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      ‘I need to f***ing change’ – Arsenal’s David Raya reveals he was at ‘my lowest’ after ‘worst game as a professional’

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      DAVID RAYA has opened up on his “worst game as a professional” footballer and how it inspired him to improve.The Spanish goalkeeper joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford in 2023, with Gunners set to decide in the summer of 2024 whether they would trigger a £27million option to buy him permanently.David Raya has opened up on the lowest moment of his professional careerCredit: GettyHis career had started well there as he managed to dislodge Aaron Ramsdale as the No1.But his chances of sealing a full transfer and keeping the No1 spot took a dramatic dent after a pair of clangers against Luton in December.Raya had firstly flapped when trying to come off his line for a cross at a corner to allow Elijah Adebayo to head home an equaliser to make it 2-2.Less than ten minutes later Raya was once again found wanting as Ross Barkley fired a shot straight through him for the Hatters to take a shock lead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGoals from Kai Havertz and an injury time winner from Declan Rice publicly spared Raya’s blushes, but the game proved to be a major trigger of self reflection privately.Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast with legendary Gunners goalkeeper David Seaman, Raya said: “We go back to last year, it was like an adaptation year. “I think we saw one David before the Luton game, and one David after Luton. That was a turning point of when I was at my lowest. “That was the worst game I ever played as a professional. I just said to myself, ‘I need to f***ing change.’ Sorry about the language.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I needed to change things and I need to turn it around because I wasn’t myself. So from there, I think we saw an improving David in goal and off the pitch.”I think this season, from the start of the season, there’s been another goalie more like myself. I don’t think I was myself the whole season last year. There were good periods, very bad periods. Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old self”And then from Luton towards the end of the season, it was a very good period, personally, but I knew I had more to give to the team and to everyone. I said to myself, this is the season.”Raya pushed on from that disastrous performance to lead Arsenal to 12 more clean sheets that season to bring his total to 16 overall.Mikel Arteta subsequently triggered the purchase option in the loan deal, with Raya affirming his spot as No1 in year two.He has led the Gunners to nine shut outs and the best defensive record so far this season.That was the worst game I ever played as a professional. I just said to myself, ‘I need to f***ing change.’ Sorry about the language.David RayaHe added: “It was just an adaptation season because it’s difficult to come from Brentford to a big team. All the noise, of course you can not listen to it, but you know it’s behind you, so it’s tough. “To turn it around to this season, I think I’m just myself, I’m just having fun playing. That’s the most important thing for a player. If you don’t have fun, you’re not going to be your best version. “So I’m having fun every single game, enjoying playing and just taking the challenges.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The pressure from last season to this season is completely different, in my opinion. “I always said the pressures are what you put on yourself because you know how good you are, what you can do, and then just don’t listen to the outside world.” More

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      Champions League draw LIVE: Arsenal handed HORROR draw as Aston Villa and Liverpool learn round of 16 fate – updates

