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    Tyson Fury cleared to fight with radical new look after Oleksandr Usyk tried to ban it for huge rematch

    TYSON FURY has been granted permission to KEEP his beard for tomorrow’s heavyweight showdown with Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk’s team had wanted the Gypsy King to shave off his bushy beard for the Saudi rematch.Tyson Fury has been granted permission to keep his beard for the fightCredit: GettyOleksandr Usyk’s team wanted him to shave it due to concerns it could cushion a punchCredit: GettyThey suggested that it could actually cushion a blow to the face, which would benefit Fury during the fight.But officials have ruled in the Brit’s favour, allowing him to keep the beard.Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, told Sky Sports: “He has a beard and there’s been a lot of fighters over the years who’ve fought with beards, and that’s it.”In a separate dispute, the rival camps are at loggerheads over a replacement judge for Saturday’s bout.Read More in BoxingGerardo Martinez, Patrick Morley and Fernando Barbosa were originally set to score the historic clash.Barbosa was taken ill this week and did not fly to Riyadh.Steve Weisfeld of New Jersey is said to have stepped in to fill the void.However, Warren claims there is another judge who could be called upon because the camps are in disagreement.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 72-year-old has even suggested they could rely on a COIN TOSS to decide.Warren said: “This will get sorted. Use a bit of common sense, and actually both camps are very, very professional and know what they have to do.”Watch Tyson Fury’s terrifying rant as Gypsy King vows to put ‘f*****’ Oleksandr Usyk ‘in the hurt lockerFury and Usyk met for a press conference on Thursday which was followed by a face-off that lasted over 10 minutes.Usyk handed Fury the first defeat of his professional career in May.He won the fight by a split decision.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: More

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    Tyson Fury’s net worth and how much he is getting paid for Oleksandr Usyk rematch

    TYSON FURY gets back in the ring this weekend for a highly-anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk.The Ukrainian won via a split decision in their thrilling first bout back in February.Tyson Fury will came away with plenty of cash if not the belts on Saturday nightCredit: GettyThe fight purse is a whopping £150mCredit: ReutersUsyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion thanks to his ninth round onslaught last time.But he has since had to give up one of his belts to Daniel Dubois, who then retained it by shocking the boxing world with a knockout win over Anthony Joshua.There is still three titles on the line (WBA, WBO and WBC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.Only one man can get their hands on the belts, but both Usyk, 37, and Fury, 36, are guaranteed to walk away with huge pay cheques.READ MORE IN BOXINGWhat is Tyson Fury’s net worth?Forbes claim his net worth is £40million – but others suggest it could be way higher.Before his rematch against Usyk, the Gypsy King had already banked £39.5m this year.That figure, which will rise, already makes him the 42nd highest paid sportsman in the world this year.And it is not just mega-money fights where Fury makes his millions.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe also has his own Furocity energy drink, owns a number of bars, has three best-selling books and is endorsed by brands like Lucozade.Fury was also well paid for his Netflix reality TV show “At Home with the Furys”.It’ll be a knockout, 110% Sun Sport’s panel preview Usyk v Fury 2 with Tyson Fury trainer Andy LeeThough he will not be giving his seven kids a penny, explaining: “I want my kids to get their own money, do their own things and be their own people.”I don’t believe in just giving all your money to your kids but it will make them weak, spoiled and not value anything, worthless. “They’ll end up getting to 35 and never having done anything for themselves, apart from spending dad’s money.”How much is he getting paid for Usyk rematch?Reports suggest the fighters are getting in the ring for a whopping £150m purse.The split of that figure is not yet known, but having won their first meeting, Usyk could be taking home more than his rival this time around.Fury has admitted money is the motivation behind this rematch.Fury took home more cash last time despite Usyk winningCredit: ReutersHow much has Tyson Fury earned from his previous fights?The dust-up with Usyk back in February was for a purse of £115m.Fury is understood to have collected £85m of that after an agreement was sealed for him to get the majority.When the Morecambe-born boxer came up against Francis Ngannou a year ago, he received a cheque for £65m.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother of Fury’s iconic clashes was the last bout of the Deontay Wilder trilogy three years ago, which has been labelled the best bout of all-time.The Brit reportedly earned £22m, plus 60 per cent of the pay per view revenue that night. More

