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      Usyk spotted ‘giving Anthony Joshua tips on how to beat Tyson Fury’ in ringside footage at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2

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      IS Oleksandr Usyk giving Anthony Joshua tips to defeat Tyson Fury?The Ukraine champ and the British heavyweight were ringside in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for Artur Beterbiev’s rematch with Dmitry Bivol on Saturday.Oleksandr Usyk looks like he’s sharing tips with AJ ringsideThe boxing pair were spotted in Riyadh at Artur Beterbiev’s rematch with Dmitry BivolCameras caught them deep in conversation as they looked to be talking shop.And it appeared that Usyk was giving AJ a lesson in boxing tactics.The video clip prompted fans to ask if Usyk, who has beaten Fury twice, was telling Joshua what he needs to do to beat the Gypsy King.One wrote: “Usyk giving AJ advice on how to beat Fury?”read more in boxingAJ’s own future is up in the air, following his defeat last September against Daniel Dubois.When he was quizzed about his future ringside at The Last Crescendo, he gave little away.”More fights, this is my life, this is what I do.”Right now I sit outside and I watch and then I’ll make my return one day.Most read in Boxing”Right now I sit back as a fan and watch the great people in the sport I love.”‘Aura is crazy’ – Oleksandr Usyk asks where Anthony Joshua is seconds after arriving for stacked Beterbiev vs Bivol cardMeanwhile, Tyson Fury hung up his gloves after his second loss to Usyk back in December.Boxing fans are convinced that Tyson will come out of retirement to fight again.A blockbuster all-British bout against AJ has been long in the making.Fury has announced his retirement five times in total, with his last hiatus from the ring in 2022. More

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      Joseph Parker brutally knocks out Martin Bakole in second round after brave rival took fight on just two days’ notice

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      JOSEPH PARKER rewarded Martin Bakole for his super-sub antics with a two-round pasting for racing across Africa to save his show.The 33-year-old Scotland-based heavyweight was digging ditches for a Kinshasa shopping centre to be named in his honour in the Congo on Wednesday.Joseph Parker needed just two rounds to beat Martin Bakole in RiyadhCredit: GettyThe former WBO world champion had been due to face Daniel DuboisCredit: ReutersParker caught Bakole with a solid right hook in the second roundThe Congolese challenger was sent flying by the force of the punchThe entire bout lasted just under 6 minutes, with referee Steve Gray waving the action offCredit: GettyBut when Daniel Dubois was pulled out of his IBF heavyweight world title defence by the British Boxing Board of Control, after being struck down with a virus, Bakole got the unlikely call to face the dateless Kiwi.Bakole’s chief support slot was so hastily arranged that he had to wear Dubois’ personalised gloves, complete with ‘DDD’ logo etched in white across the black knuckles.But they were only on for the warm-up, ring walk and six minutes of action, before the 22st funster was flattened.Up against a former WBO world champion, an 18-hour trip, via Dubai on Ethiopia Airlines, jet lag and a serious lack of sleep, Bakole couldn’t afford to waste energy.READ MORE ON BOXINGSo he dropped his lead left hand low and tried to lure Parker in close where he could be clipped.The Kiwi was too wise and kept jabbing at the giant target from a safe distance but he was grazed right on the bell, when backed onto the ropes.The second round started like a slugfest, Parker seemed crazy for engaging with the unfit behemoth in the few early rounds he could pose a threat.And he looked like he was on a hiding to nothing when he landed a big right hand on Bakole’s beard and he theatrically shook it off.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe crowd cheered the iron chin and amateur dramatics but the fanfare didn’t last long.Parker looped in a right hand that even a fit and fair-warned fighter would have struggled to deal with.Fans hail brilliant moment stunned Joseph Parker discovers he’s fighting Bakole But being propped up on hope and airplane food alone, meant Bakole fell down onto his giant tartan backside.He clambered inelegantly to his feet but he was gone and referee Steve Gray did the right thing in waving the action off with Bakole in a very dangerous spot.Speaking to DAZN, Parker said: “I want to thank the people of Saudi Arabia and my team. “Martin Bakole, thank you very much for accepting the invitation and for giving me a good fight.”I’m fit, I’m strong and I’m healthy thanks to these men. “Who’s next? How can I fight for the world title next? If [Oleksandr] Usyk wants a dance partner next, then we can get Uncle Frank [Warren] in here.” More