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      ARSENAL, Liverpool and Aston Villa have found out their Champions League Round of 16 opponents after a huge draw.The Gunners got a decent tie against PSV – but means they will now face the winner of Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid in the quarter-final.Aston Villa will face Club Brugge and Liverpool take on Benfica.The first leg of the round of 16 will take place on March 4/5, and the second leg will take place on March 11/12.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the latest updates below…Arsenal’s route to the finalThe Gunners face a monumental task to win a maiden Champions League title.Arsenal go up against Dutch side PSV in the last-16, before a potential route to the final that includes Real Madrid, Liverpool and Barcelona.Round of 16: PSVQuarter-final: Atletico Madrid or Real MadridSemi-final: Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge or Aston VillaFinal: Benfica, Barcelona, Dortmund, Lille, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Feyenoord or Inter MilanCredit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedLiverpool’s route to the finalArne Slot’s men will have to beat the very best if they are to lift Big Ears for the first time since 2019. With Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16, things get no easier as the draw progresses for the Premier League leaders.Round of 16: PSGQuarter-final: Aston Villa or Club BruggeSemi-final: Arsenal, PSV, Real Madrid or Atletico MadridFinal: Benfica, Barcelona, Dortmund, Lille, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Feyenoord or Inter MilanCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedMersen – Villa bring the noiseSky Sports pundit Paul Mersen believes Aston Villa can go far in this season’s tournament – thanks to their intimidating home atmosphere. Unai Emery’s men have already beaten Bayern Munich on home soil this season.They will now face Club Brugge for the chance to play either Liverpool or PSG in the last-eight.Mersen said: “Villa should have a real go in the Champions League. “The atmosphere at Villa Park during these European games has been incredible and they must keep it up in the knockout stages.”If they do that, they have a chance at progressing further.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChampions League draw in fullA horror draw for both Liverpool and Arsenal – with Aston Villa potentially on a collision course with the Reds in the quarter-finals.Here’s how the ties came out of the hat in Nyon, with each team learning their potential last-eight opponent. PSG or Liverpool vs Club Brugge or Aston VillaPSV or Arsenal vs Real Madrid or AtleticoBenfica or Barcelona vs Dortmund or LilleBayern or Bayer Leverkusen vs Feyenoord or Inter MilanCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGrueling Gunners runArsenal’s tough Champions League draw will leave them facing a horror run of fixtures in March.The Gunners take on PSV on March 4, followed by a visit to Old Trafford to face Man Utd.They will then welcome PSV back to the Emirates on March 11, before welcoming Chelsea to North London five days later.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedWarnock – You have to beat the bestFormer Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has tipped his former club to beat PSG – despite the “disappointing draw.”He told the BBC: “I think Liverpool will be slightly disappointed to draw PSG – ideally they would have liked Benfica.”But if you are going to win the Champions League, you are going to have to beat some big teams along the way.”Liverpool will fancy their chances against PSG, who have been a little bit hit and miss.”Copy linkCopiedFrench fancy History isn’t on Liverpool’s side ahead of their clash with PSG.The Reds have not won any of their past five away games against French clubs.You have to go back to 2008 for their last win on French soil, a Champions League victory against Marseille. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLiverpool vs PSG head-to-headPSG lead Liverpool on all metrics, other than clean sheets per 90, according to Squawka’s underlying stats.Of course, take this with a pinch of salt, as PSG beat Brest 10-0 on aggregate to reach the round of 16, whereas Liverpool didn’t play.Copy linkCopiedArsenal vs PSV head-to-headAccording to the underlying stats on Squawka, it will be defence vs attack in this one.Arsenal lead for clean sheet and expected goals against, whereas PSV lead for fast breaks and set-piece xG, but Arsenal lead on xG overall, surprising as their power from corners is no secret.PSV also attempt more shots and crosses.