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      Katie Taylor record trilogy bout CONFIRMED but Amanda Serrano blasts boxer for ‘not keeping her word’ & vows ‘it is war’

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      KATIE Taylor’s trilogy fight with Amanda Serrano will go ahead this summer for a world record pay packet.The Bray boxing sensation, 38, had hoped to main event in Croke Park later this year, but will now take on her opponent on July 11 in Madison Square Garden.Their first epic match-up was held at the famed New York venueIn November they filled out Texas’ 80,000 capacity AT&T Stadium for a card that was co-headlined by Mike Tyson vs Jake PaulThe Bray Bomber edged a decision last time outKT will take on her old for an historic pay day when the rivals headline a historic all-women’s boxing card in the iconic New York arena.The event, promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, will be streamed live on Netflix.Taylor is ranked No. 2 on ESPN’s pound for pound list and has been undisputed in two weight classes.The pair’s first clash in April 2022 made history as the first women’s fight to headline MSG, earning global acclaim and winning Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year and The Ring’s Event of the Year for 2022.Taylor vs. Serrano was also nominated for Sports Business Journal’s Event of the Year, a testament to the global reach and power of the event.Their rematch at AT&T Stadium in November 2024, streamed on Netflix, shattered records with 74 million average viewers globally, becoming the most-watched women’s sporting event in U.S. history.It was also named the 2024 Women’s Fight of the Year by ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Boxing Scene.A gleeful Taylor said of their looming round three: “I want to thank everyone at Matchroom, MVP and Netflix for getting the trilogy over the line and I can’t wait to headline at MSG again in July.Most read in Boxing“I’m 2 and 0 against Amanda but it’s obviously a very special rivalry that delivers every time we step in the ring so I think it’s only right that we have the trilogy. “The atmosphere for the first fight there was amazing and I’m sure it won’t be any different this time around.Eddie Hearn reacts wildy in the ring as Katie Taylor beats Amanda Serrano”The numbers that got to see the last fight in November were incredible so hopefully those people will all want to tune in for the trilogy fight as well and we can deliver another great fight.”Meanwhile a vengeful Serrano vowed: “I promised my fans they would see this trilogy, and I’m incredibly grateful that we get to complete our journey where it all began — at Madison Square Garden, live on Netflix for the world to see.“I’m disappointed that Katie Taylor did not keep her word and make the trilogy 12 three-minute rounds, equal to the men. “This is a record-setting payday for both of us, and we owed it to the fans to honour the handshake deal we made.”She didn’t. But make no mistake, every time we share the ring, it is war, and I know Friday, July 11, will be the greatest yet because I will finally get the official W I deserve. “Headlining an all-female card at MSG, representing both New York and Puerto Rico, is something I never thought would be possible, and it wouldn’t be without Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul, and MVP’s commitment to elevating women’s boxing. “I’m proud to stand alongside all the talented women on this card, and I hope our fight inspires young girls everywhere to keep believing in themselves and never stop chasing their dreams.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis event will also set a new financial standard for female fighters with Taylor and Serrano set to receive record-breaking purses, continuing to raise the benchmark as the highest-paid female fighters of all time.Pre-sale ticket signups are available now, with the official on-sale date to be announced soon. More

