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      in Boxing

      Deontay Wilder’s return fight to be announced NEXT WEEK with Robert Helenius one of ‘several’ names in talks

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      DEONTAY WILDER’S boxing return could be announced NEXT WEEK with Robert Helenius one of “several” names in talks. Wilder’s career was left in doubt last October following a gruelling defeat in his epic trilogy bout with Tyson Fury.
      Deontay Wilder’s boxing return could be announced next week
      But recently, the American has been captured training again and was seen bumping into Francis Ngannou, 35, at a UFC training facility.
      His manager Shelly Finkel has now revealed an agreement for Wilder’s comeback fight is edging closer and could even come next week.
      Finkel told SunSport in New York: “Spoke with him on Tuesday, he couldn’t be happier.
      “He’s having a great time and he’s getting more attention now than ever before. He’s out in Vegas training and he’s very happy.
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      “He’s at the UFC gym training, we’re not exactly sure where the next fight will be yet but I would hope to have that together in the next week or so.
      “I think next week we’ll probably have an agreement and then an announcement.”
      Wilder, 36, was knocked out in round 11 against Fury, 33, after being floored three times but scoring two knockdowns of his own.
      The ex-WBC champion then went radio silent, leaving his boxing future in doubt.
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      But talk of a return soon surfaced as Wilder was seen publicly again and now back in training.
      Fury’s promoter Frank Warren even claimed the Bronze Bomber was going to fight his former sparring partner Helenius.
      But Finkel has clarified a deal with the Finish heavyweight, 38, has not been struck, although they remain in talks.
      He said: “There’s nothing done.
      “What happened on that, Frank and I are pretty close, and Frank said to me, ‘Are you looking at Helenius as one of the people as one of the ones you’re looking at? As I’m interested in him for Daniel Dubois’.
      “I said, ‘Yeah, I’m interested in him for Deontay.’ Then, all of a sudden he tells people that. And that’s how that all started.
      “At this moment, he’s just one of several we’re looking at.”
      Finkel added that Wilder’s targeted return date is in the last quarter of 2022, meaning he will fight before the year is over.
      Deontay Wilder and Robert Helenius are former sparring partnersCredit: Instagram @heleniusrobert
      Boxing manager Shelly Finkel and Deontay Wilder in 2018Credit: AFP or licensors More

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      Mike Tyson made secret trip to kids cancer hospital in Arizona but banned cameras as boxing icon’s kind side is revealed