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa vs Club Brugge head-to-headAston Villa have performed better than Club Brugge considerably on the underlying numbers, according to Squawka.The have performed better in the following metrics:Clean sheetsxG against PossesionxGSet-play xGShots attemptedTouches in opposition bixPasses into opposition boxCrosses attempted Take-ons attemptedHowever, Emery must be cautious, as Club Brugge have show better performance in fast breaks, so their defensive line will have to be on high alert. Copy linkCopiedArsenal-PSV rerunArsenal and PSV met in the 2023/24 Champions League.On matchday one of the season, Arsenal were 4-0 winners, and then drew 1-1 with PSV in the Netherlands.Credit: gettyCopy linkCopiedWrong competition?Unai Emery is looking to win the Champions League with Aston Villa, but already has huge European pedigree. Emery has won the Europa League FOUR times, the most by a manager in history, but never the Champions League.Can he do it for the first time?Credit: Peter Byrne/PA WireCopy linkCopiedScores to settleThe Champions League website has Liverpool and PSG tied at one game a piece, with both games coming in the 2018/19 group stage.Liverpool won the first game 3-2 at Anfield, and then PSG won 2-1 in Paris.Something has to give as they do battle in the round of 16.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa’s first meeting with BruggeAston Villa have made a good account of themselves in the Champions League this season, and will face Club Brugge for the first time in the competition.Emery’s side finished in the top eight, and qualified automatically for the round of 16.They will be hoping to add two wins over Brugge to their record.Credit: Andrew Yates / SportimageCopy linkCopiedNot pretty for the EnglishLiverpool and Arsenal both have tough draws in the Champions League knockouts.Described as a “horror draw,” Liverpool and Arsenal have their work cut out for them if they want to win the Champions League.Copy linkCopiedGunner be toughArsenal fans are not excited about their prosepcts in the Champions League knockouts. Should they get beyond PSV, they will face either Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid, then either Liverpool, PSG, Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the semi-finals.Ouch.Copy linkCopiedIt’s been ages!According to X user OptaJoe, this will be the first meeting between Liverpool and PSG in a major European knockout since the semi-finals of the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1996/97.Of course, the two sides have met in the group stages since then.Credit: Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty ImagesCopy linkCopiedThe all-English quarter-final potentialThere is potential for an all-English quarter-final in the next round.Arne Slot’s Liverpool recently went to Villa Park, and were held to a 2-2 draw by Unai Emery’s side.If Liverpool were to get past PSG, and Aston Villa were to get past Club Brugge, then they would meet in the quarter-final.Credit: gettyCopy linkCopiedArsenal’s record vs PSVAccording to OptaJoe on X, Arsenal are unbeaten in all of their home matches against PSV (3W 2D).This also happens to be the longest they have played against a side in European competition without losing.Credit: Mike Egerton/PA WireCopy linkCopiedThe BIG derbies to look out for!Real and Atletico Madrid had some HUGE Champions League battles throughout the 2010’s, meeting in two finals.They also met once in the semi-finals, and one in the quarter-finals.On every occasion, Real Madrid got the better of their bitter rivals.Those two being drawn against each other also means the Bundesliga has a HUGE clash, as Bayer Leverkusen take on Bayern Munich. Bayern won 11 straight Bundesliga titles, but were toppled by Bayer Leverkusen last season, and the two now meet in the Champions League.Both ties promise to be entertainers! Copy linkCopiedEl Classico final?Barcelona and Real Madrid seems to be what people are looking at for the final after the round of 16 draw.One user on X (FKA Twitter) said “I speak for all Barcelona fans when I say it’s coming home,”And another user said “Never bet against Real Madrid.”The two have been drawn on opposite sides of the draw, and would only meet in the final.Credit: gettyCopy linkCopiedChampions League last 16 draw in fullBefore we get too ahead of ourselves looking at quarter-finals and the final four, here are the last-16 ties in full. A Spanish derby, an all-Bundesliga grudge match and No. 1 seed Liverpool drawing PSG. Tasty. The first legs for all these ties are set for March 4/5.Aston Villa vs Club BruggeLille vs DortmundAtletico Madrid vs Real MadridBayern vs Bayer LeverkusenFeyenoord vs Inter MilanPSV Eindhoven vs ArsenalPSG vs LiverpoolBenfica vs BarcelonaCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedFull bracketThere are no easy games at this stage.But the Road to Munich is suddenly looking a lot tougher for all three Premier League clubs than it did half an hour ago.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedChampions League draw complete Oof, a brutal draw for both Arsenal and Liverpool.The Gunners will have to get through PSV and either Real Madrid or Atletico to reach the semi-finals.While Liverpool’s reward for topping the group is a nightmare tie with Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16.Villa meanwhile get Club Brugge, but will face the winner of PSG or Liverpool in the quarters. Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedChampions League QF draw in fullPSG or Liverpool vs Club Brugge or Aston VillaPSV or Arsenal vs Real Madrid or AtleticoBenfica or Barcelona vs Dortmund or LilleBayern or Bayer Leverkusen vs Feyenoord or Inter MilanCopy linkCopied More

