More stories

  • in

    Oleksandr Usyk gets Tyson Fury to sign photo of first fight and vows to sell it to raise funds for Ukrainian troops

    OLEKSANDR USYK got Tyson Fury to sign a picture from their first fight – so he can raise funds for the brave soldiers fighting back home.Usyk was ready to put his boxing career on hold to sign up and defend Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in 2022. Oleksandr Usyk got Tyson Fury to sign a picture from their first fightCredit: PAUsyk plans to donate the money to help Ukrainian soldiersCredit: PAAnd it took the government to convince the heavyweight hero to continue boxing – beating both Anthony Joshua and Fury in the process. His May victory over Fury saw Usyk become the heavyweight division’s first four-belt undisputed champion. Ahead of their December 21 rematch, Usyk rocked up to the pre-fight press conference dressed as Agent 47 from the Hitman video game. And he carried a mysterious brief case – later revealing a picture of himself landing a brutal punch on Fury was inside it. READ MORE IN BOXINGUsyk, 37, then asked Fury, 36, to sign the photo. But he later revealed plans to sell the picture to raise funds for the brave soldiers fighting on the frontline back home. He told DAZN: “I sell this picture and help my Ukrainian soldiers.” Fury looks to avenge the only defeat of his career as an underdog for the first time since his 2020 rematch with Deontay Wilder. Most read in BoxingThat ended in a knockout win for Fury – something he is looking to replicate against Usyk. He said: “It’s actually been about four and a half years. Last time was the Wilder II fight when I was the underdog. Usyk Vs Fury 2 Launch Event entrances”What’s going through my mind? I’m just looking forward to a fantastic fight. Last time in May it was a fantastic fight. “Oleksandr won the fight fair and square. [I’m] just looking to put on a great fight again. It was very close last time; he got it by a point. “A little bit more focus, a little bit more lack of complacency and I should do the job I need to do. “Nothing drastic has to change. A bit more of the same. A bit more focus, like I say, and I will be victorious.“I believe it will be my time next time and I believe all things that happen, negative or positive, are lessons. “We must learn from the things we go through in our lives, and we can only do the best we can do as human beings and as boxers and as fathers and as husbands. “We can only do the best we can do as men. And what we know how to do best is go in there and knock fuck out of each other in a fight and put on a show for the paying customer.”Usyk shows off the signed pictureCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Tyson Fury reveals wife Paris suffered a miscarriage and lost baby boy hours before Oleksandr Usyk fight