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      Man Utd files: Ruben Amorim’s wife glum in gloomy Manchester as boss targets shock Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have endured yet another difficult week.Last weekend, Ruben Amorim’s beleaguered side bowed out of the FA Cup to Fulham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim’s side bowed out of the FA Cup last weekendCredit: GettyThe Red Devils lost to Fulham on penaltiesCredit: PAAs usual on a Thursday, SunSport’s team of experts take you through the latest goings on behind the scenes at the Theatre of Dreams.CHECK MATEMANCHESTER United are monitoring Jean-Phillippe Mateta and could make a shock summer swoop for the Crystal Palace striker.In-form French frontman Mateta has emerged as a major target for the goal-shy Red Devils.Ruben Amorim admitted following their FA Cup penalty defeat to Fulham that his side is suffering from a goalscoring problem.It means securing a striker in the summer has now become a priority for Old Trafford chiefs.Top of the list is Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, Amorim’s former striker at Sporting Lisbon.But despite Gyokeres being keen on the idea of a reunion with Amorim, he’s pushing for a move to a Champions League club, which would make a switch to United a total non-starter.This has led to United casting their net wider, and they’ve watched Mateta’s last three Premier League matches.United’s scouts were also watching on as Mateta was pole-axed by the kung fu assault by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round tie, which saw the Eagles ace ferried to hospital before receiving 25 stitches in a head wound.Mateta has been in a rich vein of form since the turn of the year, scoring eight in as many Prem games including a double in Palace’s 2-0 win at Old Trafford.The striker, 27, has scored 34 goals in 106 Prem appearances – with 40 of those off the bench – since converting his initial loan move from Mainz into a permanent £11m deal in January 2022.His mobility and willingness to toil as the arrowhead means Amorim’s scouts believe he would be a prime fit for the manager’s favoured 3-4-3 formation.The chance to switch from Selhurst to Old Trafford would appeal to a player who believes he is ready to play on one of the game’s grander stages if the opportunity arrives.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starHOME IS WHERE THE HEART ISUnited bosses have re-assured parents and players that the academy remains “at the heart” of the club’s strategy – despite 450 job cuts and cost-cutting measures at the club.Academy Director Nick Cox acknowledged it has been an “unsettling” season given poor results on the pitch for the first team and the “difficult decisions being taken to improve the financial position of the club”.But he added that the “development of young players is at the heart of our strategy for returning the club to the top of English and European football” and that the club remains committed to providing the academy with the money and the staff it needs to be successful.He sent out the message to parents and players in the wake of the announcement earlier this week that up to 200 more staff faced redundancy as part of cost-cutting measures introduced by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Several academy staff were made redundant last summer, with some being told the news as shocked children and parents were being welcomed back to Carrington for the start of the season.A source said: “There’s been an awful lot of negative news coming out of Old Trafford so Nick wanted to try and reassure everyone that United is still the best place for their boys.“They have spent several years getting the academy back up to speed after losing out to Man City for a while, so don’t want all that hard work go to waste.”Academy graduate Toby Collyer made his first team debut this season while Chido Obi-Martin – who arrived from Arsenal in October – was one of the few bright spots in the FA Cup defeat by Fulham.Highly-rated Elyh Harrison, Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Jack Fletcher, Sekou Kone and Jack Moorhouse were all on the bench for last month’s defeat at Spurs.United’s Under-18s beat Arsenal 3-2 in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup last week.Chido Obi was in action for Man Utd last weekCredit: GettyThe Red Devils named an inexperienced bench against TottenhamCredit: GettyWINTER OF DISCONTENTManchester United’s winter of misery has put Ruben Amorim in the spotlight.But the city’s miserable winter has taken its toll as well.Training ground talk is that Amorim’s wife Maria has struggled to come to terms with the wind, rain and dark nights over the first few months of his Old Trafford reign.After a preference for the delights of home played a part in Pep Guardiola’s marriage split, there might be some concern if Amorim’s family are not settled in the north west.Ruben Amorim’s wife Maria has not immediately taken to the Manchester weatherCredit: Steve Allen – Commissioned by The SunTRAVEL EXPENSESAny United players unhappy at the prospect of being whisked half way around the world at the end of the season are set to be told there is a financial imperative for the trip.United are due to fly out to the Far East straight after their final Prem game of the campaign against Aston Villa on May 25.Ruben Amorim’s men will meet the Asean All Stars in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur on May 28, with a further stop in Hong Kong.But dressing room moaners will be told the estimated £8m the club will earn from the trip is vital as they juggle their finances ahead of an expected season without any European football and after a campaign likely to bring a substantial cut in Prem prize money.The Red Devils went on a lucrative tour last summerCredit: GettyDORG IN THE FIGHTItalian club Lecce saw United coming in January – which is why they had to pay £25m for left-back Patrick Dorgu.Danish youngster Dorgu joined the Serie A side from Nordsjaelland in his homeland on a youth contract in 2022, becoming a fixture in their first team last term.The deal represented pure profit for Lecce, currently just three points above the Serie A drop zone.And the middle man who put the deal together, long-serving agent Frank Trimboli, pointed to the nous of Lecce sporting director Pantaleo Corvino in ensuring United paid top dollar for a key target.Trimboli explained: “Corvino who has a long tradition of buying players cheap, developing them and then selling on for substantial profits.“In his mind he’d done the research and seen what was out there, understood that January is one of those windows where if you have an asset and have to sell, there’s a premium attached – because it is the worst time to sell.”Another factor was the 2023 sale of Dorgu’s fellow Dane, highly-rated defensive midfielder Morten Hjulmund, to Sporting Lisbon for £18m.Hjulmand had arrived in Italy from Austria’s Admira Wacker for just £170,000 barely 18 months previously.Trimboli added: “They knew what previous players have been sold for and started with that number.“Then it came down to market forces, supply and demand.“United knew what they wanted to pay. Lecce knew what they wanted to receive.“There was a bit of brinkmanship that came into play but eventually they got there.”Patrick Dorgu has had an encouraging start to life at Old TraffordCredit: AlamyDIAL IT DOWNFan favourite Amad Diallo was back at Old Trafford on Sunday – but there seems little chance of supporters seeing him on the pitch before last season.Ivorian Amad, who scored the late Manchester derby winner over City and then netted a hat-trick to pull off the comeback victory over Southampton, was spotted at Sunday’s FA Cup defeat by Fulham.Amad, 22, underwent ankle surgery last month and was wearing a protective boot and using a crutch as he made his way into the stadium.While United have publicly stopped short of ruling him out for the season, he did not look like a player expected to be back on the grass any time soon.Amad Diallo is not expected back this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Europa League supercomputer predicts every round of knockouts with Man Utd and Tottenham scrapping for silverware

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted which teams could be in contention for the Europa League title – and it’s good news for Tottenham.The Europa League round-of-16 kicks off tonight, with all remaining teams in action.Tottenham have a good chance of reaching the Europa League final, according to the SupercomputerCredit: ReutersMan Utd, meanwhile, are unlikely to go all the wayCredit: PATottenham travel to the Netherlands to face AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their clash.Meanwhile, Manchester United take on Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena.The likes of Ajax, Rangers and Roma are also in action as the race to Bilbao continues.But none of those teams have the best chance to win, according to a supercomputer.Read More in FootballA supercomputer from Opta claims that Lazio are most likely to lift the trophy at San Mames Stadium.The Italian giants have a 19.1 per cent chance of winning the Europa League, a 33 per cent chance of reaching the final and a 55.1 per cent chance of making it to the semi-finals.Opta’s simulation is also 77.6 per cent confident that they will beat Viktoria Plzen in the last-16 across two legs.According to the supercomputer, Tottenham have the second-best chance of winning the title.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOpta’s Europa League supercomputerSpurs have a 14.5 per cent chance of lifting the trophy, a 25.7 per cent chance of making the final, a 44.4 per cent chance of reaching the semi-finals and a 70.7 per cent chance of beating Alkmaar in the round-of-16 this week and next.Man Utd, however, are fifth in line behind Athletic Bilbao and Roma.’I know the consequences’ – Ruben Amorim insists he’s the right man for Man Utd but fears he may not get time to show itThe Red Devils have been limited to just a 7.4 per cent chance of winning the competition, with a 15.5 per cent chance of reaching the final.The supercomputer has also given United a 53 per cent chance of beating Real Sociedad.Ruben Amorim and Co have endured a miserable run of results recently.They currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, level on points with West Ham.At the other end of the Europa League rankings, FCSB have been deemed the team least likely to win, with just a 0.6 per cent chance. More

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      Son of ex-Brazil star who played with Ronaldinho left ‘brain dead’ after horror crash on way to training at Klopp club

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      BRAZILIAN starlet Pedro Severino has heartbreakingly been declared “brain dead” after being involved in an accident.The 19-year-old was riding in the front passenger seat when the vehicle taking him to training collided with a lorry on a Brazilian motorway early on Monday morning.Brazilian starlet Pedro Severino has reportedly been declared brain dead after being in a horror car crashCredit: JAM PRESSSeverino, 19, was in the front seat of a vehicle which collided with a lorryCredit: JAM PRESSPedro is the son of former Brazil star Lucas SeverinoCredit: AFPThe Red Bull Bragantino U20 star was taken to the hospital with a critical head injury after the crash.Severino – the son of former Brazil Under 23s star Lucas – underwent successful neurosurgery a few hours later but is still in a critical condition.A doctor, however, has sadly declared him “brain dead”, although a second must agree with the assessment before its legal confirmation.A spokesperson for Red Bull Bragantino, who are part of the Red Bull group which Jurgen Klopp now works for, said: “Since being informed of the incident, the club has been closely monitoring the players’ condition and providing all the necessary support.”READ MORE IN SPORTA statement from the Dr Waldemar Tebaldi Municipal Hospital read: “For brain death to be confirmed, the patient must undergo a clinical exam by two different doctors.”With at least an hour between their assessments, as well as an apnoea test and other supplementary exams.”This process could take up to 24 hours after the protocol was started at 4:30pm. “The hospital team is providing full support to the family during this difficult time.”Most read in FootballLucas Severino was a former team-mate of RonaldinhoCredit: GETTYFellow footballer Pedro Castro was in the back seat during the crash and was also taken to the hospital. He was, thankfully, discharged with minor injuries. You’re a football superfan if you can work out Brazil and Real Madrid legend’s son, 16, by his iconic playing style Breathalyser tests were conducted on both drivers, who were found to not to be under the influence of alcohol.Pedro’s father, Lucas, played with footie icon Ronaldinho in Brazil’s Under-23s side.Ronaldinho celebrates scoring for Brazil U23s, where he played alongside Lucas, in 2000Credit: AFP More

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      TKO Saudi boxing league: When does UFC and WWE-backed league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn & Frank Warren?

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      THERE is a new major player in the sport of boxing who could end up changing the landscape of the sport forever.Saudi bigwig Turki Alalshikh and The Ring Magazine have teamed up with the TKO Group – which owns the WWE and the UFC – to create a new boxing league.Turki Alalashikh announced the formation of a boxing league with the TKO Group this weekCredit: GETTYAlalshikh has enlisted the services of UFC supremo Dana White to run the leagueCredit: INSTAGRAM@TURKIALALSHIKHWhite has been brought on board to implement the UFC’s successful model in the leagueCredit: INSTAGRAM@DANAWHITEThe formation of the league could potentially change the landscape of boxing foreverCredit: GETTYAnd Alalshikh has enlisted the services of UFC supremo Dana White to run the promotion, which he believes will “crush” its rivals in the coming years.The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority said: “If you want to fix boxing or any sport or doing some big project like this, we will not have any options better than Dana White.”And when I see him in this hotel before, one year (ago), with our friend Nick (Khan, TKO board member), and we are talking about this … we go on back, and we have the same vision.”And I trust (that) this league, in a short time, will crush everything.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSAlalshikh’s words have sent shockwaves across the boxing world, with promoters and sanctioning bodies now seriously sweating over their futures.But what does the Saudi-backed league mean for the future of boxing?SunSport is on hand to bring you everything we know so far about the potentially seismic shift in the noble art.When will the league be officially launched?JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTurki Alalshikh has teased a major announcement in SeptemberCredit: GETTYAn official date for the launch of the league – the name of which remains a mystery – has yet to be revealed.Most read in BoxingAlalshikh, however, teased that an announcement will be made on September 12, the day before the eagerly anticipated showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.KSI tipped for sensational fight in Alcatraz by Turki Alalshikh as he makes major boxing U-turn During an appearance on ESPN, he said: “Ask [Dana] when the first event will be held in September. Ask him to answer… Maybe it’ll be September 12th.”What will the format be?Alalshikh has seemingly entrusted White to implement the highly successful and extremely profitable UFC format.It’s unclear whether the MMA league’s model will translate to the world of boxing given the promotion’s often-criticised revenue split with fighters and No1-ranked combatants often being overlooked for title shots.”There’s zero speculation on the format,” White said. “You know the format, and everybody knows the format.Implementing the UFC model in boxing could prove to be difficult for Dana WhiteCredit: GETTY”The best fight the best. You work your way up the rankings, and once somebody breaks into the top five, there’s no question who the best five guys in the world are in each weight class, and they fight it out.”And then, once somebody holds that belt, you don’t need three letters in front of the belt.”Whoever has that belt is the best in the world in that weight class. It’s a very simple model.”Potential amendments to or the repealing of the Ali Act – which was introduced in 1999 to protect the welfare of fighters and eliminate anti-competitive practices in the sport – could end up working in favour of White and Co.What does it mean for promoters?Veteran promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn will be sweating following the announcementCredit: GETTYVeteran promoters Bob Arum, Eddie Hearn, Oscar De La Hoya, Ben Shalom and Frank Warren will undoubtedly be thinking about their futures in the sport following the bombshell announcement.But they won’t be going anywhere any time soon as they have most of the talent contractually locked up.That means the TKO-backed league will initially need to work with Boxxer, Golden Boy, Matchroom, Top Rank and Queensberry Promotions.READ MORE SUN STORIESFighters, however, could opt to see out their contracts with their respective promoters and jump ship given the prestige The Ring Magazine belt holds and the promotional power the TKO Group possesses.The biggest motivator for jumping ship, however, will be the astronomical paydays the Saudis have dished out in recent years. More

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      Steve Cooper begins new job in football four months after being sacked by Leicester

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      STEVE COOPER has made his return to football four months after being sacked by Leicester.Cooper, 45, was given the boot in November after the Foxes won just TWO of the first twelve matches of the Premier League season.Steve Cooper has been out of work since being sacked by Leicester at the end of NovemberCredit: PALautaro Martinez celebrates scoring Inter’s opener against FeyenoordCredit: APThe former Nottingham Forest and Swansea boss is now back in the game in a new role with Uefa.According to journalist Henry Winter, Cooper covered his first official game as a technical observer last night, watching over Feyenoord against Inter in the Champions League.Technical observers analyse each match from a coaching perspective, and are tasked with selecting the Player of the Match for each fixture.Lautaro Martinez became Inter’s all-time top scorer in the European Cup/Champions League with his 18th goal for the Italian giants as they beat their Dutch opponents.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMarcus Thuram poked home a looping ball shortly after half-time to give his side a commanding 2-0 lead going into the second leg.Cooper selected the Argentine as Player of the Match as he proved a nightmare for Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther.Cooper joins a talented pool of technical observers for the 2024/45 Champions League campaign, including a host of ex-Premier League bosses.Gareth Southgate, Rafa Benitez, David Moyes and Avram Grant have all taken on the role throughout the current campaign.Most read in SportGareth Southgate carried out the same role for Uefa earlier this seasonCredit: AlamyPrior to returning to management with Besiktas just last month, former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also had a go at it.Speaking to Uefa earlier in the season, Solskjaer detailed a day in the life of a technical observer.Fans convinced Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has an assistant to scratch his ear and can’t stop watching videoHe said: “My role entails travelling to matches and analysing the technical quality and tactical approach closely, as well as picking a Player of the Match.”It’s a really great way of watching the top teams closely and keeping up with trends.”I also get to meet new and old football acquaintances in a more relaxed setting.”Moyes, meanwhile, added that he had learnt a lot from carrying out the role.The new Everton boss revealed he had “brought information and ideas back from both the EURO and the Nations League”, learning new tricks which “can be exploited all the way down to junior teams”. More

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      Olympics icon pulls out of professional boxing debut after health scare and is ‘undergoing further tests’

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      CINDY NGAMBA has been pulled from her eagerly anticipated professional debut due to a medical “issue”.The Olympian was set to make her professional bow on the undercard of Natasha Jonas’ unfied light-middleweight title defence against Lauren Price at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday night. Cindy Ngamba was set to make her professional debut on FridayCredit: PAThe 26-year-old was set to throw down with Kirstie Bavington on a historic card at London’s Royal Albert HallCredit: GETTYBut a medical issue has scuppered the 26-year-old’s eagerly anticipated pro debutCredit: GETTYBut doctors have pulled the Cameroonian from the card after discovering an “issue” during her pre-fight screening. A Boxxer statement read: “Cindy Ngamba will not be making her professional debut on Friday night after a pre-fight medical examination revealed an issue requiring further medical attention.”The health and safety of fighters remains the highest priority. “And Cindy will undergo further tests in the coming days.”Boxing fans took to X to discuss their dismay at the cancellation of Ngamba’s clash with Kirstie Bavington.One wrote: “Hope it’s nothing serious. “Far too many scares in boxing to be taking the risk now.”Another said: “Hopefully, Ngamba makes a speedy recovery and the fight can be rearranged.”Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCindy Ngamba claimed a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics in ParisCredit: GETTYAnd another said: “Don’t know about you lot but that’s my friday ruined!”One remarked: “Not an ideal start to a pro career on the eve of her debut. Bizarre moment Conor Benn has face off with an empty chair after Chris Eubank Jr no-shows following egg slap row”Hopefully, nothing too serious.”Ngamba’s debut was one of the most anticipated fights on the historic all-female card at the Albert Hall.The 26-year-old, who has called the UK home since she was 11, competed at the 2024 Olympics in Paris – representing the Refugee Olympic Team. And she became the first winner of a medal for the team when she took home a bronze in the Under-75 kg category.Ngamba – who was ineligible to compete for Team GB despite training with the team – bravely came out as a lesbian in 2017. Her public declaration of her sexuality means she risks imprisonment if she returns to Cameroon, where homosexuality is illegal.She revealed: “You can be killed, beaten up or put in prison. I can’t go back.” More

