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      British Boxing card hit by ‘uncalibrated’ scales storm as furious trainer BOYCOTTS weigh-in after interrupting presenter

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      TRAINER Joe Gallagher threatened to BOYCOTT the weigh-in before his fighter’s world title bout due to “uncalibrated” scales. Natasha Jonas – coached by Gallagher – faces Wales’ Lauren Price for the unified 147lb welterweight world titles tonight at the Royal Albert Hall.Joe Gallagher said the scales were not calibrated correctlyCredit: ReutersHe was ready to boycott the weigh-insCredit: PABut drama unfolded when Gallagher claimed the official scales used at the weigh-in one day before fight night had not been correctly calibrated – meaning it could produce incorrect results. He interrupted Sky Sports’ MC and said: “No, there’s no weigh-in until these scales have had calibration.”I need to a see a certificate of calibration on these scales. Everyone’s weighed light on it today and usually these scales come with a calibration sticker on it. “Until that calibration sticker is here today, that they’re bang on weight, then there will be no weigh-in for the main event. READ MORE IN BOXING”Them scales need a calibration sticker on it. They’re the rules, I’m only playing by the rules.” Price later came in at 10st 5lb while Jonas – fully clothed – came in at 10st 6lb.Boxxer, promoting the event, said in a statement: “The scales were calibrated and the British Boxing Board of Control are happy that everything is correct” The all-women’s card is topped by Jonas and Price, an Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympics four years ago.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPromoter Ben Shalom said: “I think Joe believes that they were half a pound too light.”Ultimately, Lauren has come in lighter than Natasha so really it doesn’t make too much of a difference. When does WWE-backed TKO Saudi boxing league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren?”I think Joe is protecting his fighter ahead of an unbelievable night tomorrow night and a huge pressure fight for both of them.”The pressure is on. It’s as much a battle of the trainers as it is a battle of the fighters – two of the best trainers this country has ever produced going head to head. It’s fascinating.”Price added: “There’s been drama all week. Gallagher is trying to make it about himself, but it’s Jonas vs Price.”Cool, calm, collected. Just looking forward to going out and showing how good I am.”I make the weight perfectly every camp, I’m a professional, it’s my natural weight as well.”It makes for a great fight, I respect Tash, I’m proud to be part of it. I’m in my prime, it’s my time and I’ll be taking those belts back to Wales.”Jonas and Price fight for the welterweight titlesCredit: PAControversy surrounded the weigh-insCredit: PA More

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      Harry Kane can return to Premier League to make history, so could Man Utd, Chelsea, Spurs or ARSENAL move be on cards?