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      ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claim

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      PEP GUARDIOLA fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s Euro blockbuster because he is scared of Antonio Rudiger.The Manchester City striker was an unused sub in their Champions League mauling at Real Madrid with a knee injury.Pep Guardiola fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s trip to the BernabeuCredit: GettyCarragher questioned Haaland’s place on the bench after City were hammered by Real MadridBut Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher reckons the Norway ace wanted to avoid Real’s fit-again centre-back Rudiger, 31.Speaking as pundit on CBS, he said: “It’s Rudiger-itis is it? Is that what we’re saying here?”Ahead of City hosting the Reds on Sunday, Guardiola shook his head in disbelief when told of Carra’s stunning comments.He said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that?READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Did he say that Haaland didn’t want to play the game? It’s not nice — and it’s not true.“He was crazy to play the game but had a problem with his knee and could not play.”It comes ahead of the Etihad fixture, which has become increasingly ill-tempered, and Haaland, 24, faces a late test to make the City line-up.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he will be desperate to make it after Kop legend ­Carragher’s  taunts.Most read in FootballCarragher, 47, said: “So let me work this out. Haaland has gone to the manager this morning and said he’s not fit?Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “Do you think it’s got something to do with Rudiger? Is that because Rudiger is playing?“He’s on the bench so he can’t be injured. I never went to see the manager on the morning of a game and said I’m not fit. So he’s injured, is he?” More

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      Bookies pay out on Liverpool Premier League title as Mikel Arteta slams Arsenal flops after West Ham defeat

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      FURIOUS Mikel Arteta slammed his Arsenal flops and accused them of lacking the ‘levels’ to be champs.Bookies Paddy Power last night paid out on a Liverpool title after  Jarrod Bowen’s winner at the Emirates.Fuming Mikel Arteta laid into his Arsenal flops after defeat to West HamCredit: RexMartin Odegaard was equally scathing of his team’s performanceCredit: PAAnd Gunners boss Arteta fumed: “I’m very, very angry. I hope the team is angry. That was nowhere near the levels we have to hit to  win a Premier League.”Sub Myles Lewis-Skelly was also sent off  after a VAR review for tripping Mohammed Kudus — Arsenal’s FIFTH red card of the season.Asked if the title race is over, Arteta admitted: “It’s not in our hands.“I’m really annoyed with the things that ARE in our hands and we didn’t do as well as we could.Read more football news“We have to look in the mirror of what we can do better: the will, the desire and the way we want it.”Prem leaders Liverpool will go ELEVEN points clear with a win at  Manchester City today.Injury-hit Arsenal mustered just TWO shots on target yesterday after midfielder Mikel Merino was handed his first career start as a No 9  following injuries to Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArteta added: “Even though we had 20 shots, I never felt we were at the standard and the level we needed. We never got a grip of the game.Most read in FootballArsenal player ratings vs West Ham (1)“I refuse to blame the lack of strikers. I am talking about the players’ standards, me included.“This level was not enough. You have to deliver and it has to be with quality to break down a good team.” The shock defeat ended the Gunners’ run of 15 unbeaten Prem games.Skipper Martin Odegaard echoed Arteta’s comments and declared:“The performance was not good enough. It’s a big blow,  really disappointed.“We have players missing but we have players here who are good enough and available.“It wasn’t good enough in front of the goal. With the red card, it was tricky as well.”Asked if he picked the wrong team, Arteta replied: “I would do the same, but when you lose you get it wrong, the tactics, the intentions, everything.”Lewis-Skelly’s 73rd-minute red for a halfway-line trip on Kudus was  upgraded from an initial yellow after VAR Peter Bankes persuaded ref Craig Pawson to view the pitchside monitor.The Prem’s Match Centre confirmed VAR “deemed it denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity”.Kudus said: “I took the ball off and tried to get the shot off. If I wasn’t stopped, I was heading direct to goal against the keeper.Asked what needs to change between now and Wednesday’s visit to third-placed Nottingham Forest, Arteta added: “First of all, suffer, 24 to 48 hours, suffer and feel the pain.“Make sure we come back on Monday with  bite and anger still in the stomach.Arne Slot’s Liverpool take on Man City at the Etihad on SundayCredit: GettyIn-form Liverpool could open up an 11-point gap at the top of the tableCredit: Getty“Hopefully we have a positive reaction. We must understand we need to raise the level.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBowen, who scored his 50th Prem goal, said: “It was a beautiful ball in, I couldn’t miss.“It was really important to win the game.” More