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    Man Utd considering LOAN deal for Marcus Rashford in January to avoid situation turning toxic

    MANCHESTER UNITED are considering sanctioning a loan deal in January for Marcus Rashford as the toxic fallout of his recent comments grow.Insiders at Old Trafford fear the situation is fast becoming untenable and that the only solution may be to get the England striker “out of the picture” for a while.Man Utd are considering sanctioning a loan deal in January for Marcus RashfordCredit: EPAManchester United fans and a Marcus Rashford banner v Tottenham HotspurCredit: TNT SportUnited would not loan Rashford to a Premier League rival – ruling out any chance of a switch to Arsenal or Chelsea, who have both reportedly been interested in strikers to boost their firepower.But several clubs in Spain, France and Germany are monitoring the situation and could be interested in giving Rashford an escape-route from his Utd hell.SunSport understands the last 48 hours have caused a huge amount of unrest inside the club.New manager Ruben Amorim spent most of his pre-match press conference against Spurs dealing with questions on Rashford.READ MORE IN footballHe was then pressed on it again after the game, and is likely to be asked in the build up to United’s next game against Bournemouth on Sunday.Amorim said: “We are better with Marcus Rashford, that is simple, and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past.”This kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.”Nothing has changed. We believe in Marcus. Marcus is a player of Manchester United, so there’s no change.” Most read in FootballWhy Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt comes after Rashford sensationally told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”Although Amorim has said Rashford is a part of the squad and could have a future at the club, it’s widely accepted now that he will leave in a permanent deal at the end of the season.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ Until then a loan-move would help cool the heat around the situation, as well as giving Rashford the chance to put himself in the shop window.Rashford and his advisors know a mega-money deal will be on offer from Saudi Arabia.But the player isn’t thought to be interested in such a move as he still believes his best years are ahead of him.He’s also told pals he still believes he can force his way back into the England squad, where Thomas Tuchel will soon face the task of finding a long-term replacement for ageing skipper Harry Kane.Although a Premier League switch can’t be ruled out, those close to Rashford think he prefers the idea of a total reset by switching to a foreign club where he can look to rebuild his career.Ruben Amorim has said Rashford is a part of the squad and could have a future at the clubCredit: Getty More

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    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk net worth combined – career earnings and endorsements ahead of super-fight

    TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk will cross gloves again this Saturday.The rematch will decide the king of the heavyweight division with three of the four belts on the line.Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will cross gloves again this SaturdayCredit: AFPBut how do their fortunes stack up?Credit: ReutersUsyk lands a blow on Fury on his way to victory in MayTheir last fight in May saw Usyk crowned the undisputed champion of the division – the first for 24 years.However, Usyk has since vacated the IBF heavyweight title, with Daniel Dubois now wearing the strap after battering Anthony Joshua in September.But while they have both been the best in the division in recent years, how do they square up in terms of net worth?Together the rivals have a staggering estimated fortune of nearly £140million ($175m).READ MORE IN BOXINGThis fight is estimated to have a stunning purse of up to £150m ($190m), with it being split 55-45 in Usyk’s favour due to him winning the first fight.Meanwhile, Fury was reportedly handed £78m for the last fight ($100m) despite defeat.Tyson Fury’s net worthThe Gypsy King, 36, is estimated to have a staggering net worth of £110m ($140m), although his career earnings far outweigh that amount when totted up and not allowing for spending.Forbes Magazine reported in May that his net worth came in at around £50m ($63.5m), but that was before his blockbuster springtime slam against Usyk.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the huge pay-per-view bouts have earned him a cool increase in wealth despite defeat.Some of his big fight payouts include his £5.8m ($7m) win against Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.Usyk Calls for Caution: Heavyweight Champ Offers Safety Tips as Cameraman Trips at Grand Arrivals His trilogy against Wilder saw him land figures of around £8.4m ($10m), £20.6m ($25m) and around £22m ($27m) for each respective fight.An 80/20 purse edge against Dillian Whyte saw him take home £25m ($30m), while his third fight against Derek Chisora landed him £20m ($25m).Chisora also stated that Fury earned around £39m ($50m) for his narrow win over Francis Ngannou.Fury’s assets include plenty of brand and merchandising deals to bulk up his wallet, including his very own Furocity energy drinks.His assets include a large business empire reported by the Mirror to be worth more than £80m in the company accounts.The company, 100 per cent owned by the boxer, has nearly £109m in investments, while Fury also owns a £34m private jet, an impressive car collection and £1.7m mansion.Oleksandr Usyk’s net worthUsyk, 37, is estimated to be worth around £45m ($35m), but again, his career earnings stack up to a much larger amount.The Cat was said to have been worth £4m before his double-bill of fights with Joshua.He reportedly made £1.2m from fighting Chazz Witherspoon before making another £315,000 ($400,000) when beating Murat Gassiev on points.Beating Tony Bellew in his maiden title defence in 2018 earned him around £790,000 before he made £3.2m in his first fight with AJ which included an extra 40 per cent pay-per-view share.The money for their rematch was then reported to be 50-50, landing Usyk a massive £59m ($75m) payday.He then pocketed a further £30m for his win over Fury in May.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has deals with brands such as BowRaw and Rival Boxing.Usyk also runs a non-profit organisation called Usyk Foundation, aimed at helping people from his country and those suffering from the Russia-Ukraine war. More

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    Jamie Vardy ‘teaching himself insults in rival centre-backs’ native language’ to insult them during games

    WIND-UP merchant Jamie Vardy teaches himself insults in rival centre-backs’ native tongue to throw them off their game.Vardy turns 38 on January 11 and is unquestionably one of the most iconic strikers in Premier Leaguehistory.Jamie Vardy reportedly researches foreign insults to troll defenders withVardy is well known for his hilariously wild antics on the pitchA new documentary about Vardy’s incredible journey from non-league footballer to Premier League champion will be available on Netflix next year, according to The Telegraph.In it, it’s revealed that Vardy teaches himself choice insults in the native language of the centre-backs tasked with marking him.Viewers will also see him amusing himself by booting footballs at the club’s training ground windows before a morning session.Vardy, who clearly puts a lot of research into his game, is well known for trolling rival players and fans alike.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 37-year-old striker is part of footballing folklore for his role in the Foxes’ astonishing 2016 Premier League title win.But his wild antics and mocking tactics have been as consistent as his goals.Vardy is also known to still continue his pre-match routine of three cans of Red Bull, a cheese and ham omelette and a double espresso.We may never see a repeat of this rags-to-riches story. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVardy rather incredibly was playing non-league football until 2011 when he was already 24 years old.Swapping to Fleetwood Town he smashed in 34 goals in 42 games before Leicester paid possibly the best value £1million ever seen in football.Leicester stars party in nightclub next to ‘Enzo I miss you’ sign hours after Chelsea loss on night before Cooper sackedHe now ranks 15th on the Prem’s all-time scoring charts with 142 goals, surpassing new boss Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tally at Man Utd. And he’s added six more this season, with Leicester, who are 14th, flirting with relegation back down to the Championship come May.One of those goals came on his Prem return against Tottenham in August.Vardy showed off his Premier League title win to Spurs fans during his top-flight return in AugustHe then motioned the number zero to the away endIt saw him brutally mock the away end when he was substituted during their 1-1 draw, having scored the crucial equaliser after being spotted downing a can of Red Bull at the break.Vardy first pointed at the Prem badge on the sleeve of his shirt and raised one finger to indicate his title win.He then pointed his finger in the direction of the Spurs fans and motioned the number zero.Many also remember when the ex-England international dished it out with an Eagle celebration to Crystal Palace fans in the 2017-2018 season. More