    TYSON FURY revealed wife Paris had a miscarriage just hours before his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.The former heavyweight world champion, 36, lost to the Ukrainian in their undisputed showdown in Saudi Arabia on May 18. Tyson Fury’s wife Paris had a miscarriage hours before he fought Oleksandr UsykCredit: AlamyThe Ukrainian inflicted the first defeat of Fury’s career in Saudi Arabia in MayCredit: PAThe couple have seven childrenCredit: InstagramFury opened up bravely as he spoke to the media before his rematch with UsykCredit: GettyParis was due to arrive in Riyadh on the Friday, the day before the fight. But when the 34-year-old called to tell her husband that she would not make the Riyadh trip – selflessly blaming high blood pressure – the Gypsy King knew why.And Fury has now bravely opened up that it was because they had lost their baby boy, who would have been their eighth child.Fury lost an iconic split decision – stunning the world with his resilience once again by staying on his feet after a ninth-round battering.READ MORE ON BOXINGBut he does not want the heart-wrenching family tragedy to be blamed as an excuse for his first pro defeat.Ahead of the December 21 rematch, Fury explained: “The one that she was having, she lost that on the Friday of the fight, which was pretty s****y.“I am not making excuses but she was six months pregnant, it’s not like a small miscarriage at the beginning, you have to physically give birth to a dead child, on your own, while your husband is in a foreign country.“I could not be there for her in that moment. And that is tough for me.Most read in Boxing“I have been with the woman for longer than I wasn’t with her, so it is hard that I couldn’t be there with her, in that time.“When she said she couldn’t come over, I knew there was a problem.Paris Fury sings along to country singer Chris Stapleton at concert and dedicates video to husband Tyson“She usually comes out on fight week but she said she had high blood pressure.“She said she couldn’t come and I asked her what was up and asked her to tell me but she wouldn’t.“So I knew, I knew, I knew there was a problem. I said to my brother, ‘She’s lost that baby.’“She never told me she had lost the baby, but I knew.”The boxer had publicly hinted that Paris was pregnant with baby No8 on social media back in March.He posted an Instagram story of his glamorous wife and wrote: “Mother of seven and still beautiful. Still strong and still my rock. #8incoming. Lucky for some.”But weeks later, the couple suffered more miscarriage agony – after previously opening up on a stillbirth in 2014 and Paris losing a baby on the day of Tyson’s boxing comeback after 32 months in 2018.She decided against telling Fury before he stepped into the ring to fight Sefer Seferi.Paris and Tyson Fury’s Love StoryFabulous delves into how Paris and Tyson first met, plus when they tied the knot…Tyson was raised in an Irish Traveller family in Wythenshawe, Manchester, while Paris was raised in a traditional traveller family in Doncaster, South Yorks.The pair first met when she was 15-years-old at a mutual friend’s wedding. They met again by chance at Paris’ 16th birthday and wed two years later in a traditional wedding in 2008.The lovebirds tied the knot at St. Peter-in-Chains Catholic Church in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and invited 300 guests to the special day.Then in 2021, Tyson and Paris’ daughter Athena was placed in intensive care and put on a ventilator after complications at birth but was discharged after ten days. Now, for all of his 6ft 9in frame, 19st bulk, boasting and bluster and brilliant boxing skills, Fury seems uncharacteristically vulnerable in this interview.But he is at pains to explain that he does not want sympathy and – most importantly – he does not want to be seen to be using the gut-wrenching news to explain away the only defeat of his pro career.He rightly paints Paris as the hero who carried the crippling burden alone, so her man could get a crack at his dream.The 34-1-1 fighter added: “When I got back I got the inevitable confirmation that it was gone. But she kept it to herself.“I knew she wasn’t coming over on the Friday, when I knew she couldn’t fly, I knew there was a big problem.“To go through that on your own, that isn’t good.“But it’s not an excuse – hell no. I am a man of honour.“I do what I have to do, when I am in there.What is miscarriage and why do pregnancies fail?MISCARRIAGE is generally the death of an unborn baby in the first 24 weeks – approximately six months – of pregnancy.Miscarriages may not be spoken about a lot but they are very common. Baby loss charity Tommy’s estimates there are at least 250,000 per year in the UK and that one in every five pregnancies ends in miscarriage.It may not be clear why a miscarriage happens but they are rarely caused by anything done by the mother or father. Usually the embryo has a random genetic defect that means it cannot develop properly.Most women can go on to successfully have healthy babies in the future.The NHS says most miscarriages cannot be prevented but avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs while pregnant can reduce the risk.Some of the other most common reasons for a pregnancy to fail in the first 24 weeks are ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy.Ectopic pregnancy is where a fertilised egg implants somewhere outside of the womb, usually in a fallopian tube. It cannot survive and grow there so either dies naturally or must be terminated.Molar pregnancy is rarer but happens when a fertilised egg and/or placenta does not develop properly at the start of a pregnancy. There is no single reason why it happens and cannot be prevented, though it may be more common in very young or old mothers.A baby who dies after 24 weeks is considered a stillbirth.Source: NHS“I don’t think about that sort of stuff when I am in that fight. Nothing outside the ring matters, there is no emotion.“You think about all that stuff afterwards.”Sadly for Fury, who has often spoken about having 12 children, he and Paris are now wrestling with the idea of settling for their current brood due to the toll it has taken on her body.But in typical Traveller fashion, he stops opening up when he feels he might show too much emotion to the British press pack that has seen him display superhuman strength against Usyk and Deontay Wilder.He pondered: “Will we have any more kids?“I don’t know if she’s back to normal from that, only a few months ago, it takes a lot of getting over.“But no more of this morbid stuff now because I’ll break down in tears.”In addition to his roles of fighter, father and husband, Fury took up one extra job as sub-editor.After lowering his guard and opening up on his personal life, he asked us not to discredit Usyk’s superb performance.In a final act of dignified valour, he said:  “Me explaining this is not an excuse, I don’t want that headline.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I was asked about having more kids and I gave an honest answer – but it is NOT an excuse.“You can write about it but I am not using it as an excuse – that would not be the truth.”Paris was unable to attend the Riyadh defeatCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyParis and Tyson got married in 2008Credit: Instagram/parisfury1They have previously expressed their wish to have 12 childrenCredit: Instagram / @parisfury1The Gypsy King hinted Paris was pregnant on Instagram in MarchCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Race to host Champions League final down to TWO stadiums after San Siro stripped of event as fans say ‘please not again’