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      ‘This is RIGGED man’ say fans as Champions League draw sees Arsenal handed horror route to final and derbies galore

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      FANS whinged that the Champions League draw was “rigged” after several interesting fixtures emerged.English sides Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa were among the teams to learn their round of 16 opponents during this morning’s draw.The Champions League draw was conducted in SwitzerlandCredit: ReutersReal Madrid landed a tasty derby with city rivals Atletico, while Bayern Munich will face Bundesliga foes Bayer Leverkusen.Arsenal, meanwhile, got PSV Eindhoven – and will face the winner of the Madrid derby in the quarter-finals, should they triumph over the Dutch side.Moaning over the draw, a fan wrote on X: “this ucl draw is rigged man.”While a second whinged: “Nah Real – Atletico. No-one can tell me this s*** isn’t rigged.”READ MORE FOOTBALLIn a further unfounded claim, a third cried: “How rigged is this draw, two German teams against each other and two Spanish teams against each other.”This means England have a huge advantage in points for top 5 leagues and get a extra UCL spot….”Elsewhere in the round of 16, Liverpool will face French champions Paris Saint-Germain, while Villa will rematch Club Brugge.The Belgian side beat Villa 1-0 in November courtesy of Hans Vanaken’s 52nd minute penalty.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSChampions League round of 16 drawAston Villa vs Club BruggeLille vs DortmundAtletico Madrid vs Real MadridBayern vs Bayer LeverkusenFeyenoord vs Inter MilanPSV Eindhoven vs ArsenalPSG vs LiverpoolBenfica vs BarcelonaBenfica will face Barcelona, Feyenoord are set to take on Inter Milan and Lille have drawn Borussia Dortmund.The quarter-finals could see an all-English clash with the winners of PSG vs Liverpool and Club Brugge set to face off.Earthquake strikes Lisbon during Champions League press conference and leaves whole room shakingBenfica or Barca will do battle with Dortmund or Lille.And either Bayern or Leverkusen are set to face Feyenoord or Inter Milan.PSG, Liverpool, Club Brugge or Aston Villa will meet one of PSV, Arsenal, Real Madrid or Atletico in the first semi-final.While Benfica, Barcelona, Dortmund or Lille will face off with either Bayern, Leverkusen, Feyenoord or Inter Milan in the other semi.Champions League QFs and SFs drawQuarter-finalsPSG or Liverpool vs Club Brugge or Aston VillaPSV or Arsenal vs Real Madrid or AtleticoBenfica or Barcelona vs Dortmund or LilleBayern or Bayer Leverkusen vs Feyenoord or Inter MilanSemi-finalsPSG, Liverpool, Club Brugge or Aston Villa vs PSV, Arsenal, Real Madrid or AtleticoBenfica, Barcelona, Dortmund or Lille vs Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Feyenoord or Inter Milan More

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      Champions League draw puts Arsenal and Liverpool on collision course with horror ties – as Gunners avoid frosty reunion