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    Netflix to stream Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as Fifa release details of ‘historic’ deal

    NETFLIX has agreed a historic deal to broadcast the next Women’s World Cup in the United States.The global streaming giant has also been granted the rights to the 2031 tournament.Netflix has secured the rights for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World CupsCredit: GettyEngland narrowly missed out on the title in 2023Credit: PAAn official statement from FIFA read: “The historic deal will provide US-based fans with unparalleled access to every match live and to immersive coverage, including star-studded studio shows in what is set to be an unprecedented celebration of the women’s game.”Major tournaments such as the World Cup are traditionally broadcast on free-to-air public networks in order to maximise audience reach.However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously criticised broadcasters – especially in Europe – for undervaluing the right to broadcast the 2023 Women’s World Cup.On Friday, Infantino said: “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game.”Read More in FootballFIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters.ITV and the BBC have shared the rights to the tournament in recent years.Meanwhile, FOX broadcast the World Cup across the US last year.The 2027 tournament will take place in Brazil from June to July and is set to involve 32 teams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpain are the reigning champions, having defeated England in the 2023 final.Netflix dipped into live sports last month by showcasing the blockbuster boxing bout between YouTuber Jake Paul and heavyweight legend Mike Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.BREAKING: England fans spot Lucy Bronze’s ‘top tier s***housery’ before Spain miss penalty in Women’s World Cup finalThe streaming service is also set to broadcast live NFL games on Christmas day. More

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    I saw Ali’s Phantom Punch and Tyson biting an ear off – history’s not in Tyson Fury’s favour in Usyk rematch

