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    How Chelsea & Forest are ripping up the script of how to run a football club… just don’t try to make sense of it

    IT’S time to forget everything we thought we knew about how to run a football club.Forget stability, forget continuity, forget financial prudence, forget carefully-targeted player recruitment, forget inspirational managerial appointments.Chelsea chief Todd Boehly has splashed out over £1billion on signingsCredit: RexEvangelos Marinakis has turned Nottingham Forest into top-four contendersCredit: GettyJust tear everything to shreds, sell everyone, then max out the credit card by buying footballers.Dozens and dozens of footballers. Not just one new squad of players but two or three squads’ worth.Buy so many footballers that they can’t all fit into the dressing room at your training ground.Already got seven elite wingers? If another one becomes available, go and buy an eighth. You only live once.Read More on FootballBecause Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are the two great overachievers of this Premier League season — the Blues just two points off the summit and Forest in the Champions League places, above Manchester City.Both clubs have spent like sailors piddling it up on shore leave.If you have previously received the impressions from this column — or pretty much anywhere else in the media — that Chelsea’s Todd Boehly is a clueless American muppet, your mind must be playing tricks on you. Boehly always was a football genius.The nine-year contracts for unproven players. The knifing of more managers than Roman Abramovich. The transfer-window trolley dashes. Genius, all of it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd any ideas you had that Forest’s Evangelos Marinakis was a panic-buying shopaholic — a wild conspiracy theorist who hired that bloke off Gladiators to rumble referees — must have been the product of your own overactive imagination.Here is a big cuddly Greek Santa, laden with gifts and leading Forest into the promised land.Chelsea player ratings vs BrentfordSince Boehly and his Clearlake crew purchased Chelsea in the summer of 2022, the club has signed 45 players for a total of £1.3billion.Since Forest won promotion to the Premier League that same summer, they have got more than 40 players for a combined total in the region of £300million.And at both clubs, somehow, it’s working.At the age of 33, Forest’s Kiwi striker Chris Wood is the new Erling Haaland. Chelsea star Cole Palmer was Pep Guardiola’s blind spot.Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho are more effective than any winger currently on Manchester United’s books.The Premier League is a madhouse. To succeed, join the stark-raving lunatics, as Chelsea and Forest have done.Understated managersWhat both clubs needed, it turns out, was an understated, unheralded manager to sift through the shopping, to settle on a core squad, to play ball with eccentric owners and coach a bloody good football team.Neither Enzo Maresca nor Nuno Espirito Santo were wildly popular appointments.Maresca had led Leicester to the Championship title but was nobody’s first choice to succeed Mauricio Pochettino this summer.Yet the Italian was 20/20 in his vision of Chelsea’s best team, ruthless in his pre-season squad-slashing and he is now presiding over a premature vindication of Boehly’s seemingly-unhinged regime.Nuno, after his car-crash reign at Tottenham, replaced Forest’s promotion-winning Messiah Steve Cooper to a chorus of shrugs, just before the club would be deducted four points for breaching PSR last season. The Portuguese boss with the charisma bypass is the polar opposite of Brian Clough. Yet he is threatening to become the best of Forest’s 29 managers since the exit of Old Big ’Ead.Enzo Maresca is proving his doubters wrong alreadyCredit: GettyDon’t make sense of itSimilarly to Maresca, it’s been a case of clearing dead wood from the Forest, seeing the Chris Wood for the Tricky Trees.Of course, this is a snapshot in time. Nobody expects Forest to play in the Champions League next season and nobody expects Chelsea to win the title this term.There are still PSR concerns at both clubs, still plenty of unwanted players on long, lucrative contracts.For every Palmer at Chelsea, there’s a Mykhailo Mudryk. Boehly’s mob are still paying Raheem Sterling £200,000 a week not to play for Arsenal.And at Forest, for every Morgan Gibbs-White, there’s a Jonjo Shelvey.But, at present, these two clubs — who seemed to be giving us a crash course in how not to run a football club — are doing exactly the bleeding opposite.Whatever you do, just don’t try to make sense of any of it.Andy’s AwfulLIVERPOOL’S exhilarating 2-2 draw with Fulham will be a contender for the Premier League’s match of the season.Which suggests that, to make things more interesting for everyone, the Reds should always be reduced to ten men for no apparent reason inside 20 minutes.One troubling aspect for Arne Slot is that his side were better AFTER Andy Robertson’s harsh early dismissal than they had been with the Scot, 30, on the pitch.Full-backs don’t tend to go over the hill, they fall off cliffs — as Robbo and his fellow stalwart, 34-year-old Kyle Walker at Manchester City, have done.Cottagers’ Antonee Robinson, 27, man of the match on Saturday, has a Scouse accent despite his USA international allegiance, and would be an ideal replacement.Except that Fulham are loath to do business with Liverpool, after the Kop outfit signed academy products Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho on the cheap.Is Andy Robertson coming to the end of his prowess at Liverpool?Credit: EPABrit Of A ChangeTHERE can rarely have been a more predictable sacking than that of Gary O’Neil at Wolves.It wasn’t just two wins from 16 matches, it was his players’ meltdowns in consecutive defeats by West Ham and Ipswich which turned his side into Wolver-tantrum Wanderers.His exit came just before the equally obvious departure of Russell Martin at Southampton.It means there are   only  two  English bosses — Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche — in the top flight, along with just one other Brit, Kieran McKenna at Ipswich.A complete wipeout of homegrown bosses is on the horizon. Unless the Etihad sheikhs decide it’s time to break the glass on the emergency alarm and call up Fireman Sam Allardyce?He’s A Must PickJORDAN PICKFORD’S heroics in Everton’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Saturday suggested that, of all the changes Thomas Tuchel might make as England boss, the goalkeeping position will NOT be one of them.He has as many caps as Gordon Banks and more major final appearances than every other goalkeeper ever to play for England put together.And with the Wembley debacle against Greece in October perhaps his only truly bad performance in a Three Lions shirt, it might soon be time to show Pickford some proper appreciation.Jordan Pickford should continue to be England’s No1 for a while yetCredit: ReutersGive Spoty Men A GoIF the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award were for sporting achievement it would go to  Joe Root, who this year confirmed himself as England’s greatest ever batsman.If it were down to force of  personality, it would go to 17-year-old darts phenomenon Luke  Littler, who has made the Ally Pally arrow-slinging jamboree a global must-watch. But it will go to athletics’ Keely Hodgkinson — not unreasonably, as she’s an Olympic 800 metres gold medallist with a sparkling personality.And note that the previous three winners have all been women. Is it time for separate SPOTY awards for either sex — some  positive discrimination just to give the blokes a chance?Not Gund enoughWHILE  focus has fallen on Rodri’s injury, Kyle Walker’s terminal decline, Phil Foden’s form crisis and Erling Haaland’s lack of goals, the  re-signing  of  Ilkay  Gundogan has escaped much criticism.But Manchester City’s decision to bring back their 34-year-old former captain —  a year after he decamped  for Barcelona — was an extremely retrograde step from such a forward-thinking boss as Pep Guardiola.READ MORE SUN STORIESIlkay Gundogan has hardly pulled up trees on his return to Man CityCredit: Getty’Statistical anomaly’   TOTTENHAM have lost as many Premier League games as they have won this  season, yet after a 5-0 win in the “principles derby” at Southampton, they boast a goal difference of plus-17.This wild statistical  anomaly is perfect  testimony to the unique wonders of Angeball. More

