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      Cage-fighting bosses face manslaughter trial after 23-year-old was killed in ‘absurd’ bout worth pennies

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      CAGE-FIGHTING bosses are facing a manslaughter trial after organising a UFC-style bout where a 23-year-old fighter died.Prosecutors say that three men “neglected essential safety measures” that could have saved victim Joao Victor Penha, who tragically passed away after he was knocked out in the 2023 bout.A Brazilian amateur boxer died after a brutal punch to the chinCredit: X, formerly known as TwitterJoao Victor Penha, 23, has passed away from the fight that was worth £16 to the winnerCredit: X, formerly known as TwitterThe Brazilian state of Ceara say the trio failed to provide headguards and gumshields and made no pre-fight medical checks.Penha was allegedly put in the ring with a far more powerful and experienced opponent.Last year, before the funeral the victim’s sister Lilia Maria da Penha, told local media: “These fights are an absolute absurdity. “The winner of the fight would get BRL 100 (GBP £16), and the loser would receive BRL 50 (GBP £8). READ MORE IN SPORT“My brother’s life was lost over this amount, unfortunately.”Prosecutor Laua Uchoa said: “Three men will answer for the crime of manslaughter. There was negligence in the organisation of the event.”One of the accused has been named as Marcio Marcelo Santos, who at the time was the Secretary of Sport in Jijoca de Jericoacoara, where the unlicensed fight took place.Prosecutors say he allowed the fight to go ahead despite the lack of basic safety requirements.Most read in BoxingFight organisers Pedro Henrique Rodrigues do Nascimento and Natanael William de Queiroz Sousa, were also charged with manslaughter.Prosecutors say they failed to follow any of the safety advice given by fight regulators “creating a fatal risk for sportsmen.”After Penha was knocked cold by a punch to the chin in the bout and was rushed to a hospital intensive care unit.The following day after the blow, on October 8, he was transferred in critical condition to a hospital in nearby Sobral.The young man was pronounced dead on Tuesday 10 October.A hospital statement read: “After conducting examinations, the patient was declared brain dead, which also led to a cardiac arrest.”A range of reports state that he appeared to be on the front foot for most of the bout, which was filmed by an onlooker and had a boxing referee plus safety mats on the ground.Away from his aspiring boxing ambitions, Joao Victor was employed as an HR manager at a hotel on the coast and lived in Jijoca de Jericoacoara with his family.His sister added: “I don’t even know what to say, especially after the tragedy with my brother.Read More on The Sun“We didn’t want him to participate. We were all very concerned; my mother asked him not to participate, sensing that something more serious could happen.“We talked to him, but he asked for our support, and then we had no choice.” More

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      ‘We were told it was a done deal’ – KSI’s promoter reveals Conor McGregor walked away from shock fight on Alcatraz

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      KSI and his team were told a fight with Conor McGregor was a “DONE DEAL” before their shock showdown fell through.The YouTube sensation was on course to throw down with the UFC icon in a boxing match on Alcatraz.Social media phenom KSI was on the brink of landing a huge showdown with UFC Icon Conor McGregorCredit: GETTYThe YouTube sensation was set to face The Notorious on AlcatrazCredit: GETTYBut the fight fell through, much to the shock of KSI’s manager Mams TaylorCredit: MISFITS BOXINGThe crossover clash was trending in the right direction before McGregor, 36, walked away from the lucrative bout.In an interview with Misfits Boxing’s YouTube channel, KSI’s manager, Mams Taylor, said: “We thought it was a done deal and we were told it was a done deal.”Taylor admits he’s in the dark over why the fight fell through, adding: “I don’t know exactly because I wasn’t part of the negotiations with Conor.“But I think Conor made a statement recently about that and referenced it subtly, so go back to that.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSFormer two-weight UFC champion McGregor confirmed he was in talks to throw down with social media sensation KSI last month.And he claimed he pulled the plug on a bout with the influencer as the offer on the table wasn’t a true reflection of his “worth”.The Irishman said: ” There was an opportunity, or should we say a deal, to fight on Alcatraz recently in June.”And they came to me, and it wasn’t my worth. As a fighter, we have to know our worth.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSConor McGregor snubbed the chance to fight KSI as the offer didn’t reflect his “worth”Credit: AP”I hold every pay-per-view record in the book. I hold every gate record in the book.”McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier nearly four years ago.Conor McGregor appears to confirm his future with two fights left on UFC deal after Donald Trump meeting He hinted that he may never fight again moments before revealing he’d snubbed the chance to box KSI.But he performed a U-turn just SECONDS LATER by doubling down on his promise to deliver the “greatest comeback in sports history”.The UFC’s first simultaneous two-weight world champion said: “My comeback would be slated as the greatest.”Or the biggest, most anticipated comeback of all time. So it has to be right.” More