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      MIKE TYSON once made a secret visit to a children’s cancer hospital – and banned any cameras from following him. The youngest heavyweight champion of all time was famed for his ferocious fighting style and intimidating presence.
      Shelly Finkel pictured with Mike Tyson in 1999Credit: AP:Associated Press
      But those closest to him saw Tyson’s kinder and caring personality, including his former boxing manager Shelly Finkel.
      SunSport spoke to Brooklyn’s Finkel while in New York, and the Hall of Famer revealed Iron Mike’s softer side.
      He said: “We were in Arizona, and while he was training he said, look I’ll do a drop in at a children’s cancer hospital. 
      “We go there and a lot of cameras were following us and he said, ‘Shell, stop them’. I said, ‘What do you mean?’ 
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      “He said, ‘Shelly, I don’t want them in the hospital. I’m not exploiting these kids for my visit’. 
      “That was another side of Mike that people don’t understand. And, he can be hysterical, just funny as anything.”
      Finkel’s history with Tyson dates back to when he was a teenage amateur sensation.
      And they first worked together in 1988 when Finkel brokered a closed-circuit pay-per-view deal for Tyson’s win over Michael Spinks.
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      But following the heavyweight’s infamous 1997 disqualification for biting Evander Holyfield’s ear, Finkel became his full-time manager.
      He said: “It was one of of the greatest trips of my life. The adventures with Mike Tyson were phenomenal.” 
      The manager took Tyson all over the world in an attempt to revive his career, with stops in England, Scotland and even Denmark.
      And Tyson’s immense popularity emphatically carried over around Europe.
      That included outshining music superstars, closing down shopping malls and using a police HORSE to beat the crowds.
      Finkel remembered: “When we went to London, we went over on the Concorde and George Michael was on our plane, we get off together, no one cared about him. 
      “Mike had never been in Europe to fight before and the crowds mobbed him everywhere. 
      “They tried to take the door off the limo, we stayed at the Grove House, everyday press would be out there waiting for us to go out, waiting for us to go somewhere.
      It was one of of the greatest trips of my life. The adventures with Mike Tyson were phenomenal.Shelly Finkel on managing Mike Tyson
      “While we were in Brixton, the crowds were so huge they had to pick him up and put him on a horse to get him out of the crowd. 
      “When we fought in Denmark, the crowds were so crazy they closed the shopping mall so it didn’t get overrun. That was life with Mike.
      “It was just phenomenal with him, always something, always enjoyable.”
      Finkel worked with Tyson right up until his final professional bout, a dire defeat to Irish-based American Kevin McBride.
      He recalled: “The last fight, I was in the locker room with him, we went in the backroom and he said, ‘Shelly, I don’t have it’. 
      “I said, ‘You can’t beat this guy?’ He says, ‘I don’t know. I just don’t have it anymore, I have no desire.’ That was his last fight.” 
      Finkel was in touch with Tyson as recently as two years ago, when the boxing icon made a shock comeback.
      Tyson, now 56, drew over eight exhibition rounds with Roy Jones, 53, and talk of a trilogy with Holyfield emerged.
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      But following Holyfield’s painful beating against former UFC champion Vitor Belfort, 45, the plug was rightfully pulled.
      Finkel remains managing, most notably with ex-WBC champ Deontay Wilder, 36, who is set for a return fight this year.
      Whereas Tyson continues to train amid rumours he could fight YouTuber-turned prizefighter Jake Paul, 25, who is 30 years younger.
      Mike Tyson after his comeback fight against Roy Jones Jr in 2020Credit: Reuters
      Boxing manager Shelly Finkel with Deontay Wilder in 2018Credit: AFP or licensors More

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      Brighton BAN Chelsea transfer target Marc Cucurella from training ahead of Premier League season opener against Man Utd

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      BRIGHTON have reportedly BANNED Marc Cucurella from training amid transfer interest from Chelsea.The Seagulls have denied reports that they have reached a £52.5million agreement with the Blues for the in-demand left-back.
      Marc Cucurella remains linked with a move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      But even so, according to The Athletic, Brighton have kept Cucurella away from first-team training.
      Fabrizio Romano, claimed Cucurella was set to be in London on Thursday morning together with his agents to discuss personal terms.
      While Chelsea have reportedly already booked medical tests ahead of signing a contract until June 2028.
      But Brighton responded: “Contrary to inaccurate reports from numerous media outlets this evening, no agreement has been reached with any club to sell Marc Cucurella.”
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      Chelsea do still remain linked with Cucurella after Manchester City ended their interest.
      Youngster Levi Colwill, 19, could head to Brighton too, but as part of a separate deal that includes a buy-back clause for the Blues.
      Whether a deal goes through or not, Brighton will now be without Cucurella for Sunday’s Premier League opener at Manchester United.
      Earlier in the window, Cucurella, 24, handed in a transfer request to force through a move to the City.
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      But the Premier League champions were unwilling to pay more than £30m, with Brighton believed to be wanting over £50m.
      Pep Guardiola is now looking to bring Anderlecht ace Sergio Gomez to the Etihad as an alternative to Cucurella.
      The 21-year-old joined the Belgian side from Borussia Dortmund a year ago and made 39 appearances last season, scoring six goals.
      Cucurella’s possible arrival at Chelsea will now likely see Marcos Alonso leave the club, with Barcelona known to be keen on the full-back.
      Marcos Alonso is wanted by BarcelonaCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      in Soccer

      Cesar Azpilicueta in shock transfer U-turn as he signs new TWO-YEAR Chelsea contract after snubbing Barcelona