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    Sky Sports legend Chris Kamara announces shock commentary comeback to reunite with icon after three-year health battle

    CHRIS KAMARA will make his return to commentary on Boxing Day after a health battle.The former Swindon and Brentford midfielder, 66, left his role on Sky Sports in 2022 after being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid the year before.Chris Kamara will make his return to commentary on Boxing Day after a health battleKamara will reunite with Sky colleague Jeff StellingCredit: TwitterHe developed speech apraxia and the impact on his mental health was so great that he revealed he had even considered taking his own life.Now Kammy has revealed he’ll return pitchside for Prime Video on December 26 alongside his old Sky colleague Jeff Stelling.The beloved TV personality will be covering the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham at City Ground.He shared on X: “Best phone call ever this afternoon inviting me to do the Forest v Spurs game on Boxing Day – reporting back to the Unbelievable @JeffStelling in the studio.Read More on Football“I thought I was done, so it’s a big thank you Amazon – I’m back.”Chris worked as a presenter and football analyst at Sky Sports from 1992 to 2022 before being forced to quit.His voice is improving thanks to treatment in Mexico.And while he is not yet back to full health, he is on the road to recovery.Most read in FootballKamara said in an interview this summer: “I’ve been there twice now [Mexico]. I’m going back for a third time.”I’ve got the fluency in my speech. The only thing I haven’t got is the speed of old, I know I talk 300 miles an hour before, but I’d like that back if I can. ‘My life was over two years ago,’ says Chris Kamara as he fights back tears on Britain Get Singing”So I’m going back for more treatment.”What is apraxia of speech?CHRIS Kamara has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech – but what is it?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder. More