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      Newcastle plotting to bring back former youth star who left in 2013 but is now shining at Premier League rivals

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      NEWCASTLE chief Eddie Howe is plotting to bring Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier back to Tyneside.Tavernier and his brother James, 33 – now captain of Rangers – grew up in the North East and played in Toon’s youth ranks.Eddie Howe is eyeing a summer swoop for former Toon youth player Marcus TavernierCredit: RexThe 25-year-old was formerly on the books at NewcastleCredit: GettyBut the winger, 25, joined Middlesbrough as a schoolkid and went on to earn a £10million move to Bournemouth in 2022.The Cherries have him under contract until 2028 and are under no pressure to sell.However, bids north of £25m could tempt them this summer. Tavernier has been a consistent performer on the South Coast for the past three seasons. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he has helped propel Bournemouth into unlikely Champions League chasers. Tavernier has two goals across 19 league games, along with a career-high five assists. Celtic’s German star Nicolas Kuhn and PSV Eindhoven attacker Johan Bakayoko are other names Howe will be interested in this summer.Newcastle host high-flying Nottingham Forest on Sunday knowing victory will send them fifth. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Howe is keen for his side to chase down Nuno Santo’s men – and bring Champions League football back to St James Park. Howe said: “The challenge for us, the coaching staff and players, is to finish as high as we can in the league. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “Our target should be what is immediately ahead of us and above us.”We have to try and chase down teams like Nottingham Forest. It is a small target of points. “It is not impossible for us to achieve it.“The game we have coming up is potentially a big moment in that. “If we let our immediate opposition slip away from us, then it becomes very difficult to make that gap up. “They are important games coming up in the next few weeks.” More

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      ‘I don’t know what fight that fella’s watching’ – Fans fume at ‘rigged’ result on Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 undercard