    THE stadiums in contention to host the 2027 Champions League final have been announced.A social media post from Uefa today confirmed that two member associations have declared an interest in hosting the showpiece event.The cities in contention to host the 2027 Champions League final have been announcedCredit: ReutersAtletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium is in contentionCredit: GettyThe Olympic Stadium in Baku is also in the frameCredit: ReutersBaku and Madrid are the remaining cities in contention for the men’s Champions League final.The San Siro in Milan was initially penned in to host the match but rights were revoked due to the ongoing uncertainty around the stadium’s renovation.Instead, the Stadio Olimpico in Rome was put forward for the bidding process.However, it recently withdrew from the race.Read More in FootballBaku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, played host to the 2019 Europa League final between Chelsea and Arsenal.But many fans are hoping the 2027 finale will not be held at the 69,870-seater Olympic Stadium.One person took to social media to write: “Please, no Baku again.”Another said: “Madrid or riot.”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a third joked: “Baku? May start travelling now then.”Meanwhile, the Estadio Metropolitano – Atletico Madrid’s home – last held the Champions League final that same year.Arsenal set to play Champions League decider in half-empty stadium with tiny away allocation thanks to little-known rule Next year’s final will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.And the event in 2026 is to be held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary.The contenders to host the 2027 Women’s Champions League final have also been announced.Warsaw, Barcelona, Basel and Cardiff are in the frame.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More

  • in

    ‘Agent 47!’ Boxing fans stunned as Oleksandr Usyk makes incredible entrance at Tyson Fury press conference

    OLEKSANDR USYK rocked up to the press conference to launch his rematch with Tyson Fury looking like a lethal hitman.The gap-toothed boxing legend shaved his head and moustache to reveal his frightening new look. Tyson Fury showed off his frightening new lookCredit: ReutersUsyk came dressed as agent 47 from the Hitman video gameCredit: GettyUsyk and Tyson Fury facing off ahead of their rematchCredit: ReutersUsyk was suited and booted in all black with a red tie and leather gloves – as fans likened him to a deadly Agent 47 from the Hitman video game. One said: “The Hitman.”Another added: “Oleksandr Usyk just walked into the Tyson Fury press conference as Agent 47 from Hitman.”One joked: “Is he filming the new hitman game.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother said: “Unified Heavyweight Champion or Agent 47?”Usyk, 37, became the first four-belt undisputed champion in heavyweight history following victory over Fury, 36, in May. But he was forced to vacate the IBF belt to proceed with the December 21 rematch. Now Fury attempts to avenge his only ever loss following the 12-round classic seven months prior. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “We did the fight in May, a great fight, I know people keep going on about it but it’s in the past now, we’ve got to move on.”I have to be a little bit more focused and smart to get the victory. ‘I’m not a Man City, I’m not a Liverpool – but I am a cold night away in Stoke’ says viral boxer in threat to opponent”My rematches with people, I always end up knocking them out, so I’m envisaging something similar against Usyk.”All I can do is train well, eat well, go to bed early, listen to the people around me and the rest is in god’s hands.” More

  • in

    ‘I’m not a Man City, I’m not a Liverpool – but I am a cold night away in Stoke’ says viral boxer in threat to opponent

    BOXER Johnny Fisher described himself as a cold night away in Stoke – in a warning to whoever shares the ring with him.Fisher, whose dad Big John has become a sensation on TikTok, is 12-0 with 11 knockouts. Johnny Fisher next to Moses Itauma at the big London press conferenceCredit: GettyAnd he returns on December 21 on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. He faces 22–1 Aussie Demsey McKean – a former sparring partner of Anthony Joshua’s – on the bill in Saudi Arabia.But already talk has turned to a future battle of the British unbeatens against 10-0 Moses Itauma. And Fisher responded with: “I will fight anyone. Anyone out there I will fight.READ MORE IN BOXING”What they’ve got to realise is my value I bring to the table but listen, I’m not a Man City, I’m not an AC Milan, I’m not a Liverpool but I am cold night away in Stoke.”And to beat me you’ve got to pull your socks up and put your on to beat me. “But listen, Moses Itauma, a great talent I’ve got so much respect for him and that is a massive fight for the British public down the line and I think that can happen.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe pair have sparred in the past and even agreed to go out for Fisher’s trademark Chinese takeaway after. Most read in BoxingAnd Itauma added: “Me and Johnny have had a few conversations. “I don’t hate the man but listen I feel like the fight will there on the table if we want it. “One day we’ll have it. Maybe a Chinese after.” Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk II Launch Press Conference More