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      ALL English eyes were on Harry Kane this week as he bagged a brace in Bayern Munich’s Champions League grudge match against Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen.Xabi Alonso’s side were the latest ones to make Kane wait for that elusive first major title of his career when they ended Munich’s decade of domestic supremacy last term.Harry Kane scored a brace as Bayern Munich beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clashCredit: GettyKane’s double on Wednesday night inspired Bayern Munich to a 3-0 win in the Champions League last 16, putting them in good stead for advancing past their German counterparts in Europe’s elite competition. But irrespective of what happens in next week’s second leg, there seems nothing that can prevent that German title medal going round his neck within a few weeks.Bayern are eight points – effectively nine given their hugely better goal difference – clear of Leverkusen with ten games to play.And their remaining opponents including six of the bottom eight and only Mainz and Leipzig in the top six.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means Kane is on course to lay that bogey to rest – and think about the OTHER main club goal of his career.That would be for him to overhaul Alan Shearer’s Prem record tally of 260 goals – and potentially set a mark that might NEVER be broken.Kane scored 213 goals in 320 top flight games for Spurs before his £100m move to Bavaria in 2023, meaning he is just 47 goals behind Shearer’s tally – set in 441 appearances for Blackburn and Newcastle.Despite his impressive stats at Bayern, with 57 goals in 58 Bundesliga appearances and 73 in 78 matches in all competitions, Kane is not universally popular, being questioned over his contribution outside the 18-yard box and in the “big” games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLast month, claims that he might be available this summer if a club matched his £67m release clause were not denied.That looked to open the door to a Prem return. So where could Kane, who turns 32 in July, go?Harry Kane’s ‘fugly’ £7,200 statue branded ‘stuff of nightmares’ finally unveiled after sitting in storage for almost five years TOTTENHAMA return to N17 would be the dream of Spurs fans – even if the club splashed out £65m to land Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth last summer.Kane became Tottenham’s all-time record scorer in his final season at the Lane, ending on 280 goals from 435 games as he went past Jimmy Greaves’ mark.Many Spurs fans remain convinced they would have been playing Champions League football this season if the club had put faith in Ange Postecoglou working his magic with Kane in the side – even if that would have risked him leaving for nothing last summer.Kane was desperate to land silverware with Tottenham – he spent nearly two decades at the club and will always be “one of our own”.But Kane also felt let down by Daniel Levy when his proposed move to Manchester City fell through in 2021 and it is unclear if he would consider a return to the club while the current hierarchy are in place.Or if Spurs would be willing to meet that asking price.Kane is Tottenham’s all-time top goalscorerCredit: GettyHe never managed to lift a trophy in North LondonCredit: GettyARSENALUnthinkable, surely.Kane knows how Sol Campbell is remembered by Tottenham fans after he walked out on the club to join the Gunners in 2001 – and even if it was not a direct swap he would risk destroying his reputation.But one of the most famous pictures of the young Kane was him wearing an Arsenal shirt and celebrating the “Invincibles” and their 2004 triumph – when the Prem was won at White Hart Lane.He was also on Arsenal’s books as a youngster, released after a year in their academy at the age of nine and who was then picked up by Watford before joining Spurs in 2004. Despite that, Kane has always insisted he grew up as a Spurs fan in a Spurs-supporting family.And Arsenal supporters loathed him with a passion when he scored goal after goal against them – accusing him of all sorts of nefarious activities because he was so streetwise on top.Yet Arsenal’s need for a proper No 9 has become a running joke in the game – even more than previously this season.There is no better authentic line leader than Kane, even into his early 30s. Can you imagine how much delight there would be from the Gooners if that happened?No player has scored more North London Derby goals than Harry KaneCredit: AFP or licensorsKane (left) celebrated Arsenal’s invincible season dressed in full kitKane (front row, far left) also spent a year on the books at Arsenal as a kidCHELSEAWhen Mauricio Pochettino was unveiled as Chelsea boss in 2023, the spectre of Kane following him into Stamford Bridge left many Spurs fans suffering nightmares.Barely 18 months on and Pochettino is long gone.But Chelsea’s need for a totemic central striker who can also be a creator supreme has not gone away.The new Chelsea transfer approach under Todd Boehly has been focused on young players, long-term deals and potential future sales value.That would not be a situation with Kane, who has maybe four seasons at the top level left in his locker, with little or no sell-on value even after a couple of campaigns.While it is hard to envisage Kane wearing Arsenal’s red shirt, the animosity towards Chelsea from Spurs fans is nowhere near as strong – even if it is arguably even deeper the other way, with many Blues supporters viewing Tottenham as their REAL rival.Todd Boehly would have to switch up his transfer strategy to sign KaneCredit: GettyMANCHESTER UNITEDUnited wheeled out the big guns to try to lure Kane on at least two occasions in the past.Gary Neville’s infamous golf course video interview caused major issues at boardroom level in N17, with anger through the roof. Both times, despite the opportunities, Kane refused the invitation – making it clear that he was committed to Tottenham first time round and then effectively choosing City on the next occasion.That Kane would consider going to a United in a state of utter flux now, if he does want to leave Germany, is even harder to imagine.But United’s need for someone who really could make a difference is unquestioned, with fans looking at Rasmus Hojlund’s statistics and shaking their heads at the Dane.Likewise for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, landing Kane would be a game-changer.READ MORE SUN STORIESRemember how Robin van Persie was signed as Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season “present” to fire United to the title.They have not won it since but if Kane has got the silverware monkey off his back at Bayern, he might be able to work a miracle at Old Trafford.Man Utd are in dire need for a new striker given the form of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus HojlundCredit: GettyKane’s interview with Gary Neville in 2021 caused issues in the Spurs boardroomCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Footballer, 24, charged with string of sex offences including imprisoning and raping woman

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      A FOOTBALLER has been charged with a string of sex offences including rape.Harry Butters allegedly imprisoned and sexually assaulted the woman, who is aged over 16, in March.Harry Butters has been charged with raping a womanCredit: NNPThe 24-year-old appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court for a hearing.Butters is accused of two counts of sexual assault, one of rape and a count of false imprisonment.All the offences allegedly took place on March 2 in the Darlington area.Butters, who plays for Darlington FC’s under 23s, was released on conditional bail to appear at Teesside Crown Court next month.Read more newsHe has been made subject to a n electronically monitored tagged curfew between 7pm and 7am.Butters has been suspended by the club pending the outcome of court proceedings.He has so far played 21 times this season – including in Darlington’s 5-0 win over Crook Town Youth on March 1.The team said in a statement: “The player is suspended until further notice.”Most read in FootballButters plays for Darlington’s youth teamCredit: NNP More