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    Glam boxing ring girl Sydney Thomas risks wardrobe malfunction as she attends glitzy ball hosted by rapper Nelly

    SYDNEY THOMAS risked a wardrobe malfunction during an appearance at a glitzy ball.The ring girl rose to fame after going viral on social media during Jake Paul’s victory over boxing legend Mike Tyson.Sydney Thomas risked a wardrobe malfunction at a glitzy ballCredit: InstagramShe was invited to Nelly’s Black and White BallCredit: GettyShe stunned in a revealing black dressCredit: GettyShe rose to fame as a ring girlSydney, 21, stunned at the party as she wore a beautiful black dress after being invited by rapper Nelly.She posted a picture of her bold outfit on Instagram and revealed how close she was to having a wardrobe malfunction.The low-cut nature of the garment proved potentially troublesome as she risked spilling out of it.She paired the dress with pearl bracelets and matching earrings.READ MORE ON SPORTThe ring girl also shared other insights from her night which included a photo-shoot with her friends in a picture booth.A video also showed her getting interviewed by the media at the event.The Black and White ball that Sydney attended has previously hosted some big names.Celebrity attendees include the likes of former boxer Evander Holyfield, singer Janet Jackson and Garfield: The Movie star Nick Cannon.Most read in BoxingShe made her spectacular return to the ring last week as she was on ring girl duty during the bantamweight contest between Antonio Vargas and Winston Guerrero.Fans were overjoyed with Sydney’s return to the ring as they reacted on social media.Stunning Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson ring girls oil up as they share behind-the-scenes video of Netflix fight Sydney also shared a fun photo booth snap with some friendsCredit: instagramShe has racked up over 800k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram/iamsydneythomasFans claim she stole the show at Jake Paul’s fight against Mike TysonCredit: INSTAGRAMShe was last on ring girl duty for Antonio Vargas’ win over Winston GuerreroOne posted: “People will watch for you now. I hope you’re pricing that into your fee.”A second wrote: “It’s crazy more people are gonna tune in for a ring girl than the fights.”Meanwhile, Sydney caused many of her new admirers to celebrate earlier this month.This was down to her breaking up with her boyfriend shortly before becoming famous.She also declared “I’m legal” on her 21st birthday in November.She also stunned during an appearance at the NFL fixture between Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders at the Allegiant Stadium.She has also worked as a modelCredit: Instagram/iamsydneythomas More

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    West Ham star Lucas Paqueta drops cryptic transfer hint just minutes before crunch Bournemouth clash

    LUCAS PAQUETA dropped a cryptic transfer hint just minutes before West Ham’s clash against Bournemouth.The Hammers travelled to the South Coast in a bid to make it two wins on the bounce.Lucas Paqueta posted a cryptic transfer hint before West Ham played BournemouthCredit: ReutersWest Ham beat Wolves last Monday night to ease pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui.Paqueta, 27, has been benched for the last two games since the 5-2 defeat to Arsenal.He has been subbed on in both fixtures but has seen his minutes limited under Lopetegui.Ahead of the Premier League fixture against the Cherries, the Brazilian took to social media to post a cryptic transfer hint.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe post suggested he will “return home” amid links back to Brazil and clubs such as Flamengo and Botafogo.He wrote: “I’m not from here.”I will return home.”He comes to get me, and with him, I will go!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe words appear to be lyrics from a song due to the addition of a music emoji.Despite the post, he returned to the starting line-up to face the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium.West Ham fans pay emotional tribute to Michail Antonio with ninth-minute applauseAnd he ended up scoring from the penalty spot on 84 minutes in what looked to have sealed a big three points for the Hammers.But on 90 minutes hosts Bournemouth secured a point thanks to a screamer from sub Enes Unal.Paqueta has struggled to impress in the Premier League this season, with just two goals from his 15 appearances.The midfielder has also been the subject of a betting probe from the FA.He protests his innocence, but any club signing him would take the risk of possible future action – especially with the FA pushing for a LIFETIME BAN.Paqueta joined the Hammers back in 2022 in a £50m transfer from Ligue 1 side Lyon.In his debut season he helped the club win the Conference League trophy and assisted Jarrod Bowen to score the winning goal in the final.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Premier League cult hero Lee Cattermole promoted to interim manager just one WEEK after joining club