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      CHELSEA captain Cesar Azpilicueta has performed a shock transfer U-turn by snubbing Barcelona and signing a new two-year deal. The Spaniard was entering the final year on his current deal which was only extended at the end of last season.
      Cesar Azpilicueta has signed a new two-year Chelsea dealCredit: Rex
      And Azpilicueta has spent the transfer window linked with a move back to Spain with Barcelona.
      And although it was previously claimed the defender favoured a move away, according to The Athletic, he has committed his future to Chelsea.
      Azpilicueta’s commitment eases the Blues’ need to recruit further defensive reinforcements.
      Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen already left for free in the summer, following their contract both expiring.
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      Only Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli has been brought in as a replacement after the club missed out on Jules Kounde.
      The Frenchman instead joined Barca, creating tension between Chelsea and Nou Camp chiefs.
      And is was already suggested new Blues boss Todd Boehly was ready to deny Azpilicueta a move to LaLiga.
      Chelsea remain linked with Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella, Inter Milan wingback Denzel Dumfries and Leicester centre-back Wesley Fofana.
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      Azpilicueta has been at the club for a decade now, and has made 472 appearances in all competitions for them.
      His contract at the club was due to expire in this summer, but an extension clause in his deal was triggered when he hit 35 games last season.
      Azpilicueta has always appealed to Tuchel due to his ability to play in a back three or at wingback, suiting the German’s structure.
      Cesar Azpilicueta and Chelsea boss Thomas TuchelCredit: Reuters More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul eyes boxing return in October after axed Hasim Rahman Jr fight and already evaluating ‘multiple opponents’

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      JAKE PAUL is targeting a boxing return in October and already evaluating “multiple opponents” for his next fight. The YouTuber-turned prizefighting star was due to face Hasim Rahman Jr over the weekend in New York.
      Jake Paul is targeting a boxing return in OctoberCredit: EPA
      But a weight disagreement between the two forced the entire Madison Square Garden pay-per-view to be scrapped.
      Paul nearly completed a full training camp ahead of the fight and was prepared for his first bout since December.
      But his Most Valuable Promotions banner confirmed to SunSport that his comeback is already in the works.
      MVP stated: “We are evaluating multiple opponents for Jake Paul to return in October.”
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      Paul, 25, most recently knocked out Tyron Woodley, 40, four months after beating the ex-UFC champion on points.
      The rematch only came around when Tommy Fury, 23, pulled out of the event after suffering a rib injury.
      Paul added to his KO wins over “AnEsonGib”, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 38, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 38.
      The American was braced to reschedule his celebrity grudge match with Fury, but the British ex-Love Islander was ruled out amid a visa issue.
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      Paul then turned to Rahman, 31, a former sparring partner and son of ex-world champion Hasim Sr.
      The heavyweight signed to fight at the 14st 4lb cruiserweight limit of 200lb, despite being 16 stone in his last fight in April.
      So the New York State Athletic Commission wanted to track his weight cut.
      But after Rahman struggled to drop the pounds, NSAC changed the fight weight to 205lb.
      We are evaluating multiple opponents for Jake Paul to return in October.Most Valuable Promotions
      Paul later claimed his opponent demanded it be at no lower than 215lb, which caused the whole MSG card to be axed.
      Rahman would then insist he was willing to fight at 205lb and is set to still weigh in on Friday in a bid to prove it.
      SunSport understands the opposing camps were in contact following the official cancelation but there are no plans to reschedule the fight.
      It will likely see Paul, who was ready to fight at a career-heaviest weight having campaigned at 190lb, move on to a new opponent.
      Jake Paul and Hasim Rahman before their fight cancelationCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      ‘More than Canelo vs GGG!’ – Boxing fans left stunned with DAZN charging HUGE amount for KSI against Alex Wassabi PPV