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      ARSENAL, Liverpool and Aston Villa are on a Champions League collision course after all the Prem trio were handed tricky draws.Liverpool landed the most difficult of the lot in Friday’s ceremony, facing French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16.The draw for the Champions League knockout stage has been completedCredit: ReutersArsenal face PSV in the last-16Credit: AFPChampions League draw LIVEThat’s despite Arne Slot’s Reds finishing top of the League stage and, in theory, earning an easier tie.Meanwhile, Arsenal, who finished third in the League, have been drawn against PSV Eindhoven.And Aston Villa, who also made the top eight, take Club Brugge for a place in the quarters, having already lost to the Belgians earlier in the competition.Read More in FootballBut, while those ties might sound relatively friendly, it what comes next that may give Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery sleepless nights.All three Premier League clubs were placed on the same side of the draw, meaning a high possibility of at least one all-English encounter.While it also ruled out the possibility of an all-English final.Should Liverpool defeat PSG – who smashed French rivals Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the playoff round – across two legs, they could meet Aston Villa in the quarters.Most read in Champions LeagueThe winners of that could then face Arsenal in the semis.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool will take on PSGCredit: APBut it will NOT be simple for the Gunners to get the far, with defender champions Real Madrid – who just dumped out Manchester City – or bitter local rivals Atletico Madrid awaiting in the last-8.A potential Liverpool vs Arsenal semi-final match-up would mean an incredible THREE games in just 11 DAYS between the two sides.Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobThe pair are already scheduled to meet in the Premier League on May 10 in what could be a blockbuster title decider – just three days after the conclusion of the semi-finals.Arsenal’s draw did see them avoid a potentially awkward reunion with ex-striker Robin van Persie.Van Persie agreed to become the new manager of Dutch side Feyenoord, who were the Gunners’ other potential last-16 opponent.The 41-year-old left Arsenal in 2012 to join rivals Manchester United – a decision which saw him dramatically fall out of favour with fans.Instead, Feyenoord will face Inter Milan for a spot in the quarter-finals.Benfica are set to take on Barcelona, with Borussia Dortmund in line to face Lille.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the biggest match on that side of the bracket sees Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen go head-to-head.Last-16 ties with commence next month with the first legs played on March 4 and 5, with the return games the following week.A Madrid derby is set for the round-of-16Credit: Alamy More

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      ‘This is why everyone loves him’ – Fans hail brilliant moment stunned Joseph Parker discovers he’s fighting Bakole

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      FANS have hailed Joseph Parker for his brilliant reaction to finding out he will fight Martin Bakole.The New Zealander was set to have a shot at the IBF world heavyweight title on a blockbuster Saturday night card in Riyadh.Joseph Parker has been praised for his brilliant reaction to finding out Daniel Dubois’ replacementCredit: IFL TVParker will come up against Martin Bakole on Saturday nightCredit: GettyBut opponent Daniel Dubois was forced to withdraw through illness just 48 hours before he was due in the ring.The Brit was deemed medically unfit to compete by doctors and 6ft 6in giant Bakole steps in as his replacement at late notice.Parker found out the news straight after his press conference last night, with his instant reaction captured by IFL TV.The 33-year-old smiled in excitement and shouted: “Ooooh, let’s go.”READ MORE IN BOXINGFans praised Parker’s willingness to take anybody on as one commented: “This is why everyone loves Joseph.”Another added: “Just shows what an absolute credit to the sport Parker is.”A third wrote: “A stone cold legend for taking on Bakole at two days notice.”Parker was relaxed about the situation, saying: “Listen, it is all part of boxing and part of the journey. One opportunity goes away, another one comes. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I am fighting Martin Bakole who has been waiting for a big fight. Let’s get it on.”Bakole is the most avoided heavyweight, but I love to challenge myself.Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol come together before huge heavyweight showdown”We sat down with Turki [Alalshikh] and we welcomed anyone. “We have got Bakole, which is great. He is a beast, so let’s get ready.”Hopefully we can revisit this [Dubois] fight because I want to be champion of the world.”Bakole’s promoter Ben Shalom told DAZN: “He is 100 per cent into this fight, he wanted it, there was no standing in the way of this. “On Saturday night he wants to shock the world and he is coming to win. Trust me, Martin is ready to go.”This has come from him and him only, he wants this and is ready to go.”For me, Joseph Parker is the fittest heavyweight out there. So, over 12 rounds it could be tough with Martin coming in at two days’ notice.”But if Martin can pull this off he puts himself he announces himself at the very top of the division.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone has taken a big risk in making this fight happen – Martin, Joseph, His Excellency – so everyone needs to take a lot of credit.”But it is a phenomenal fight and everyone should be very excited about it.” More

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      ‘I really thought it was the end’ – Zhilei Zhang reveals moment he nearly died after deteriorating in dressing room