  • in

    Mike Tyson sends sparring partner crumbling to floor after brutal left hook in training for Jake Paul fight

    MIKE TYSON sent a sparring partner crumbling to floor after brutal left – before firing a fierce warning to Jake Paul.The heavyweight icon faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul on November 15 in a bout widely slammed over the 30-year age gap. Mike Tyson dropped his sparring partnerCredit: @miketysonA brutal left hook dropped the sparring partnerCredit: @miketysonAnd fans recently voiced their concerns over Tyson’s carefully crafted training montages. But in a newly released clip, it was Iron Mike’s sparring partner who supporters were left feeling sorry for. In the footage, Tyson backs his sparring partner up to the ropes and unleashes a trademark left hook.The poor training partner sinks to the floor as Tyson roared: “I’ve got a lot in me. I’m just getting started.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd one fan said: “He’s looking scary boys.”Another added: “When you hear Mike say I’m just getting started you better run the other way.”It comes after Paul also released sparring footage dropping a heavyweight with an overhand right. The already controversial clash was further scrutinised when Tyson was forced to pull out of the initial July 20 date.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe suffered an ulcer flare up in his stomach but has since been deemed medically fit to continue training.Tyson is also required to undergo additional brain and hearts checks ahead of his fight along with pre-bout drug testing alongside Paul.Paul, 27, has ten wins and only one loss in the boxing ring, losing a 2023 split-decision to Tommy Fury, 25.Tyson meanwhile returns for his first pro fight since 2005 despite facing Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout in 2020.Mike Tyson looks ripped at 58 as former heavyweight champ shows off impressive physique before Jake Paul fight More

  • in

    Geoff Capes dead at 75: Legendary strongman and Britain’s finest shot putter passes away

    GEOFF CAPES has sadly passed away at the age of 75.The legendary strongman was considered Britain’s finest shot-putter and was one of its biggest celebrities at his peak.Geoff Capes has passed away at the age of 75Credit: GettyCapes seen here lifting fellow 80s star and legendary Sun Page 3 girl Linda LusardiCredit: GettyHe was pictured with record-breaking England goalkeeper Peter Shilton at a charity event in 2019Credit: XHe also bred budgies outside of sportCredit: GettyA family statement said: “The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today, 23rd October.”Britain’s finest shot-putter and twice world’s strongest man.”Capes, from Holbeach in Lincolnshire, was adored by millions and became a household name in the Eighties and Nineties.The 6ft 6ins star, who still holds the British shot put record at 21.68mtrs, was also twice named the World’s Strongest Man.READ MORE ON SPORTHis first victory came in the World’s Strongest Man event in 1983 in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the second was two years later in Cascais, Portugal.During his shot-put career he won gold medals in the European Indoor Championships and the Commonwealth Games.Fans of Capes, who weighed 27st at one point, have flooded social media to pay tribute to the legend.One posted: “RIP legendary strongman Geoff Capes.”Most read in AthleticsA second wrote: “Another sporting hero from our youth leaves us. RIP Geoff Capes.”A third commented: “Sad to hear of the death of Geoff Capes. He was a big part of my TV childhood. Thoughts are with his family and friends.”Tributes have flooded in for the legend on social mediaCredit: GettyHe also competed at two Olympic gamesCredit: AlamyHe made an appearance on hit children’s series the The Sooty ShowCredit: YouTubeHe was often a star guest on light entertainment programmes in the Eighties and early Nineties and is seen here on The Little And Large Show as BlutoCredit: X / Formerly known as TwitterCapes with one of his budgerigars in 1978Credit: GettyA fourth said: “So sad to hear the news that Geoff Capes passed away.”He was also a three-time Olympian, competing at Munich in 1972, Montreal in 1976 in Moscow in 1980.In his debut games, the talented sportsman who also represented his county at basketball, football and cross country, he finished in 20th place.He was one of the favourites for gold at both of his latter tournaments but finished sixth and fifth.Former policeman Capes also competed in the Highland Games in Scotland and won the World Heavy Events title in Lagos in 1981.At the European Championships in Prague in 1978, he was sent home in disgrace.He had punched a referee and two guards who were holding machine guns after they complained that he was not wearing the correct number for the competition.After retiring, he went on to coach stars in both athletics and strength athletics.He helped Adrian Smith take fifth spot in the World’s Strongest Man in 1990.During the Eighties, he was a regular on TV screens in the country, appearing on entertainment shows such as Little and Large, the Sooty Show and the Kenny Everett Television Show.One of nine children, his shot-put talent was passed down to his family, with daughter Emma a Youth Olympics bronze medalist.His son, Lewis, has played American Football for the London Monarchs.Outside of sport, he was a huge lover of budgies.He bred the birds for more than four decades – getting his first three birds from a man he went to arrest for failing to pay a fine in 1969 when he was in the police.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was named the president of the Budgerigar Society in 2008.He bred his own birds for over three decades and was overjoyed when he was bestowed with the honour.Geoff Capes’ career medalsStrongman career:1983 World’s Strongest Man1985 World’s Strongest Man1980 Europe’s Strongest Man1982 Europe’s Strongest Man1984 Europe’s Strongest Man1987 World Strongman Challenge winner1987 World Muscle Power Classic winnerShotput career:Gold – 1974 Commonwealth GamesGold – 1978 Commonwealth GamesGold – 1974 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipGold – 1976 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipSilver – 1975 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipSilver – 1977 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipSilver – 1979 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipBronze – 1978 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipBronze – 1974 European Athletics Championship More