    TYSON FURY, a boxing historian, is aware the record book shows he has less than an even-money shot at regaining his world title from Oleksandr Usyk.Fellow heavyweights Floyd Patterson, Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis achieved it in fights straight after being dethroned.Tyson Fury is set to do battle with Oleksandr Usyk once again on Saturday nightCredit: GettyMuhammad Ali famously took on Sonny ListonCredit: GettyMike Tyson’s rematch with Evander Holyfield went down in infamyCredit: AFPBut Patterson was also among the failures — along with Mike Tyson, Larry Holmes, Deontay Wilder and Jack Dempsey.Movie sequels are rarely as good as the originals but where the world heavyweight title is concerned, some of the return battles have been sensational.If Fury and Usyk provide the same edge-of-the-seat excitement — and controversy — when they meet again, it will captivate fans.It’s not difficult to pick out the most scandalous, outrageous and unforgettable clash since the first champion John L Sullivan laced on his gloves 135 years ago.READ MORE ON BOXINGEvander Holyfield defied the odds in 1996 and stopped Tyson in 11 rounds to lift the WBA belt.They met again in the same Las Vegas ring seven months later in the hideous Bite Fight.That nauseating image of Tyson chewing an inch of flesh out of Holyfield’s right ear, and spitting it on the canvas, is still fresh in my mind.Disqualified by referee Mills Lane, Mike claimed he did it in frustration because Holyfield had been head-butting him.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt cost him a $3million fine and 12-month ban — and he never ruled the division again.Just as contentious was what occurred in Maine in May 1965, 14 months after Cassius Clay did the unthinkable by stopping Sonny Liston to become champ.Meet the AI boxing official who’ll be ringside for Fury v Usyk with fans convinced it ‘will eliminate judges completely’When they met again, Clay had changed his name to Muhammad Ali and Liston was favourite to crush the Louisville Lip.But that opening round left the 4,000-strong crowd shocked and bewildered. An innocuous Ali right cross clipped Liston and left him lying on his back.Ali stood over him yelling “Get up Sucker” — and it became known as the Phantom Punch.New York sports writer Jimmy Cannon wrote that the punch “couldn’t have crushed a grape”.Liston eventually got to his feet but referee Jersey Joe Walcott stopped the fight after two minutes and declared Ali the winner.Because of Liston’s long links to the Mob and doubts over that punch, arguments rage to this day about the fight being fixed.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: ALI vs SPINKSRoll on thirteen years to Las Vegas, Ali barely bothered to train when challenged by Olympic gold medallist Leon Spinks having only his eighth pro fight.Astonishingly Spinks deservedly beat him on points.Seven months later in New Orleans Ali reversed the points decision and, for the third time, was top of the world.DEMPSEY vs TUNNEYMention the Long Count and any student of the Noble Art will know what you are talking about.Jack Dempsey, having lost his title to Gene Tunney in 1926, tried to get it back a year later.Dempsey floored Tunney in the seventh but didn’t obey the referee’s command to go to a neutral corner.It meant Tunney was on the canvas for about 14 seconds before getting up — and those extra seconds enabled him to recover and repeat another points win. Dempsey never fought again.PATTERSON vs JOHANSSONIn June 1960, Patterson KO’d Ingemar Johansson to become the first man to regain the heavyweight world title.It was sweet revenge for losing to Johansson the first time.PATTERSON vs LISTONBut two years later, Patterson was KO’d by Liston in just 126 seconds of the first round.Patterson, bidding to win back the title for a second time ten months later, lasted only four seconds longer against him.HOLMES vs SPINKSLarry Holmes had reigned for seven years and was expected to beat Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record.But in September 1985, Michael Spinks became the first world light-heavyweight champ to win boxing’s richest prize when he outpointed Holmes over 15 rounds.Spinks repeated his triumph seven months later.FURY vs WILDERWilder, despite picking himself off the floor twice and putting Fury down twice, found the Gypsy King too good.He suffered an 11-round KO in his bid to resurrect his title, in the third fight of their trilogy.LEWIS vs RAHMANIn April 2001, Lennox Lewis paid the price for not preparing properly to fight at Johannesburg’s 5,500ft altitude.And 20-1 outsider Hasim Rahman flattened him in five rounds to score one of the greatest heavyweight upsets.He had to take Rahman to court to force him to honour the return fight clause in the deal.Rahman’s eminence lasted just seven months — Lewis joined the short list of regainers by knocking him out in the seventh round in Las Vegas.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s highly unlikely there will be any ear-biting, disqualifications, long counts or Phantom Punches in Riyadh on Saturday night.Instead, let’s hope Fury and Usyk’s fight will be a memorable, quality contest with no disputes whoever is named winner.Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch More

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    What is the AI boxing judge and how will it work for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2?

    TYSON FURY vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 will make history this weekend for more reasons than one. For the first time ever, the bout will be scored, unofficially, by a fourth boxing judge which has been created by AI (Artificial Intelligence). Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will run it back this weekend in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFPBoxing is often ridiculed for its unfair scorecards and dodgy judging decisions, with Fury believing his first fight with Usyk was unfairly scored. Usyk won the bout on a split decision with scores of 115-112 to Fury and 114-113 twice to Usyk. But now an AI judge is also set to score the fight, providing fans with a unique look at how boxing could be scored in the future. How will the scoring work?Ahead of the rematch, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh announced the experiment would be used on the fight, but would not impact the result.He wrote on X: “For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight.”Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring.”Fury vs Usyk 2 will be unofficially scored by an AI-powered boxing judgeA video was released explaining how the scoring would work. An AI figure explained: “I’m here to bring fairness to the ring.Most read in Boxing”I analyse every round, every move and every decisive moment during the fight, using real-time metrics like aggression, landed punches, impact and defensive deployments.”With this data, I’m able to calculate a score to determine who should win the match.”After the fight, the result of the AI judge’s analysis will be revealed to the public. And it’ll be down to boxing fans to decide whether they agree with the three human judges, or whether the future of boxing scoring sits firmly with AI. More