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      ‘People talk a lot of s***’ – KSI defended by his coach for being spotted at concert a week after pulling out of fight

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      KSI has been defended by his boxing coach after being spotted at an Usher concert – one week after pulling out of his fight with Dillon Danis. The YouTuber was due to face MMA star Danis on March 29 in Manchester – but he withdrew with a week to go after falling ill. KSI was spotted at an Usher concert a week after pulling out of fighting Dillon DanisAlexis Demetriades is the coach of KSIBut Danis hit out at KSI after the British social media sensation was spotted at an Usher concert at the O2. Derek Chisora posted a video on his Instagram story showing KSI in attendance and Danis said: “You can’t make this s*** up. “@KSI faked the sniffles. He’s a scared little b***h. I was told he couldn’t get out of bed, and he’s out on the night of the fight? WTF.”KSI’s trainer Alexis Demetriades has since spoken out in defence of the Misfits Boxing co-founder. READ MORE IN BOXINGDemetriades said on Fred Talks Fighting: “It’s quite a strange one for people to jump on that because let’s say I’ve hurt my hand and it’s really hurt, doesn’t mean I can’t go to a concert.”I’m not fighting anymore, I can’t train and put my heart rate at max zones and do my VO2 Max and kill myself in sparring because I can’t fight.”It doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy my life and go out. I think because he’s a high-profile kid a lot of people talk a lot of s*** online like, ‘Why’s here there? What’s he doing?'”He’s been on antibiotics and he’s ill and he can’t fight – doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy his life. It’s a very different scenario.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think people read a bit too much into it. He’s a young man that needs to let off some steam. “If he wants to go out and go to a concert, I don’ think there’s an issue with that.KSI issues worrying statement on health battle and gives major update on boxing career after latest fight collapse “He’s been ill for a month off with two sets of antibiotics and a lot of pressure for him to make this work and it didn’t work out.”KSI, 31, is yet to return since suffering defeat for the first time, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023. He was due to fight in August but pulled out with an injured hand before his most recent illness. And KSI – who founded Misfits to home to celebrity-style crossover bouts – even refused to confirm if he will fight again. But coach Demetriades does expect the Britain’s Got Talent judge to fight again and opened the door to a bout with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He said: “We’d love that fight, I think stylistically it’s a great fight.”And also, because the fight everyone wants and we want is the Jake Paul fight and obviously he doesn’t necessarily want it at the moment.”That’s a great idea for people to see JJ fight somebody that orthodox, that’s 200+lb right now that’s got 56 wins and won a world title. It’s quite a good look for JJ.”He’s been on antibiotics and he’s ill and he can’t fight – doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy his life. KSI’s trainer Alexis DemetriadesChavez – son to the legendary Mexican Julio Cesar Sr – held the WBC middleweight world title from 2011-2012. And he went 12 rounds with Canelo Alvarez in 2017 but has suffered inconsistent form of late. Chavez, 39, was beaten by UFC great Anderson Silva, 49, in 2021 but did beat MMA middleweight Uriah Hall in a crossover boxing bout last summer. He was in talks to fight KSI earlier in the year and has also been linked with facing Paul, 28, in the past. Demetriades also talked down a tune-up fight – despite KSI’s inactivity in the ring. He said: “I’m not about warm-up fights, personally. “I don’t think we need warm-up fights. I think what you do is get a fight camp and go straight into a fight.Read More on The Sun”As far as I’m concerned the sparring that we have and the pressure we put on KSI, he’s a game day kid. He performs on game day.”When he comes out to fight he comes out to fight. I’m not worried about him performing, that’s what he does. He’s very, very good at that.”Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is linked with fighting KSICredit: Esther Lin/MVP More