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      ZHILEI ZHANG has revealed he thought he was going to die after almost passing out in the dressing room.The Chinese heavyweight, 41, is set to fight Agit Kabayel on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 undercard in Saudi Arabia this Saturday.Zhilei Zhang has opened up on the time he almost diedCredit: GettyZhang was rushed to hospital following his fight with Jerry Forrest in 2021Credit: .Zhang has a record of 27-2-1 (wins-losses-draws) after beating Deontay Wilder in his last fight in June.But the 6ft 6in southpaw has opened up on when he felt like he was “dying” in his locker room.In 2021, Big Bang started better than his rival Jerry Forrest, decking him in rounds one, two, and three in Miami.However, plucky Forrest managed to power through the assault before the tables began to turn as Zhang’s stamina waned.READ MORE IN BOXINGWhen the final bell went, Zhang was spared the ignominy of defeat by slugging out a majority draw, with the other judge ruling in Forrest’s favour.Speaking about that fight, Zhang revealed that from round five he felt like his body was “cut off” and even blacked out before being rushed to hospital after his condition worsened in the dressing room.He told the Daily Mail: “In the locker room after the fight, I felt like I was dying. I didn’t know if my life would stop at that moment. That’s how serious it was.”But in the fifth round, I felt like my body was cut off. Something wasn’t right. In the last couple rounds, I didn’t know what happened. I lost my memory. I blacked out.Most read in Boxing”I really thought it was the end of not just my career but my life.”Then the doctors told me it was acute, which means it was reversible. I stayed in the hospital for four days. After that, my body felt normal again. Zhilei Zhang reveals shooting GUNS makes him a better boxer”I told my team, in a Chinese phrase, ‘This is putting the tiger back in the wild’.”Zhang’s team called an ambulance following the fight, with an unnerving diagnosis to follow; acute kidney failure and dangerously high liver function levels.That fight changed the way Zhang looked at nutrition.He said: “I ate what I wanted, I drank what I wanted. There was no plan.”After that fight, I hired a nutritionist. I started following a real diet. Now, I feel better than ever.”The year of that fight also saw Zhang experience the “lowest moment” of his life and he pondered quitting boxing, though it was a decision which had nothing to do with fighting.Zhang had returned to China in 2021 to attend his mother’s funeral but had ended up being stuck in limbo after finding out his US visa had been put on hold.It led to him being stuck in China for six months and unsure if he would ever return.He said: “I had just lost my mother, and now I was stuck, unable to be with my family, unable to continue my career.”That was the closest I ever came to quitting. I was ready to tell my team, sell my car, get rid of my house. I can’t come back.”That was the lowest moment of my life.”Then by some stroke of luck, his visa application finally came through.He said: “I was ready to put a tag on my car at the dealer. Then I got the call. I told my team, get my car back— I’m coming back.”READ MORE SUN STORIESZhang has the chance to win the interim WBC heavyweight title tomorrow.He previously held the interim WBO heavyweight title from 2023 to 24.Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: Start time, TV channel, full card – everything you need to know for MASSIVE Saudi rematch More

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      Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole fight purse: How much money will both boxers earn for heavyweight fight?

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      THE riches of Riyadh have attracted some of the best on the planet to create what has been coined the “best boxing card of all time.”Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol headline the card while Joseph Parker will now face off against Martin Bakole after Daniel Dubois pulled out in the co-main event – and it’ll be for a huge purse too.Joseph Parker will still fight in Saudi Arabia despite Daniel Dubois’ withdrawalCredit: Richard Pelham/Getty ImagesMartin Bakole is stepping in to fight Joshua Parker in the biggest fight of his careerCredit: gettyDubois was set to fight Parker, however he pulled out due to illness, setting up the fight between Parker and Martin Bakole. Parker enters the fight with a 35-3-0 record and has only lost once since 2019 against Joe Joyce.It may play second fiddle to the Beterbiev and Bivol on the night, but nevertheless, both combatants stand to gain financially from the bout. What is the Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole fight purse?The fight purse for the fight has been reported as £2.05million ($2.6m).READ MORE IN BOXINGParker will get the lion’s share of the purse – £1.58m ($2m) – with Bakolie earning an estimated £475k ($600k).It is not clear what the fight purse for Dubois was set to be.According to reports, the winner of Beterbiev vs Bivol is expected to win over $20MILLION.According to his financial records, Parker has won substantial sums of money in his most recent bouts.Most read in BoxingMost significantly, he reportedly earned £8m from his victory over Joshua in 2018.When is Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole?Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole is set to take place on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol II, on Saturday, February 22.The card gets underway from 4pm GMT, with Dubois and Parker to fight before the main event at around 9pm GMT.The fight will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.SunSport will be offer all the action as it happens with our live blog.Full cardArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – for the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight titlesJoseph Parker vs Martin BakoleShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley – for the WBC lightweight titleCarlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz – for the WBC middleweight titkeVergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov – for the interim WBC heavyweight titleZhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel – for the interim WBC heavyweight titleJoshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith – for the interim WBO light-heavyweight title More