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      I sunk $100,000 into my boxing career before one punch changed my life… now I’m signed to Jake Paul

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      LUCAS BAHDI sunk $100,000 of his own money into his boxing career – but one punch saw the gamble all pay off. Bahdi was an unknown outsider in July 2024 when Floyd Schofield pulled out of fighting Jake Paul’s highly-touted prospect Ashton Sylve. Lucas Bahdi knocked out Ashton Sylve with a monstrous left hookCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsBahdi was signed by Jake Paul afterwardsCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsSo when the Canadian got the call on three weeks notice to replace Schofield – he backed his lightning quick hands to steal Sylve’s thunder.Bahdi, 31, told SunSport: “I was going in as a B-side opponent. They didn’t expect anything from me. “That was an event to showcase Ashton and I came in and I stole the show.”They didn’t really know much about me at the time but they got to learn real quick.” READ MORE IN BOXINGBahdi sensationally came from behind to knock Sylve out and leave the 21-year-old faceplanting the canvas after a devastating left hook.The lightweight became a star overnight and was quickly signed by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions banner. But what fans did not know was Bahdi had been quietly making a name for himself on small shows in Mexico and Canada. He was just praying an opportunity would come his way – estimating he spent $100,000 (£77,000) of his own cash to fund his career. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBahdi said: “When I first turned pro, I was fighting like every four or five weeks.”I fought nine fights in nine months and I funded my whole career from from my pro debut till about 11-0, 12-0.KSI lifts lid on meeting with Turki Alalshikh and teases fight talks… but blasts Jake Paul as ‘disgrace to boxing’ “And if I didn’t do that, I probably wouldn’t have got that opportunity to fight Ashton.”Because I would have had only a couple of fights or I would have been with the local promoter.”I think everything played out in my favour. I bet on myself and I definitely pulled through.”Bahdi’s sixth-round KO of Sylve was fitting for any Hollywood movie script – but he says that is nothing compared to what he experienced in Mexico. One bout – during the covid pandemic – saw Bahdi travel without any friends, family or coaches.And he was staring defeat in the face when both his hands were busted and his eyes almost closed shut due to damage sustained. Bahdi revealed: “Five weeks before, I broke my left hand. I was so frustrated with everything that I didn’t care.It was the craziest story – they could have made a movie on that night. Lucas Bahdi “I said, I’m still gonna go and I’m gonna knock him out with one hand. And in the first round, I broke my good hand!”So I was in there with two broken hands and it was the middle of the second round when I realised something is really wrong with my good hand at the time.”Things weren’t going well for me after that point, the third round was a terrible round and I was getting touched up pretty good.”Both my eyes were almost swollen shut and in the fourth round, I ended up catching him with counter left hook and knocked him out.”It was the craziest story – they could have made a movie on that night. “From before the fight, till after the fight, to going home, traveling alone with two broken hands, with almost two eyes that are swollen shut.”There could have been a movie on that. I couldn’t even pack my bags. ‘It’s only a matter of time'”To get out of the hotel, I literally had to get the front desk to help me. It a crazy eventful experience, to say the least.”Bahdi is now a 135lb contender being pushed with the help of YouTuber-turned boxer Paul. And Bahdi said: “He’s not only a boxer himself, he’s a promoter, so he’s got to put both hats on and it’s not easy to do. But he’s amazing for the sport.”He’s amazing to be a part of his team because he’s got such a big influence and he’s he’s making waves in the boxing scene right now as you can see and I think this is only the beginning.”Bahdi is 18-0 with 15 KOs and returns on Friday in Canada against Ryan James Racaza, 28, himself unbeaten in 15 bouts.And he warned the champions at lightweight that it is only a matter of time until he comes hunting for their gold. Bahdi warned: “I think in the next six to 12 months, I’ll be fighting for titles. It’s only a matter of time. I’m only a couple of fights away.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m aiming for the champions, whether it’s Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, Loma or Keyshawn Davis. For me, I don’t care.”I’m gonna be knocking on their doors very soon and if they don’t answer, I’ll be kicking them down.”Bahdi’s brutal KO of SylveCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsHe is now 18-0 looking for a world title shotCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable Promotions More