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      Former boxing world champion emerges as shock contender to fight KSI as Dillon Danis bout hangs in the balance

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      A FORMER boxing world champion has emerged as a shock contender to fight KSI. YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI was due to face MMA star Dillon Danis on March 29 in Manchester. A former boxing world champion has emerged as a shock contender to fight KSICredit: GettyBut he was forced to pull out due to illness – promising to reschedule the fight but no new date has yet been confirmed by Misfits Boxing. And Danis meanwhile appears to have turn his attention to a planned MMA return in May against Tony Ferguson. Amid the uncertainty over his next fight – former middleweight world champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is now a reported option for KSI. According to ESPN in Mexico, there is a “possibility” of Chavez Jr fighting KSI “in the coming months”. READ MORE IN boxingKSI, 31, is yet to return since suffering defeat for the first time, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023. He was due for a bizarre two-on-one HANDICAP bout last August but he withdrew amid a hand injury. And an infection forced him out against Danis, 31, who is 2-0 in MMA but lost his boxing debut to Logan Paul, 30, the night Fury beat KSI. Chavez Jr – son the legendary Julio Cesar Sr – held the WBC title in 2011 and made three successful defences. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was beaten by Canelo Alvarez in 2017 before losing three of his last seven bouts – including a shock upset against UFC great Anderson Silva. But Chavez Jr has won his last two – including against ex-UFC fighter Uriah Hall on a Jake Paul undercard. The Mexican, 39, has been linked with fighting 28-year-old 11-1 Paul before and did hold talks with KSI’s manager Mams Taylor this year. Taylor told SunSport in March: “We had Chavez, we had Nate Diaz and it’s crazy that it didn’t work out.” Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is linked with fighting KSI and Jake PaulCredit: Esther Lin/MVP More

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      ‘It would be interesting’ – Jake Paul called out by Oleksandr Usyk’s team for stunning MMA fight

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      JAKE PAUL has been called out by Oleksandr Usyk’s team for a stunning MMA fight.Usyk has admitted he has just two fights left in his career and he wants to rematch Daniel Dubois next for the undisputed title. Jake Paul has been called out by Oleksandr Usyk’s team for a stunning MMA fightCredit: GettyUsyk says he only has two more fights leftCredit: ReutersBut afterwards, he has opened the door to a crossover bout against UFC star Alex Pereira, 37, or an MMA fight with Paul, 28. One of his trainers, Sergey Lapin, told OLBG: “Usyk has always cared only about fighting the best and creating a lasting legacy in the great sport of boxing. “But in the future, as he further solidifies his place as one of the true great fighters, we’ll see what other opportunities open up for him.”It might be great to step into the cage with Jake Paul under MMA rules, it would be interesting if there is money to be made from it. READ MORE IN BOXING”Also, we never say never about fighting the dangerous Alex Pereira, possibly partnered with Dana White. “Dana’s move to boxing could open the door for more fights between boxers and current UFC stars. “Dana is a capable guy, and with Turki’s abilities, they would create a very interesting project. “It will bring attention to our great sport, expand the fan base, attract new investment and possibly increase the purses of the athletes.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPaul has 11 wins and just one loss in the ring, coming against Tommy Fury, 25, in 2023. His last bout was against 58-year-old Mike Tyson which he won on points amid huge controversy due to the age gap. Jake Paul reveals talks for Tommy Fury rematch and slams Canelo Alvarez over failed fight And Paul has recently called out Anthony Joshua, 35, after losing out on a deal to face Canelo Alvarez, 34, in May in Las Vegas. Joshua has not returned since his knockout loss to Dubois, 27, in September. Dubois defended the IBF title that he inherited after Usyk, 38, vacated it to rematch Tyson Fury, 36. Usyk beat Fury for the undisputed crown in May but had to relinquish the IBF belt to proceed with the December rematch – which he won on points. Dubois was elevated from interim champ to the full version and was due to defend it again against Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh. But he had to withdraw with just days to go through illness as Parker, 33, instead beat late substitute Martin Bakole, 31, in just one round. Parker has since been ordered by the WBO to fight Usyk next but the Ukrainian prefers to face Dubois for all the belts. Usyk beat Dubois in 2023 but only after going down in round five to a controversial low-blow. READ MORE SUN STORIESLapin said: “Oleksandr Usyk wants to make his next fight against Daniel Dubois. Dubois is our priority, because he has the belt. “We are waiting for the date of the fight with Dubois, we assume it will take place in Riyadh or London, one of the world capitals of boxing and Usyk will once again prove that he is the best fighter of our generation.”Usyk wants to rematch Daniel DuboisCredit: GETTY More

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      Jake Paul and UFC star Conor McGregor called out for ‘gritty’ never-before-seen boxing fight with ELBOWS allowed

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      MIKE PERRY has called out Jake Paul and Conor McGregor to a fight under his Dirty Boxing rules. The former UFC star-turned-bare-knuckle champion last year launched his promotion – which consists of hybrid rules. Jake Paul has been called out to a rematch by Mike PerryCredit: GettyConor McGregor was also called out by PerryCredit: GettyPerry’s Dirty Boxing involves bouts using MMA-style gloves with elbows permitted in smaller-sized rings. The American was beaten in six rounds by YouTuber-turned-prizefighter Paul in their July boxing bout. But Perry, 33, told SunSport: “It would be a dream match up to have a rematch with Jake Paul over in Dirty boxing.”You know, see how our styles match up when I get to do a little bit more dirty fighting style in a clean manner which goes with the rules, not against the rules.READ MORE IN boxing”I’m all about the technique and the style. Me and Jake had a boxing match and I would love a chance to redeem that and face him in Dirty Boxing. He’s talked about it as well, so that’s one match up.” Perry filled in on three weeks notice to fight Paul, 27, after Mike Tyson, 58, pulled out amid a health precution.Tyson did eventually make it to the ring – after 20 YEARS in retirement – and lost to Paul on points in November.Perry meanwhile also has his eyes on McGregor, 36, who has not fought since July 2021 when he snapped his leg against Dustin Poirier, 36. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I was just watching a video of his last fight against Dustin Poirier and he was doing well.”I mean, his striking is crisp, his hands, speed and all that. I feel like that fight. Jake Paul blasts Anthony Joshua and vows to KO heavyweight superstar”He had like an old school style of kick like UFC we kick the old ways, they kicked the thigh and Conor was doing the thigh kick.”And nowadays, the game has evolved a bit and all the kicks are to the calf now. “All the calves are getting kicked, which is I think stopping people from getting that injury that he got.”Yes, he is talented with his legs, but I know he loves boxing and I think boxing with elbows over here in Dirty Boxing would be a great way to get himself back in the fight and face me.”Perry’s Dirty Boxing returns for its second event on Saturday in Miami with Yoel Romero fighting Ras Hylton and Andrei Arlovski taking on Terrance Hodges.And Perry said: “It’s very rough and gritty, it’s very in your face and all action all the time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I mean, when I fight, I bring it and now I got huge names fighting under my banner, my promotions banner like Yoel Romero and Andrei Arlovski.”Two kings of the fight game really and I make myself a third one. Dirty Boxing, it’s here to explode onto the scene this Saturday, March 22nd.”Yoel Romero, right, in a Dirty Boxing fightCredit: @DirtyBoxing_ More

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      Oleksandr Usyk teases shock MMA fight with UFC superstar but only after undisputed Daniel Dubois showdown

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      OLEKSANDR USYK has teased a shock switch to MMA – after being called out by UFC superstar Alex Pereira.But first Usyk wants to rematch Daniel Dubois for the undisputed heavyweight titles. Daniel Dubois lost to Oleksandr Usyk in 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunHe told Al Arabiya News: “We want to fight Dubois. My team is ready. “A lot depends on how God will give us a way to do it and the second person who can do it is His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, because he is the person who can organise this fight. “I think there would be obstacles otherwise.”Usyk, 38, beat Dubois, 27, in the ninth round of their 2023 fight but controversy struck due to a low-blow in the fifth. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Ukrainian would go on to twice beat Tyson Fury, 36, in 2024 but he had to vacate the IBF title to proceed with their December rematch. Dubois was elevated from interim IBF champ to the full belt and knocked out Anthony Joshua, 35, in September. He was then due to defend the title against Joseph Parker, 33, in February but he pulled out with just days to go with illness.Parker instead knocked out replacement Martin Bakole, 31, and has since been ordered to fight Usyk by the WBO. Most read in BoxingBut Usyk still has his eyes on Dubois in a bid to unify the belts once more. It comes after Pereira – who recently lost his UFC light-heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev – called out the boxing legend. Usyk spotted ‘giving Anthony Joshua tips on how to beat Tyson Fury’ in ringside footage at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2.mp4And Usyk revealed he would entertain a crossover bout with Pereira, 37, and even doing so in the MMA cage. He said: “Yes, I would be interested, but only after the fight with Daniel to merge our belts. “I even considered the option of fighting in a cage. It is a joke, but every joke contains an element of truth.”Alex Pereira has called out Usyk beforeCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Worst in the world’ – Eddie Hearn warns Dana White to ‘sleep with one eye open’ as UFC boss joins boxing world with TKO

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      EDDIE HEARN has warned UFC supremo Dana White he’ll have to “sleep with one eye open” following his venture into the boxing world.White has been installed as the head of the TKO Group’s Saudi and Ring Magazine-backed boxing league, which was officially announced earlier this month.The TKO Group announced the launch of their Saudi-backed boxing league earlier this monthCredit: INSTAGRAM@TURKIALALSHIKHTurki Alalshikh has enlisted Dana White’s services to implement a UFC model for the leagueCredit: INSTAGRAM@DANAWHITEMatchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn has issued a stark warning to the UFC supremoCredit: INSTAGRAM@EDDIEHEARNSaudi bigwig Turki Alalshikh has tasked White with the job of implementing the UFC model in the league, the name of which is still a mystery.White has helped transform the UFC from a failing promotion into a multi-billion pound behemoth, but fellow promoter Hearn has warned the American that boxing is a different kettle of fish.The Matchroom chief told iFL TV: “Boxing is the worst business in the world.“I hope these guys have got the appetite to be up all f*****g night and sleep with one eye open every single day.READ MORE ON TKO BOXING”Because you’re not going to get control where you can go to bed at 10 o’clock [at night] and wake up at 8 o’clock [in the morning] and expect the industry and your situation to be exactly the same.“It doesn’t work like that. Every f****r is out there hustling every single day. Guess what? I’m one of them.”White, 55, is no stranger to the intense demands of running a successful promotion and sacrificing sleep and time with loved ones.But he admits his schedule is now busier than ever, saying during the UFC 313 post-fight press conference: “I thought I was busy, I didn’t realise what busy was until the last couple of weeks.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTurki Alalshikh initially vowed to “crush” other boxing promotions but has seemingly changed his tuneCredit: GETTY“We’re gonna find out this year [if I can handle it all].”We’re gonna find out this year, we’ll see how long I can run this hard.”Eddie Hearn jokes he is ‘totally finished’ after UFC boss Dana White enters boxing with Turki AlsheikhThe official announcement of the TKO Group’s venture into the boxing world sent shockwaves throughout the sport, as did Alalshikh’s vow to “crush” rival promotions.But Alalshikh has somewhat backtracked on his apparent declaration of war, saying: “The relationship between Riyadh Season, Ring Magazine and the promoters will continue at least for the next one or two years.”This depends on their reactions and about the options they will give us. If it is good for us, we will do it.”In this situation, I like what Matchroom and Eddie Hearn are doing.”Eddie is still discussing with me and my team about making the big fights around the world.”He has decided to continue to work with us, and we will continue to do business with him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Also, we have had a lot of discussions with Golden Boy to have some of their fighters on different cards.”Me and my team are always happy to work with the promoters in boxing if they give us good options.” More