  • in

    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2: Date, UK start time, live stream, undercard for HUGE heavyweight rematch

    TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk are doing it all over again to wrap up a stunning year of heavyweight boxing!The two juggernauts went head to head in the first heavyweight undisputed fight this CENTURY – with Usyk winning a brilliant contest by a split decision.Oleksandr Usyk won a split decision in MayCredit: GettyAnd in a bout fit for that mantle, Fury and Usyk played out a thrilling battle with both men in control and also struggling at various points in the fight.Usyk started on top before showboating Fury won the middle rounds and appeared to be well on top.However, a ninth-round volley saw Usyk FLOOR Fury and swing momentum back his way.With four major world titles up for grabs both men gave it their all in one of the best fights in memory.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt went to the judges with the fight ending in a controversial split decision going in the Ukrainian’s favour –  115-112, 114-15, 114-113.Wally Downes Jr reacts as Usyk dethrones Tyson Fury is epic Saudi clashWhen is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch taking place?Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 will take place on Saturday, December 21.The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia hosts the big fight.The ring walks are expected from around 11pm BST.Most read in BoxingWhat channel will the fight be on?DAZN , TNT Sports and Sky Sports are likely to broadcast Fury vs Usyk once again on PPV in the UK.The cost is expected to be around £19.95.Will all heavyweight titles be on the line in the rematch?This time round, however, it will NOT be an undisputed heavyweight title fight.This is because Usyk vacated the IBF title following his win so the mandatories for the belt could get their shot.Daniel Dubois was upgraded to the IBF heavyweight champion, and has since defended it in dominant fashion – knocking out Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in front of a British record 96,000 crowd.So it is only Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles up for grabs.Daniel Dubois is now the IBF heavyweight championCredit: REUTERSFury vs Usyk full cardAs well as Fury’s rematch with Usyk, there are five other brilliant fights on the card. Israil Madrimov, who narrowly lost to Terence Crawford in August, takes on Serhii Bohachuk. Brit heavyweights Moses Itauma and Johnny Fisher face challenges in Demsey McKean and Dave Allen respectively. READ MORE SUN STORIESDennis McCann and Fury’s pal Isaac Lowe are also in action. Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury; For Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titlesSerhii Bohachuk vs Israil MadrimovMoses Itauma vs Demsey McKeanJohnny Fisher vs Dave AllenDennis McCann vs Peter McGrailIsaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor More