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      UFC chief Dana White suddenly CUT from Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight

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      DANA WHITE has suddenly been cut from promoting Canelo Alvarez’s fight against Terence Crawford. TKO Holdings – who own the UFC and WWE – signed a multi-year partnership to establish a boxing promotion alongside Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.Jon Anik, Turki Alalshikh, and UFC boss Dana WhiteCredit: GettyAs well as a UFC-style boxing league, two super-fights were set to be promoted by TKO and White every year. And Canelo’s blockbuster against Crawford was due to kickstart the partnership on Friday, September 12 in Las Vegas at the Raiders Stadium.Then all of a sudden, Alalshikh told Ring Magazine – which he owns – that the date of the bout was set to change to Saturday, September 13. And he was also considering having the bout move to New York or Los Angeles – opposed to the £1.5BILLION, 65,000-seat Raiders Stadium. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt caused huge confusion with the news the fight would also be under the Riyadh Season banner and on pay-per-view. That suggested White and Netflix were out of the picture – with UFC 320 also set for September 13 and due to clash with the new Canelo date. Now, Alalshikh has confirmed Saudi-based Sela will promote the super-middleweight title decider for Riyadh. A broadcaster is not yet decided but Riyadh Season have an exclusive deal with sports streaming service DAZN – who operate a PPV platform. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNetflix debuted in boxing in November when Mike Tyson controversially came out of retirement aged 58 to fight Jake Paul. And over 100 MILLION tuned in to watch YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul’s points win – causing the stream to crash. Cacace Crushes Wood, AJ & Pacquiao Plot Shock Returns | Split DecisionThe dramatic turn of events leaves White and TKO’s future in boxing up in the air – despite their plans to launch a brand new boxing league. On Monday, May 12 Alalshikh revealed he was flying to New York with White also posting a picture in the Big Apple soon after. SunSport understands Canelo, 34, and Crawford, 37, were also set to join them to film content with Netflix ahead of the bout. But, just a day later and Alalshikh dropped the news that the fight’s date and location was under consideration. White is yet to comment on his apparent removal from the mega-boxing bout and the future of his league. He has partnered with Alalshikh before having held two events in Riyadh in the past. Read More on The SunCanelo beat William Scull, 32, to regain the 168lb undisputed thrown in early May as part of his four-bout deal with Alalshikh. Meanwhile Crawford has not fought since moving up to 154lb to win the WBA title against Israil Madrimov, 30, in August 2024. Terence Crawford facing off with Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul reveals stunning behind-the-scenes talks to fight Oleksandr Usyk after teasing shock world title shot

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      JAKE PAUL revealed he is in stunning behind-the-scenes talks to fight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk after teasing a world title shot. The YouTuber-turned-boxer was called out by the heavyweight king with the two camps now in negotiations. Jake Paul pictured with Oleksandr UsykCredit: @mostvaluablepromotionsBut, Usyk has challenged Paul to a bout in the MMA cage and not the boxing ring. Paul is signed to the Professional Fighters League and eyes an MMA debut next year with Usyk among his options. Accompanied by UFC and boxing legend Holly Holm, he said: “I want to be like Holly here and test my skills in the cage. “That’s something I’m super, super interested in and I think it would be a very, very big spectacle. READ MORE IN BOXING”Nate Diaz is still ducking but we need to find the right opponent, Usyk maybe.” Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian added: “Usyk has called out Jake multiple times in MMA. “They’ve been in touch with us behind the scenes saying they want to do that in 2026. So something we definitely want to pursue.” Bidarian added that the PFL have shown interest in promoting the crossover fight. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut first Usyk, 38, returns on July 19 at Wembley Stadium to rematch Daniel Dubois, 27, who he beat in 2023. And it will be for the undisputed heavyweight titles following the Ukrainian’s two points wins over Tyson Fury, 36, last year. Jake Paul has ‘money fight’ green lit by boxing world champUsyk has warned he has just two fights left and has called out UFC star Alex Pereira, 37, in the past. Paul, 28, meanwhile faces former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, in his next bout on June 28 in California. It comes off the back of his points win in November against Mike Tyson, who controversially made a comeback aged 58. Paul moves back from to cruiserweight after moving up to heavyweight and revealed talks to fight WBC champ Badou Jack. He said: “I’m super interested. I had Nakisa contact his team behind the scenes so those discussions are happening.” It comes after Jack, 41, told SunSport: “It’s a money fight. It’s an easy fight and it’s a money fight So, why not?”Badou Jack is linked with fighting Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Marco Silva won’t be happy with this’ – Moment Fulham star is FLOORED by Adama Traore in dressing room wrestling match