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      BOXING fans slammed Carlos Adames’ contentious split decision draw with Hamzah Sheeraz as “rigged”.Most felt WBC middleweight champion Adames had done more than enough to win but the judges couldn’t separate the two fighters.Fans slammed Carlos Adames’ contentious draw with Hamzah Sheeraz as ‘rigged’Credit: GettyMost felt WBC middleweight champion Adames had done more than enough to winCredit: GettyBut the judges called it a split decision drawCredit: GettyOne judge had it 118-110 for Adames, another scored it 115-114 for Sheeraz, while a third had it even at 114-114.The huge scorecard discrepancy left TNT commentator Richie Woodhall was left utterly dumbfounded.After seeing the 118-110 scorecard, Woodhall said over comms: “I don’t know what fight that fella’s watching.”The result – which Adames’ took well – received an angry response from fans who flooded to social media to protest the decision.READ MORE IN BOXINGOne wrote: “OMG I’m sorry but Sheeraz got wasted here that’s a robbery can’t be a draw for s***.”A second said: “WOW. Adames clearly won that fight. That looked rigged.”A third added: “Robbery! Adames definitely won.”Another tweeted: “F*** right off!!!! No way a split draw. Sheeraz lost by about six rounds.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, somebody else posted: “Adames has been robbed.”But promoter Frank Warren revealed after that Sheeraz had in fact broken his hand during the fight.Anthony Joshua gives cryptic update over future amid Tyson Fury fight talk in interview at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2Adames retained his WBC middleweight title and challenger Sheeraz was frustratingly cautious – despite some serious orders getting sent his way by the sport’s most powerful man, Turki Al-Sheikh.The 21-0 Ilford middleweight earned a crack at the WBC world champion – and a chance to become Britain’s newest breakout boxing star.The proud Pakistani-Londoner had the Riyadh crowd right – and kingmaker Turki Al-Sheikh – in his corner as he was cheered into the ring and the Dominican was booed by all but one small corner of the arena.Adames, 30, bobbed and weaved into range, under Sheeraz’s freakishly long levers and jabs, but could not connect with anything thudding.Our 25-year-old undefeated ace was on the backfoot for all of the opener but he was happy scoring from there and landed the most jabs by a distance.Little Adames grew in confidence and stature in the second but Sheeraz remained disciplined and picked him off from the safety of a 4in height advantage.The third round was the dullest of the evening, so far, as Adames stalked and stalked and Sheeraz just warned him off with prodded jabs.FOLLOW THE ACTION FROM RIYADH WITH OUR BOXING LIVE BLOGAdames retained his WBC middleweight title via a controversial drawCredit: GettySheeraz’s performance was quite flat by his standardsCredit: GettyBut Sheeraz turned it on and enjoyed his best stanza in the 11thCredit: GettySheeraz came alive at the start of the fourth, bedding his knobbly knees and whipping a left hook into Adames’ ribs and then rifling down a right hand. And then he played matador as the bullish champion shadowed him around the ring looking for power punches.It looked like Sheeraz was going to gift Adames the fifth by being too cautious on the outskirts of the ring.But just before the bell he unloaded a few piercing shots that angered the champ enough that he battered his chest after the bell and demanded more of a fight from the challenge in the sixth.Sheeraz obliged and tried to be offensive but Adames was used to punches raining down at him and dipped and slipped past most of the efforts with impressive composure.Round seven was an exhibition of elite shadow boxing, as Adames dodged every one of Sheeraz’s meaningful digs and the Brit caught all of Adames’ looped efforts on his golden gloves.Adames landed a peach of a right hand in the third, that smacked the sweat off of Sheeraz’s brow.But before he could get carried away, Sheeraz pinged him back with an identical shot that sent snot skywards.By the ninth round Sheeraz had still not worked out Adames’ masterful lateral movement, sometimes he would sink and slide below the Brit beanpole’s waist.But he went too low with one punch and got a warning from Panama ref Hector Afu.Sheeraz’s performance was so flat that, before the tenth round, Al-Sheikh walked around the VIP seats and into Sheeraz’s corner to tell him he had two desperate rounds to pull something from the fire.It’s amazing what a director order from the richest and most powerful dictator in boxing can do, as Sheeraz turned it on and enjoyed his best stanza in the 11th, with three big shots harming Adames.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Sheeraz landed the cleaner shots in the last shift too but, despite the urges of the crowd, refused to put his foot on the gas and coasted to the final bell.And the result felt a fair reflection of a promising fight that never caught light. More

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      Brave electrician Josh Padley wins over fans with amazing Mike Tyson tattoo and spirit in loss to world champ Stevenson

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      JOSH PADLEY put on the performance of a lifetime to take pound-for-pound American superstar and three-weight king Shakur Stevenson nine rounds.The 29-year-old Doncaster electrician was crawling through roofs on Tuesday, installing solar powers for a daily rate.Josh Padley took on Shakur Stevenson in Riyadh for a world titleCredit: GettyFans were quick to notice Padley had some unusual inkThe incredible ink shows Mike Tyson punching ZeusBut, when American Floyd Schofield pulled out of the fight with a mystery illness, the fearless super-sub called his long-suffering boss to book a very short-notice holiday for a shot at the WBC lightweight world title and boxing greatness.Before the shock call came, Padley had plans to work all week and then spend the weekend doing DIY in his new home.But instead he made mouthy Stevenson look like a flat-pack bully who needed every ounce of strength and skill to overcome a man who does the sport part-time.Padley did Yorkshire and the nation proud in the opener, throwing right hands at Stevenson’s toned body and tricking him with clever feints.READ MORE ON BOXINGThe lairy champion grinned when the challenger dared attack him but Padley was utterly fearless.And it wasn’t long before his remarkable back tattoo caught fans’ attention on the PPV.The 29-year-old has a bizarre ink featuring legendary heavyweight Mike Tyson.In the huge tatt, Tyson is seen punching Greek god Zeus square in the face. Most read in BoxingOne fan gasped: “One thing I can say about Padley so far is that’s a hard-a** tattoo on his back.”While another said: “That Padley tatt goes hard.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStevenson landed some wicked combinations in the second – just after Padley’s little pocket of fans took over the Riyadh arena with a ‘Padley Wonderland’ chorus.But the brave Brit ate the shots up and threw back his own, defying all the ratings between them.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender Watch the full episode of Contender on Sun Sport’s YouTube channel NOW as we exclusively go behind the scenes with Lewis WilliamsThe third was nip and tuck too, right until the final seconds when Stevenson unloaded a volley of expert blows that buzzed the Englishman and buckled his legs, thankfully the bell came right on cue.Stevenson’s promises of a brief and one-sided beatdown were proven totally empty by the fourth, when Padley again soaked up his best work and tagged him back.By the fifth Stevenson had to try dirty tricks, slashing a southpaw lead hook at Padley when the ref had ordered them to break.But Padley was then hurt by a legitimate body punch that robbed him of his lungs but not his heart and he tucked up and slashed back, to hear another bell.There was a lone and soft female fan in the darkness somewhere shouting “Go on Josh!” all through the sixth, when he needed it most.Padley was deep under fire and taking a beating but he refused to melt and even backed Stevenson back onto the ropes twice and hurled shots back like a hero.Stevenson landed a sickening body shot in the seventh, a normal man would have folded in half and taken the payday.But Padley bit down on his gumshield, sucked in the agony and ended the session hurling shots back as he continued to humble the Floyd Mayweather protege.This was supposed to be a one-sided massacre but the only thing getting slaughtered was Stevenson’s reputation and standing in the pound-for-pound list. Padley was simply magnificent and making a mockery of every ranking and rating in the entire convoluted sport.Padley did take an eight count in the ninth when one body blow too many took its toll.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he was back on the canvas seconds later when another rib shaker left him gasping.Shakur got his hat-trick of ninth-round knockdowns right on the bell and his team threw in the towel to end the incredible showing of super-human courage from the working-class hero at the right time. More

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      Anthony Joshua gives cryptic update over future amid Tyson Fury fight talk in interview at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA gave a cryptic response when answering a question about his boxing future.AJ was sitting ringside for The Last Crescendo in Saudi Arabia – where Dmitry Bivol is out for revenge against Artur Beterbiev in their lightweight rematch.Anthony Joshua gave a cryptic response when answering a question about his futureAJ was spotted chatting closely with unified heavyweight champ Oleksandr UsykCredit: GettyRiyadh’s bill has been dubbed as the greatest in boxing history, with Callum Smith handing Josh Buatsi the first pro LOSS of his career.Zhilei Zhang was then stopped by Agit Kabayel, Hamzah Sheeraz earned a controversial draw with Carlos Adames and Brit electrician Joshua Padley won over fans as he took Shakur Stevenson nine rounds in a brave defeat. All that came before Joseph Parker knocked out Martin Bakole within two rounds after he replaced Daniel Dubois at late notice following the Brit’s illness.Joshua joined a star-studded list of boxers watching among Saudi’s elite.READ MORE BOXINGBut the 35-year-old didn’t leave fans with much to go on when he was quizzed on his future.On what’s next, AJ said: “More fights, this is my life, this is what I do.”Right now I sit outside and I watch and then I’ll make my return one day.”Right right I sit back as a fan and watch the great people in the sport I love.”Most read in BoxingAJ’s ambiguous words were not the usual tough-talking messages the public typically hear from active boxers.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInstead of calling opponents out and showing an urgency to return to the ring, AJ hinted that his next fight isn’t coming any time soon.The Watford boxer didn’t indicate a close return and made it sound like it could perhaps happen in the distance future.’Aura is crazy’ – Oleksandr Usyk asks where Anthony Joshua is seconds after arriving for stacked Beterbiev vs Bivol cardMany – including promoter Eddie Hearn – had hopes that Tyson Fury will overturn his retirement and fight AJ.Fans are convinced that Tyson, 36, will come out of retirement to fight again.A blockbuster all-British bout against AJ has been long in the making.Fury has announced his retirement five times in total, with his last hiatus from the ring in 2022.Meanwhile, AJ was spotted chatting closely with unified heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk ringside tonight.FOLLOW THE ACTION FROM RIYADH WITH OUR BOXING LIVE BLOG More