in tears, and later claimed: “After the second one (punch landed) I couldn’t breathe anymore.”I went to my coach and said ‘enough’ because it takes maturity and courage to stop. I didn’t feel like fighting anymore.”The Eindoven Cup have been promoting Khelif’s participation in their upcoming event, with a poster reading: “Proud that Imane Khelif is there again to defend her title.”World Boxing’s decision will scupper Khelif’s entry into the event.Most read in BoxingKhelif defeated tearful Angela Carini in just 46 seconds last summerCredit: APA letter sent to the Algerian federation by World Boxing confirms: “Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, 5-10 June 2025 and any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures.”In accordance with the World Boxing Statutes, amendments to the Competition Rules are typically made by Congress.Trump rips into boxer Imane Khelif about controversial Olympics win against Angela Carini “However, under special or emergency circumstances, the World Boxing Executive Board holds the authority to make immediate amendments when a rule is deemed no longer functional or when evolving conditions necessitate a change.”Amid last summer’s controversy, US president Donald Trump wrongly claimed that Khelif is transgender.Khelif told ITV earlier this year: “The US President issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me. That is my response.”She the signalled her intention to defend her Olympic gold medal, adding: “Second gold medal, of course. In America, Los Angeles.”‘NOTHING TO HIDE’Khelif went on to add: “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear.”The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics — the injustice was exposed and later, the truth was acknowledged by the Olympic Committee in Paris.”Khelif then continued: “For me, I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one.“I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four World Championships.Read More on The Sun”All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles.”But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started.”Khelif won gold at last summer’s Olympic GamesCredit: Getty More

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      Anthony Joshua pleads with Team GB OIympian Delicious Orie to make retirement U-turn as he quits after one fight

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has pleaded with Olympian Delicious Orie to reconsider his decision to retire.Orie was eliminated in the first round of the 2024 Olympics but soon turned professional with Frank Warren – after snubbing an offer from the WWE.Anthony Joshua pleaded with Olympian Delicious Orie to reconsider retirementCredit: @deliciousboxingThe heavyweight won his debut against Milos Veletic in April – but laboured over the four rounds. And only a month later and the 27-year-old announced he was retiring from boxing after just one pro bout. But AJ – who used to spar Orie – spoke out to urge the Russian-born Brit not to walk away just yet. He wrote on Instagram: “History repeats itself. Many of us wanted to stop at some stage. READ MORE IN boxing “Some at the start, some in the middle and at some point all of us will have to stop. “I think you should take your time but keep training! You have skills & have talent.” Joshua accompanied the message with an old interview with Michael Spinks – the 1976 Olympic gold medalist – who later won world titles.In the clip, Spinks was telling KO TV: “I heard boxing was not a pretty business for the boxers and also I was a little afraid of that.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I didn’t know how I well I would fare in the industry. So I just wanted to get a good job after winning the gold medal and then let that be. “But things happened that pushed me into the pros and I just talking it one step at a time. I didn’t know I would go as far as I did.” Tense moment Anthony Joshua and Mahmoud Charr face off ahead of proposed two-fight dealAJ told Orie not to retire, posting a clip of Michael SpinksDespite Spinks’ concerns over turning pro, he would win world titles at light-heavyweight and heavyweight.He also famously lost to Mike Tyson in 1988 – his final bout before retiring. And Orie – like Spinks – credited wanting to get a job outside the ring as a reason for not wanting to fight on any further.He posted: “After much reflection, I have decided to hang up my gloves and retire from boxing to follow up on my degree and enter the corporate world.”This sport has given me so much — incredible memories, unforgettable experiences travelling the world and many opportunities to represent my country at the biggest stages in the world. Forever grateful for the journey.”Over time, I’ve come to recognise that the same fire and love I once had for boxing has gradually faded. “As I’ve grown, I’ve come to value clarity and honesty with myself above all.”I hoped that turning professional would reignite the passion, but the truth has become clear: it hasn’t. Read More on The Sun”Every fighter knows you need a deep love for the craft to reach the top — and without it, there’s no path forward.”Out of respect for the sport and for myself, it’s time to step away with honesty.”Orie has retired from pro boxingCredit: Getty More

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      Swimmer becomes millionaire within 21 seconds after shattering world record while juiced on performance-enhancing drugs

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      THE first edition of the Enhanced Games will be staged in Las Vegas in May 2026.The controversial sporting event – which is backed by businessman Donald Trump Jr., the son of the US President – will encourage its athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs to break existing world records on the track, in the pool and in the gym.Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev claims to have broken the 50m freestyle world recordCredit: X @enhanced_gamesGkolomeev was awarded $1million after taking performance enhancing drugsCredit: X @enhanced_gamesIt will be held annually and will initially consist of three sports – short-distance swimming, sprinting and weightlifting.Competitors will be permitted to use substances that are banned from elite sport – and there are significant cash bonuses available for those who produce “truly superhuman performance”.Organisers say the Enhanced Games will “move humanity forward” and “to redefine what mankind can be with audacity” – and to create “the next era of human potential”.They claim that Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who was fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympics, swam 20.89 seconds in a 50 metres freestyle time trial in the US in February.READ MORE ON SPORTThis is 0.02 seconds quicker than the world record set by Brazilian Cesar Cielo in 2009.Separately, the Bulgarian-born star swam 21.03 seconds “in jammers”, which was 0.01 seconds faster than American Caeleb Dressel’s 2019 mark.For “breaking two world records” and becoming the “fastest swimmer in history” he has received a £1million bonus but World Aquatics, the sport’s governing body, will not recognise his achievements.Their big goal is to find someone who can run faster than Jamaican sprinting sensation Usain Bolt, whose 100 metres world record time of 9.58 seconds, set in Berlin in 2009, stands as the benchmark of athletic endeavour.Most read in AthleticsBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIf that happens, then the individual runner will earn $1million.At a glitzy launch in Las Vegas on Wednesday evening, president of the Enhanced Games Dr Aron D’Souza – an Australian entrepreneur and lawyer – said: “The world is hungry for something new.Fury after three-time Olympic swimming medallist is offered $1m to break records while ‘juiced to the gills’“A new vision of sport, of science and of human potential.“We are not just organising competition, we are in the business of unlocking human potential.“The idea came to life in 2022 during a moment of reflection where I found myself asking: ‘Why are athletes still bound by outdated rules that ignore everything we know about science?’“I imagined a new kind of competition where science, sport and society could evolve together. Where we stop apologising for progress, and start to embrace it.“A platform that celebrates human innovation, rewards excellence and explores enhancements openly, responsibly and ethically.“Make no mistake, in 50 years we’ll look back and realise that biology was never the ceiling.This is definitely not a free-for-all. It’s controlled, safe and athletes’ first.Maximilian Martin, Deputy president of the Enhanced Games“We will be faster, stronger, younger for longer and wonder why it took so long for society to catch up with science. The old rules didn’t just hold back athletes – they held back humanity.“We are the vanguard of super-humanity. This is disruption by design.”D’Souza says there will be a “performance enhancement protocol” where all athletes are enhanced “ethnically, safefully and above all, with great safety and effectiveness”.Two commissions – “one medical, one scientific” – will be established to assist coaches and athletes, whilst also developing and marketing “new drug compounds” for the American public to purchase.Las Vegas will stage the first Games on the Memorial Weekend of May 24-26, 2026 at Resorts World.Maximilian Martin, deputy president of the Enhanced Games, expects about 100 athletes to join next year, including finalists at the Paris Games and world-record holders.He said: “Our medical framework is built to the highest standards in sport.“The main difference to traditional testing is that we don’t make a decision for athletes which substances they can or cannot take – as long as it is inherent with the law.“We care about athletes’ safety and health while being at the peak level of athletic performance. This is definitely not a free-for-all. It’s controlled, safe and athletes’ first.”The idea behind the Enhanced Games has received widespread criticism for potentially endangering athletes’ health and undermining fair play.Anyone that signs up for the unprecedented concept will find that they cannot compete at the LA 2028 Olympics for their country or at the world championships in their respective sports.Speaking in Glasgow in February 2024, World Athletics chief Seb Coe – a two-time Olympic 1500 metres champion – said: “Well, it’s b******s isn’t it? I can’t really get excited about it.Read More on The Sun“There’s only one message, and that is if anybody is moronic enough to officially take part in it and they are in the traditional part of our sport, they’ll get banned for a long time.“But I really don’t get sleepless nights about it. It’s not going to be a page turner.” More

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      Nino Benvenuti dead at 87: Two-weight undisputed world champion and Olympic gold medallist passes away

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      BOXING great Nino Benvenuti has died at the age of 87.Benvenuti, widely considered as Italy’s greatest ever fighter, became world champion in two weight classes and won three world titles.Italian boxing legend Nino Benvenuti has died at the age of 87Benvenuti became world champion in two classes, light middleweight and middleweightBenvenuti held the undisputed super-welterweight championship from June 1965 to June 1966.He also held the undisputed middleweight championship twice, from April to September 1967, and from March 1968 to November 1970. He boasted a stunning record of 82 wins, including 35 knockouts, seven losses and one draw in his 90 professional boxing bouts.His three world title fights against Emile Griffith in 1967 and 1968 were epic battles.READ MORE BOXING NEWSBut Benvenuti’s amateur career was equally ground-breaking, losing just ONE of his 120 matches.The pinnacle of his amateur career came when he won Olympic gold at the Rome 1960 Games in the welterweight category, also receiving the prestigious Val Barker Trophy for boxing style. As an amateur, he won the Italian welterweight title from 1956 to 1960 and the European title in 1957 and 1959. Turning professional in 1961, Benvenuti eventually won the light-middleweight world championship in 1965 in front of a 40,000 crowd in Milan’s San Siro Stadium.Most read in BoxingBenvenuti lost just ONE of his 120 amateur matchesIn 1968, Benvenuti was named “Fighter of the Year” by Ring Magazine, the only Italian to receive this honour. In 1992, the Orthodox fighter became the first Italian to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.Although never holding U.S. citizenship, he was also admitted to the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements on American soil. He lost his last three fights, including two knockout defeats to Carlos Monzon.After retiring from the ring, Benvenuti’s movie star looks landed him a job in show business.He appeared in several Italian films such as “Vivi o preferibilmente morti” (1969) and “Mark il poliziotto spara per primo” (1975). He also worked as a sports commentator for RAI Italia and, since 1979, was registered with the Journalists’ Association.Benvenuti’s wife Nadì Bertorello died at the age of 75 after a short illness in January 2023. Benvenuti’s movie star looks landed him a job in show business after he retired from boxingBenvenuti’s stunning pro record in 90 fightsWins: 82Knockouts: 35Losses: SevenDraws: One More