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      Floyd Mayweather on course to lose unbeaten record to unknown 42-0 boxer who feared he would die in horror kidnapping

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      ROAD WARRIOR Abel Mendoza has been been building a record that matches the great Floyd Mayweather – but it almost cost him his life. Mendoza’s undefeated 42-0 record has been flying under the radar thanks to bouts in Mexico, South America, Jamaica and even South Korea. Abel Mendoza is the 42-0 boxerCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelHe is close to breaking Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0 recordCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelHis career has been going under the radarCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelBut it was after his last win in December – a win over Yonnaiquer Rondon in Colombia – that he was left staring death in the face. Mendoza was kidnapped in the back of a taxi alongside his friend and faced a fight to survive. Recalling the harrowing experience, he told SunSport: “I thought we were gonna die. “I thought they were gonna take us, hold us for ransom. At that moment I thought, man, I was disappointed.READ MORE IN BOXING”And in that moment I thought to myself – that’s when it just kind of hit me like – no I can’t die like this. I’m not gonna die.” Before turning professional in 2016 in Texas, Mendoza says he had close to 300 amateur bouts. He even beat Lamont Roach – who most believed was robbed of victory against superstar lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.Mendoza said: “I thought he beat Tank and I knew Lamont was gonna be a a hard fight for Tank, but a lot of people didn’t believe it.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 29-year-old is managed by brothers Scott and David Tetreault – who have taken his boxing career around the globe. But still Mendoza is without his big break, despite a shiny record to defend. When does WWE-backed TKO Saudi boxing league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren?He said: “I haven’t been working with anybody or no other fighters wants to take a chance. They see my record, maybe they’re intimidated. “But I would have thought it would be the other way like, ‘Oh, he’s 42-0. Let me take his unbeaten record.’ But it’s not like that.”Mendoza took his career on the road in a bid to build his record, fighting largely in Mexico and up to EIGHT times a year.But six of his last eight have been in Colombia – with the most recent sparking his horror kidnapping ordeal. Mendoza claims he hailed down a cab after his Uber app stopped working – before a group of thugs robbed the boxer and his friend. He said: “Two guys get into the back and one of them had a screwdriver, the other one had a knife.”The driver, he turns around, he’s like, ‘Shut up, shut up, don’t talk.’ And I’m just in shock. I just couldn’t believe it.”And then they keep driving. I kept telling him like, ‘Hey man, let me go. You can take all my things here.’Mendoza has fought all around the worldCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelMendoza poses with boxing legend Manny PacquiaoCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelHere he is rubbing shoulders with UFC boss Dana WhiteCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabel”They just kept telling me to shut up. They hit me, I gave him my phone, gave him everything and all the money that I had.” Mendoza spotted an ambulance – first mistaking it for a police car – when he decided to fight his way out. He said: “I look at my friend and I’m like, ‘Right now’ because they don’t know English.”So I’m like, ‘Hey, right now.’ And my friend’s like, ‘All right.’ So I punched the guy and I opened the door.”My friend kicks the seat and he grabs the guy – because you could tell they weren’t fighters – and I opened the door and jumped out and my friend did the same thing.”He grabbed him and he took the knife and he jumped out too and we ran to a gas station.”Despite the terrifying ordeal, Mendoza is still not put off boxing away from home. He said: “I’m not afraid. I’ve been to Korea, I’ve been to Mexico a lot, even in New Mexico. I probably won’t go back to Colombia.”I mean, I’ll go anywhere, it’s what I’ve always done.”No I can’t die like this. I’m not gonna dieAbel Mendoza Mendoza improved to 42 wins before the kidnap attempt – moving ever closer to Mayweather’s record-breaking 50-0.But Mendoza insists: “The goal has always been trying to win belts. “I wanna become a world champion and I really don’t care about getting to 50-0. I have a lot of fights because I like to fight. “I love to fight. I have a lot of fights, I would rather take a fight than stay inactive and that’s why I have a lot of fights.”The goal is not to get to 50-0, the goal is to become a world champion. “If I get to 50-0 while that happens, it happens but I’m just trying to become a world champion.”Mendoza thought his big break was coming in February when Floyd Schofield pulled out of fighting WBC champ Shakur Stevenson.The Texan was ready to travel 8,000 miles to Riyadh to replace Schofield – but Britain’s Josh Padley was just a seven-hour flight away.Abel Mendoza snapped with Jake PaulCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelBrave Padley was beaten in nine rounds as Mendoza said: “My team reached out to them and they were trying to make it happen.”But I guess somebody from the UK was closer so they found him and he was there. It happens.” Mendoza has also called out 11-1 YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul – despite their FIVE STONE weight difference. But he said: “I just put it out there that I’d fight Jake. I actually think Jake’s a decent fighter, so that was one of the reasons why I put that out there.”I don’t know if he’s at the elite level. I think that’s whatwe’re all waiting to see… if if he’s at the elite level.”But from what I’ve seen, he looks pretty decent.”Mendoza is now just waiting for his big opportunity – warning boxing bigwigs he is open for business. He said: “I’m ready to fight, I wanna fight the best so I can prove myself that I am the best. I’m a free agent, so that’s a good thing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m able to work with whoever right now and there are a few promoters interested. “But I’m just trying to be patient and just waiting to see what happens.”Mendoza is ready for the big timeCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabel More