    LEE CATTERMOLE has been promoted to interim manager at Bristol Rovers following the sacking of Matt Taylor.The manager and assistant Wayne Carlisle were axed from their roles, with the club slumped in 20th in League One.Lee Cattermole has been made interim manager at Bristol RoversCredit: BRISTOL ROVERSCattermole played over 200 times for SunderlandCredit: PA:Empics SportAs a result, Cattermole, along with David Horseman, have been handed the responsibility of being interim managers.Their promotion was announced as part of the sacking of Taylor.They will stay in the role while Rovers undertakes a “thorough recruitment process” for a new manager.A statement read: “Bristol Rovers FC can confirm that Manager Matt Taylor and assistant manager Wayne Carlisle have been relieved of their first team duties.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Matt and Wayne for all their hard work during their time with Bristol Rovers, and we wish them both every success in their respective future careers.”David Horseman and Lee Cattermole will take interim responsibility for first-team football duties while the club undertakes a thorough recruitment process for a new first-team manager.”Cattermole, 36, only joined the club last week in what was his first permanent coaching role since hanging up his boots.The Premier League cult hero was hired to focus on the development and implementation of set pieces.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe will now be taking charge of all the training along with the help of Horseman.During his playing days, he spent a decade with Sunderland and made 262 appearances.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeHe also featured for the likes of Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic.He hung up his boots for the last time four years ago after a short spell with Dutch side VVV-Venlo.Cattermole’s first game in the hotseat will be the home clash against Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham on December 21.This will be followed by away trips to Exeter City and Stevenage before the end of the year.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Sky Sports identify Kelly Cates’ replacement with ex-BBC presenter already working with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher

    SKY bosses are lining up a move for Rebecca Lowe as they plan for life after Kelly Cates.Cates is set to make a switch to the BBC as part of a new presenting team on Match of the Day.Kelly Cates is leaving from Sky Sports to join a team hosting Match of the Day on BBCCredit: GettyRebecca Lowe is expected to replace Cates after working with Gary Neville and Jamie CarragherCredit: GettyExecs at Sky are said to be gutted at losing the presenter, who will leave her role at the end of the season.But SunSport understands producers are already making plans for what comes next.And they’ve identified Lowe, who is currently a star presenter on US channel NBC, as a replacement for Cates.Lowe, a former BBC journalist, is one of the most highly regarded broadcasters in the business and Sky believe she’d be attracted by the idea of a move to help anchor Sky’s football coverage.Read More on FootballShe’s also good pals with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, with the trio launching a podcast last year. The podcast titled “It’s Called Soccer” sees Lowe debate topics from the world of football with Neville and Carragher.In one epic recent rant she showed exactly what she thought of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr’s decision to snub the Ballon D’ Or ceremony as she called him “unbelievably classless”.Her co-host Neville agreed with Lowe and put more of the blame on Real and the club’s feeling of entitlement and attitude.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPrior to her role with NBC, the 43-year-old worked for the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPN in the UK.Cates is expected to link up with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, with whom she will share hosting duties of Match of the Day and MOTD 2 next season.Kelly Cates on Super Sunday amid reports she’s leaving for BBCThat is after legendary presenter Gary Lineker steps down following 26 years hosting the popular show.Lowe has presented FA Cup coverage in the pastCredit: Action Images – ReutersShe is hugely experienced having worked at the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPNCredit: AlamyShe has appeared on a podcast alongside Gary Neville and Jamie CarragherCredit: Alamy More

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    Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant coach SACKED from first manager job before Liverpool boss takes up new role