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      BOXING fans have hit out at the pay-per-view cost for KSI’s return fight against Alex Wassabi. The social media sensation – real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji – faces American Wassabi on August 27 at the O2.
      KSI’s boxing return will be aired on DAZNCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Alex Wassabi fights KSI on August 27
      And sports streaming service DAZN are carrying the rights to broadcast the celebrity bout.
      It has been announced non-existing subscribers will need to pay £19.98 to watch the fight.
      But the price does include a month’s DAZN subscription.
      Meanwhile, existing subscribers will get the fight at a cut-price of £11.99.
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      Some fans slammed the cost and pointed out that Canelo Alvarez’s trilogy fight with Gennady Golovkin is only priced at £9.99 and £17.98.
      One said: “As if they’re charging more for this, than they are Canelo vs GGG.”
      Another posted: “It’s more than Canelo GGG.”
      But in defence of the price, one argued: “Actually a decent price, especially when you compare it to Jake Paul’s overpriced s***.
      “I’d say this card could do 500-800k PPV buys in the UK.”
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      KSI has fought three times before, starting with a win over Joe Weller, 26, in 2018, the same year he drew against Logan Paul, 27.
      That night, the online rivals sold 1.3million PPVs and packed out the Manchester Arena, for what was a white collar bout.
      They then turned professional a year later, on DAZN, and KSI won via a scrappy split-decision.
      He has not returned since, instead focussing on music, but that changes against Wassabi, who in March beat KSI’s brother Deji.
      Logan Paul was beaten by KSI in their 2019 rematchCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea ‘considering shock Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer after ex-Arsenal man slips down Barcelona pecking order’

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      CHELSEA are reportedly considering a shock approach for Barcelona’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. New Blues owner Todd Boehly started the window by signing forward Raheem Sterling from Manchester City.
      Chelsea are reportedly considering a shock approach for Pierre-Emerick AubameyangCredit: Getty
      But it appears Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is still keen on bringing another striker to the club, after Romelu Lukaku returned to Inter Milan on loan.
      The Premier League side missed out on Robert Lewandowski, who left Bayern Munich for Barcelona.
      But as a result, it has left Aubameyang’s future in doubt at the Nou Camp.
      According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are considering the former Arsenal captain as a target for the club.
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      No bid is said to have been made but the Gabon international has emerged as a shock option.
      Aubameyang was once linked with a move to Stamford Bridge when Frank Lampard was in charge.
      But he remained at Arsenal, only to leave for FREE last January after a falling out with manager Mikel Arteta.
      Aubameyang has scored 13 goals in 23 games but Barca have also brought in winger Raphinha from Leeds already this season.
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      Frenkie de Jong, who is faced with cutting his wages at Barca, is also rumoured to be a player Tuchel likes.
      The Dutchman has so far shown no interest in joining Manchester United but is understood to welcome a move to Chelsea.
      A loan move, which would help take his £470,000-a-week wages off Barca’s hands, has been mooted.
      Frenkie de Jong is linked with a move to ChelseaCredit: GETTY More

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      Jake Paul offered MMA fight debut by PFL as CEO Pete Murray hails ‘ambitious’ YouTuber-turned boxer

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      JAKE PAUL has been offered a route into MMA by the Professional Fighters League. Paul is 5-0 as a boxer but has teased a switch to the cage before, having had a successful high school wrestling career.
      Jake Paul has been offered a route into MMA by the Professional Fighters LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Olympic champ Kayla Harrison, boxing legend Mike Tyson and PFL CEO Pete MurrayCredit: Professional Fighters League
      But a debut in the UFC appears off the cards due to the YouTube star’s ongoing feud with Dana White.
      Paul is spoken highly of by Pete Murray, PFL’s CEO who is refusing to close the door on working with the prizefighter one day.
      Murray said on The MMA Hour: “We have a relationship with Jake.
      “And listen, you think about what Jake has built for himself, now as an athlete versus where he came from.
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      “What he’s taken on and the opponents and the platform he’s built, it’s nothing short of impressive.
      “And he’s ambitious, from a business perspective as well as an athlete.
      “And should he want to take on MMA, that’s something that we’d certainly be excited about.”
      The PFL consists of a two-bout regular season, where points are earned per method of victory.
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      Then, the top four in each weight division progresses through to a semis and final format, with eventual victors winning a $1m prize cheque.
      But money is no object for Paul, who made $40m in boxing alone last year.
      He was due to return on Saturday in New York, one day after PFL’s first semi-final of the year.
      But his bout with Hasim Rahman Jr, 31, was cancelled amid a weight disagreement between the two.
      Jake Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr’s fight was cancelledCredit: GETTY More