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      ‘Most ridiculous deal ever made’ – How new fight was made in record time after Dubois vs Parker dramatically called off

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      BEN SHALOM reckons drafting in Martin Bakole as a late replacement for Daniel Dubois against Joseph Parker is the “most ridiculous deal ever made.”Boxing fans were left stunned on Thursday when it emerged Dubois was too ill to fight this weekend.Martin Bakole’s mad dash to Saudi has been described as the ‘most ridiculous deal ever’Credit: GettyBakole has stepped in for Daniel Dubois, who is too ill to fightCredit: GettyThe heavyweight champ was looking to defend his IBF heavyweight world title against Parker, having triumphed over Anthony Joshua in his last match.But Dubois was ruled out of the crunch battle with illness.And Congolese star Bakole will instead fight Parker as the co-feature before Artur Beterbiev’s rematch with Dmitry Bivol.Bakole was in the Congo when he got the call from Saudi Arabia and accepted immediately.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe is now travelling the 3000-mile, seven-hour journey by plane to Riyadh.And it means fans can breathe easy knowing they will not be denied a top clash at Saturday’s event.Now, boxing promoter Shalom has lifted the lid on how quickly the deal was sorted.He claims he messaged Bakole’s team while Dubois’ absence was being confirmed at a press conference.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Shalom revealed the boxer jumped at the opportunity, with contract terms agreed at lightning speed.Indeed, the promoter reckons it’s the “most ridiculous deal ever made”, with Bakole jumping in at just 48 hours’ notice and risking a second defeat on his incredible 22-1 professional record.Shakur Stevenson reacts to Floyd Schofield Jr pulling out of fight and Josh Padley replacing him Bakole will take on Joshua Parker on SaturdayCredit: GettyPromoter Ben Shalom has lifted the lid on the speed of the dealCredit: GettyShalom said: “This is the most ridiculous deal I’ve ever done. You know we like to do things, take our time.“Daniel got injured. I saw the tweet like everyone did from The Ring magazine. I actually thought ‘that’s not true’. I thought it was a stunt.“And then I was speaking to Martin’s team while I was at the press conference, while it was going on, and saying, ‘Would we take this fight?’“They’re like, ‘100 per cent we are in’. So I texted saying, ‘We’re in, we want this fight, if there’s an opportunity this is the only fight to make’.This is the most ridiculous deal I’ve ever done. You know we like to do things, take our time.Ben Shalom“A bit of back-and-forth, by then I’d forgotten there’s a press conference going on. I’ve come off, walked, done a few laps.“I’m on the phone, we got a deal done very, very quickly, no messing around. Martin want it, gets on a flight ready to go.“There’s still a lot of work to do, the medicals and all sorts but it’s happening and we’re going to get him here.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s unbelievable and he deserves a huge amount of credit because no other heavyweight on planet Erath would operate like this, two days knowing he has Joseph Parker.“Martin got a call two hours ago, in the Congo… he’ll probably finish his meal and then he’ll come and that’s what he’s about.” More