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      Premier League club to open £300million new stand within months and will be bigger than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium

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      MANCHESTER CITY officials are aiming to open the expanded Etihad Stadium North Stand next January, according to reports.The reigning Premier League champions previously revealed that the new-look stand would open at some point during the 2025-26 season.Man City are currently in the process of expanding the North StandCredit: APCity have invested £300m in the developmentCredit: APBut, as per the Forever Blue podcast, City’s managing director of operations, Danny Wilson, has earmarked January 2026 as the main target should everything go as planned.Man City’s £300million development is set to turn the Etihad Stadium into a 61,470-seater venue.The Prem giants aim to deliver one of the best matchday experiences in world sport.Club officials also want to create an elite entertainment destination for supporters and visitors.Read More in FootballThe renovation of the North Stand will see a Sky Bar introduced, which is set to have premium seating for 450 fans.As well as development inside the ground, there’s a host of new areas being created in the renovations.The Cityzens are building a new fanzone, club museum, City Store, and a huge 400-bed hotel.However, those developments are not expected to be completed until late 2026.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCity’s Director of Infrastructure and Development, Ed Dalton, said: “Work is progressing at pace.”The project is split into four different sections.Premier League club reach new milestone in £300m stadium expansion with special ‘bolt-on’ project set to boost capacity “We have the North Stand development, the hotel, a commercial wing, and the covered fan zone from City Square.”Over the summer and winter months, we’ve completed all ground works.”We did as much work as we could during the close season to minimise disruption to fans.” More

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      England star spotted at darts in Luke Littler shirt holding up bizarre message to his Premier League manager

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      ENGLAND star Lewis Dunk was spotted holding up a bizarre sign as he cheered on Luke Littler last night.The 18-year-old sensation beat Chris Dobey, Michael van Gerwen and Nathan Aspinall en route to Premier League Darts victory yesterday.Lewis Dunk was seen holding up a sign about his manager Fabian HurzelerCredit: XThe defender was also spotted by a fan holding beerCredit: XLuke Littler won last night’s event at the Brighton CentreCredit: PAThe action on night five of the competition came from Brighton and their club captain Dunk was pictured in the crowd.Dunk was seen holding a pint of beer while wearing a replica of Littler’s trademark purple shirt.Sky Sports cameras cut to him in the stands and the defender was seen holding up a hand-written sign.It had Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler’s name scribbled on it with the words “in” and “out” crossed out several times.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans found it hilarious, with one saying: “Dunk with this sign cracked me up.”Another added: “Having a great time by the looks of it.”A third reacted: “Why is Lewis Dunk at the darts with a Hurzeler Out/in sign?????”Dunk is currently out injured and has not featured in the Seagulls’ last four games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 33-year-old has been capped six times by England and was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Euros last summer.Brighton face Fulham tomorrow and Dunk will reportedly miss out again due to injury.Luke Littler reveals ‘pint was thrown at Nathan Aspinall’ as Premier League Darts is marred by ‘crazy’ crowd incident He is not the only Premier League player to have been spotted at the darts after Tottenham pair James Maddison and Brennan Johnson were seen at Ally Pally for the World Championships just hours after drawing 2-2 to Wolves in December.Dunk’s sign was aimed at manager Fabian HurzelerCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-West Ham star’s Wag breaks down in tears after ‘scum’ burglars ransack home while they were out for son’s birthday