    JURGEN KLOPP’S former assistant has been sacked from his first job as manager.Pepijn Lijnders worked at Liverpool under the German until the end of last season.Pepijn Lijnders has been sacked by Red Bull SalzburgCredit: AFPLijnders was Jurgen Klopp’s assistant at LiverpoolCredit: ReutersLijnders, 41, landed the manager role at Red Bull Salzburg after leaving Anfield earlier this year.However, after just six months in the role, he has now been sacked by the club.Salzburg had struggled under Lijnders in the run-up to the winter break in the Austrian season and are ten points behind league leaders SK Sturm Graz.CEO Stephan Reiter and managing director sport Rouven Schröder released a joint statement confirming Lijnders’ exit.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt read: “We began our announced analysis of an unfortunately unsatisfactory autumn season some time ago.”It was clear that we were far from our own expectations and goals in far too many games.”Ultimately, we came to the conclusion that our team needed a new impetus under new leadership, even though we were still hoping for a turnaround right up until the end.”We would like to thank Pep for his work. He invested a lot of commitment and passion and also gave us important impulses for further development.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We are now working very intensively on the search for a coach and will announce it as soon as a decision has been made.”It is clear that we want to start training with our new coach on January 3, 2025.”Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills’Lijnders’ record at RB SalzburgHere is a look at Pepijn Lijnders record during his tenure in charge of Red Bull Salzburg…Games: 28Wins: 13Draws: 7Loses: 8Goals scored: 50Goals conceded: 40 As per the club statement, a new coach is expected to be appointed ahead of the return from the winter break.Lijnders’ successor will have to work under Klopp as the former Reds boss will start his new role in 2025.Klopp has signed a £10m-a-year deal with Red Bull to become the global head of soccer.He will begin his new job on January 1 and will oversee the management of Salzburg, RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side. More

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    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch predictions as Eddie Hearn makes shock U-turn on fight