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      FULHAM star Adama Traore went viral for FLOORING team-mate Calvin Bassey TWICE in two dressing room wrestling matches.Traore, 29, and Bassey, 25, locked horns in a friendly bout in front of their team-mates at the Cottagers’ training ground at Motspur Park.Fulham stars Adama Traore and Calvin Bassey wrestled in the dressing roomAnd Traore showcased his monstrous power by slamming Bassey on the concrete floorThe two heavyweights faced off in two rounds that required each participant to pin his opponent’s back on the floor.Traore showed his monstrous strength as he won the first round with relative ease by slamming his opponent on the concrete floor.And Bassey joked later that the result would be different if he just had more “grip”, perhaps in reference to the fact he had sliders on for the first bout.The second round didn’t go any better for the centre-back, who had trainers on by this point, as the winger floored him again in another dominant display that justified his reputation as the Premier League’s biggest powerhouse.Read more on FootballThe friendly bout was met with laughs and cheers from team-mates.And some fans joined in on the fun as they wondered what would happen if manager Marco Silva had walked in.One supporter tweeted: “Marco Silva won’t be happy with this video…”Another commented: “When he [Silva] comes in.. PAUSE.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA further comment read “Bet the manager was p***** they was doing this”While others jokingly advised Traore to consider a career in UFC or MMA.Fulham star Calvin Bassey shows Arsenal fans his bum at worst time possible A fan wrote: ” Lol, [Traore] would’ve had better chances with UFC than with football.”Another said: “His [Traore] agent should call Dana White. A summer UFC fight won’t be bad.”But there were also some Fulham fans who weren’t too impressed with what they saw in the dressing room as they pointed out that could have led to a serious injury.This comes amid the West Londoners’ bid for a rare European qualification as they chase an eighth-place finish, which would lead to the Conference League if Crystal Palace don’t win the FA Cup.One fan tweeted: “What if they get injured in the process?! Who’s paying the wages?”Another commented: “Wrestling on concrete. Great idea…”A third wrote: “Imagine being a pro footballer and you get injured like this…”Fulham star Traore showcased his monstrous strengthBassey joked he would do better if he had more ‘grip’ More

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      Luis Suarez responds to Patrice Evra fight challenge as Man Utd legend gives update on MMA debut

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      PATRICE EVRA has revealed that Luis Suarez could still take up his offer to fight him after announcing his MMA debut.Evra, 43, revealed last week that he would be making his mixed martial arts debut at PFL Europe Paris at the Accor Arena on 23 May.Patrice Evra has called out Luis Suarez for an MMA fightCredit: The Ariel Helwani Show / XSuarez and Evra have history dating back to a racism storm in 2011Credit: ReutersThe Manchester United icon later took to social media to call out former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez to take him on in the ring.Evra and Suarez have a history dating back to their respective days in the Premier League, when the forward was found guilty of racially abusing the defender during a clash at Anfield in 2011.And Suarez, who is still playing professionally with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, hasn’t ruled out settling the score with a fight, according to Evra himself.Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Evra revealed: “I was quite surprised. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I don’t know if it’s true, because I’m always careful, but apparently his manager contacted the PFL. Maybe to come and watch my first fight.”I would be surprised, because to be honest he is still playing football and this is completely different – he could get injured.”But maybe it will happen, maybe not. Like I say, it’s something I’ve asked. If it doesn’t happen it’s not a big deal.”Evra, who retired in 2019 after making over 700 career appearances, went into more detail on why he would want to fight Suarez.Most read in FootballEvra will make his MMA debut at the Accor Arena in ParisCredit: Instagram / patrice.evraLuis Suarez still plays football for Inter Miami in the MLSCredit: ReutersHe explained: “When the PFL asked me who I would like, I said Luis Suárez because I had a beef with him on the back in the day when I was captain of United and he played for Liverpool.”He had some racist abuse. I don’t call him a racist, it’s just that they used some racist words, and I want to do this fight.” ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix… you always have to wait for the next season’, says Man Utd legendAdding: “I think the world wants to see that fight. So I am like, ‘Please accept the offer’.”I don’t know if he would be the first, or the second, or the third fight. But I think the world deserves to see that fight”.Suarez was accused of using “insulting words” towards Evra including reference to the colour of the French international’s skin in 2011.The striker, now 38, was accused of using an offensive term seven times in around two minutes, while Evra had told him he would “punch him” after asking him to repeat what he had said.Meanwhile, Suarez claimed he had used the word once and in a friendly way as is normal in Uruguayan culture, as opposed to the antagonistic way described by Evra.The FA eventually slapped Suarez with an eight-game ban after a two-month investigation and six-day hearing into the incident.After the ban was announced, Liverpool stars were spotted wearing training shirts with Suarez’s name and picture on them during the warm-up in a display of support.Liverpool decided not to appeal the verdict made against Suarez on January 2012, although they maintained the innocence of the forward.Read More on The SunWhen the pair met on the pitch again in 2012, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s hand before a game at Old Trafford, with prompted an angry reaction from the French international.At the end of the game as the players walked off the pitch, Evra went in front of Suarez to celebrate in his face.Suarez was handed an eight-game ban after a two-month investigation into the incidentCredit: ReutersLiverpool stars wore shirts in support of Suarez after the FA announced the banCredit: AFPThe following year at Old Trafford, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s handCredit: GettyEvra then celebrated in Suarez’s face after the gameCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun More

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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