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      EX-WEST HAM star Nicky Maynard and his family fell victim to a burglary while out celebrating their son’s birthday.His wife Tara Maynard was left in tears as she returned home to find it ransacked.Tara Maynard broke down in tears as she revealed her home had been burgledShe spoke of an eerie feeling the morning after the incidentHandbags and watches were stolen from the propertyCredit: INSTAGRAM @taramays25Tara revealed her heartbreak as she put out an appealThe family were out celebrating son Trey’s 12th birthday at the time of the incidentCredit: INSTAGRAM @taramays25Tara, a fashion designer, revealed to her 675,000 Instagram followers that her house had been broken into.She fought back the tears as she described the extent of the burglary, with countless watches and designer handbags taken from the property.Even her antibiotics were stolen and her two boys’ safes broken into – stealing the money they had been saving up.Tara, 35, said in an Instagram video: “Well I tell you what working hard gets you girls, and going out for a meal for your son’s 12th birthday – to come home to be absolutely everything has been taken, like everything.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We’ve been out for an hour for Trey’s birthday and they’ve literally ransacked the whole place.”Like even the little kids’ safes with the cash in that they’ve been saving for Christmas and birthdays, they’ve literally taken the lot.'”Addressing her followers, she said: ‘”If anybody hears or they’re selling any of my bags girls, everybody knows what I’ve got.”You all know what jewellery I’ve got. Then please, please tell me.’Most read in FootballShowing how the burglars even broke into their sons’ money boxes, she added: ‘Like, what scum on earth?’The family had been out celebrating their son Trey’s 12th birthday at the time of the incident.Nicky and Tara Maynard both put out appealsCredit: INSTAGRAM @taramays25Police suspect a £1million raid on Jack Grealish’s mansion may have been an inside job as devastated Man City breaks silence Maynard, 38, said he heard footsteps in the gravel as they returned home – but their neighbours were not aware of the burglary taking place.A camera was later found in the bushes outside their home which is believed to have been used to spy on them.In another video taken in the morning after the burglary, Tara again broke down in tears as she described the “eerie feeling” she has been left with.Police are investigating the incident as Tara spoke about needing her mum with her to re-enter the property.Both Maynard and Tara have put out appeals to the public to keep an eye out for the belongings, with at least 30 handbags, as well as Cartier and Rolex watches and three Van Cleef bracelets all gone.Tara believes a “highly professional” gang targeted their home following a spate of burglaries in the Cheshire area.Jack Grealish fell victim to a burglary nearby on December 27 when he was playing for Manchester City. More

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      I’d be happy if Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn never fight – the feud is a gimmick and neither are a patch on their dads

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      CONOR BENN and Chris Eubank Jr reduced boxing to Donald Trump levels of boorish behaviour last week while selling their so-called family feud at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 26.When Eubank smashed a raw egg into the side of Benn’s face in Manchester, it was a symbolic gesture to humiliate him for claiming it was eating too many eggs which caused him to fail two drug tests.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are set to face off on April 26Credit: SplashThere is a big size and weight difference between the two fightersCredit: SplashIt led to a mass brawl involving promoters Eddie Hearn, Ben Shalom and the two fighters — and it was only the intervention of heavily muscled security men that prevented it from getting out of hand.For his trouble, Eubank has been called before the British Boxing Board of Control’s disciplinary committee for bringing the sport into disrepute. Let’s hope he is handed a hefty fine.This fight was supposed to have taken place 30 months ago but was called off at the last minute because of Benn’s drug test problems.Along with others, I had condemned the fight as being dangerous to the health of both men.READ MORE IN BOXINGWe had the distinct possibility of Benn, a small welterweight, going into the ring with a super-middleweight likely to be more than a stone heavier than him.The vast physical difference between them is highlighted by the fact Benn is three inches shorter than Eubank and will be outreached by five inches. When it was postponed at the 11th hour, I said in this column that boxing could heave a huge sigh of relief it isn’t facing the possibility of a catchweight catastrophe.For me, it was a blessing in disguise, as I always had grave doubts about the wisdom of allowing the fight — particularly as Eubank was asked to boil down to a skeletal 157lb.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAt least this time it is being held at the 11st 6lb limit, with a 170lb rehydration clause written into Eubank’s contract.This fight had no validity then and has no validity now.Chris Eubank Jr scanned by an ‘egg detector’ ahead of Conor Benn press conference after slap controversyIt is purely a money-making gimmick based on the fact Benn’s dad Nigel and Eubank’s father, also Chris, fought each other in two great world title fights in the 1990s.The two offspring are nowhere near as good as their fathers but I’m not naive enough to realise that, despite my misgivings, there will be a 60,000 sell-out crowd in North London next month.I often wonder how many who sit at big-fight ringsides worry about the safety of the boxers — particularly if they boo when a referee stops a contest to save someone from serious injury.Maybe I’m a purist, but boxing should always be a level playing field — it’s dangerous already without adding any unnecessary hazards.I know the fighters will hate me saying this, because I’m sure they have guaranteed millions, but I wouldn’t be unhappy if Benn and Eubank never did fight each other. More