    BOXING stars and legends have shared their predictions ahead of the blockbuster rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.Fury, 36, and Usyk, 37, lock horns on Saturday, December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set for a blockbuster rematchEddie Hearn has changed his mind just two weeks after his initial predictionMike Tyson has a hilarious reason why he backs FuryThe Gypsy King is looking for revenge after the Ukrainian handed him his first ever defeat after 36 fights – 34 of which he won – in May when they faced off in the same venue.Then Ukrainian megastar will be looking to extend his own undefeated streak to 23 wins after beating Fury via split decision in Riyadh.Boxing’s biggest personalities are also split ahead of the big fight and one of them even changed his mind, which shows just how close this match may be.SunSport bring you all the predictions from the sport’s most famous names:Read More on BoxingEddie Hearn – Tyson FuryEddie Hearn changed his mind and now backs Tyson Fury just two weeks after predicting Oleksandr Usyk as the victor.Hearn told iFL TV: “If Fury wins – and I’m actually leaning towards him, I’ve had a little bit of a [switch].”Fury could fight AJ [Anthony Joshua] for the unified world heavyweight title. The biggest fight ever in the sport. Wembley, Riyadh, wherever.”Hearn recently claimed he has “no idea” how to beat Usyk amid his stunning winning run.Most read in BoxingThe promoter previously said: “I have no idea how to beat [Usyk], but Tyson Fury is a very smart fighter. He has smart people in the corner, but also, from an IQ level in boxing, he’s right up there. “Unfortunately, so is Oleksandr Usyk. So, my money, especially when he’s won the first fight, will always be on Oleksandr Usyk.Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch predictions as Eddie Hearn makes shock U-turn on fight “My heart wants to see a Tyson Fury win. Not just because he’s British but also because I want to set up the AJ fight. I’d love to see him do it, but I do see him as the underdog in this fight.”Lennox Lewis – Oleksandr UsykLennox Lewis’ money is with Oleksandr Usyk and warned Tyson Fury he will have to box “smart”.Lewis said: “It’s going to be a tough fight for both guys. It’s going to be mentally tough, it’s going to be physically tough.”They’re going to push each other on the mental basis far, they’re going to push each other physically far. Both guys want to win this fight.”Both guys want something from this and it’s going to be a mental challenge and a physical challenge.“I think it’s going to be a banger, it’s going to be a serious fight, one guy was more serious than the other guy [in the first fight] — you could say Tyson Fury lost that fight and Usyk won it.”Now it’s a situation where they’re having another fight, Tyson Fury has to win that fight so he’s going to be more focused, he’s going to put a little bit more weight on to get through this fight and he’s a lot more serious.“Well, I cannot go against Usyk. Oleksandr Usyk has proven himself time and time again, and he’s still undefeated. “It really comes down to who boxes the best. Who’s smart in the ring. I didn’t think Tyson Fury was smart in the first fight. “I think he played around a little bit too much and allowed Oleksandr Usyk to really pile up the points.“Oleksandr Usyk is a difficult opponent. He moves all the time, he’s always throwing punches, he’s in great shape, and that’s hard to beat.”Mike Tyson – Tyson FuryMike Tyson has a very unique reason why he’s backing Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia…Tyson said: “Usyk is the best heavyweight in the world at the moment. But I’m going for Fury to beat him.”Why? Because I’m a fan. Because his father gave him my name. I’m not abandoning him now.”Anthony Joshua – Oleksandr UsykAnthony Joshua is confident Oleksandr Usyk will get his hand raised, but not by much.Joshua said: “I think it’s going to be a tough fight early on and then I feel like Usyk will edge it again.”He’s a class operator and I feel like Usyk’s one of the best out there. That’s why I think he’ll win.”Amir Khan – Tyson FuryAmir Khan is confident Tyson Fury will be “one step ahead” after learning from the mistakes he committed in the first fight and predicts the Gypsy King may stop Oleksandr Usyk in the later rounds.Khan said: “Good fight. I think this time Fury knows what mistakes he made in the first fight.“He knows that he can’t stand in front of a strong Usyk, Usyk still has a lot of power, and he’s felt Usyk’s power this time, knowing that Usyk has come up a weight and still holds that power.“So, I think Fury is going to be one step ahead. Whenever Fury comes back in a rematch, he is always much better so he could probably stop Usyk toward the later rounds.”Joseph Parker – Tyson FuryJoseph Parker believes Tyson Fury can end Oleksandr Usyk’s undefeated run with a points decision.Parker said: “I think Tyson’s mindset has changed coming into this fight.”I feel that if you have a different mindset, that can bring a lot of changes. I believe Tyson can beat Usyk on a points decision, but it’s a tough one. I’m siding with Tyson, but I think it’s a points decision.”Tony Bellew – Oleksandr UsykTony Bellew is adamant Oleksandr Usyk will win again, but this time it will be a unanimous decision.Bellew said: “I can’t look past Usyk. He outboxes him this time and probably ends up winning on points.“The first fight surprised me a little bit as Usyk went on the front foot from the first bell and he was actually fighting like he was the bigger man. I think that might’ve shocked Fury a little bit.“Now Usyk knows he can hurt Fury and also be fine up close, he’ll be more confident here, but I still think he’ll go on the outside and box him on the backfoot.“Fury has no choice but to be more aggressive this time around, but those tactics can play into Usyk’s hands, and I think he’ll go 2-0 against Fury and do it unanimously this time.”Anthony Crolla – Oleksandr UsykAnthony Crolla claims Tyson Fury was “very fortunate” in the first fight and insists Oleksandr Usyk is the favourite.Crolla said: “Tyson has got to be a lot more respectful of the power Usyk looks to be developing as a heavyweight. You have to make Oleksandr Usyk the favourite for the moments that happened in the first fight.“I’m glad the referee kept the fight going after round nine, but Tyson was very fortunate not to have been stopped because a lot of people would’ve been stopped.George Groves – Oleksandr UsykGeorge Groves backs Oleksandr Usyk because he is “still the fresher fighter”.Groves said: “Based on the first fight, the wear and tear and mileage on both fighters, and where they are in their careers, Usyk is still the fresher fighter.“Usyk nearly stopped him in the first fight. He’s not the type to think, ‘I almost had him last time; one big shot will finish it.’“He knows it’s going to be a tough fight, as it always is for him. Usyk leaves no stone unturned, and I think it’s a clearer win for Usyk this time.”Derek Chisora – Oleksandr UsykDerek Chisora believes Oleksandr Usyk will win, but we will see a different Tyson Fury.Chisora said: “[Usyk] Is still the same, bro. It’s gonna be a good fight, we’re gonna see a little bit of difference, but you have to understand: Tyson will come a little bit different, but Usyk will come a little bit different [as well].”But as the scales hit right now, my money’s still edging on Usyk.”Carl Frampton – Tyson FuryCarl Frampton is adamant Tyson Fury will win because he is “in the zone now”.Frampton said: “I fancy Fury. My mind hasn’t really swayed from start to finish, which is strange in a fight of this magnitude; I’ve been saying Fury from the start.”I think Fury is in the zone now, he’s serious, he’s ready to fight. Both guys seem to be very, very confident. Both, I think, know it’s going to be a difficult fight.”Daniel Dubois – Tyson FuryDaniel Dubois believes in Tyson Fury, and revealed he will call out the winner.READ MORE SUN STORIESDubois said: “I’m still backing Fury. I hope our man does it. Usyk is capable. Fury should jump on him and smother him.”Fury is a slick boxer too, but it will be a great fight and I’ll be out there calling on to fight the winner.”Anthony Joshua believes this is going to be a close fightLennox Lewis is very confident about the eventual winnerFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch More