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      Boxer facing lifetime ban for knocking out opponent with illegal HEAD KICK as fans demand ‘he should be arrested’

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      AN MMA fighter is facing a lifetime ban from boxing for an illegal head kick that knocked out his opponent.Undefeated Russian fighter Idris Abdurashidov made his boxing debut against Bagher Faraji in Phuket, Thailand on Saturday.Idris Abdurashidov pulled off an illegal kick in his boxing debutCredit: Instagram @idris_abdurashidovHis kick knocked out Bagher Faraji and he was disqualified from the fightCredit: Instagram @idris_abdurashidovAbdurashidov, 21, struggled in the early stages of the fight against the Iranian.Faraji was heading for a points win as the fight entered into the fourth and final round at the Ali Boxing Club.However, with just seconds left, the Russian hit him with a devasting kick to the head, which was an illegal move.As a result, Abdurashidov was disqualified from the fight but still boasted about it on social media.READ MORE ON SPORTHe wrote: “So I debuted in professional boxing.”And disqualification for life, that kick with the leg I threw away with a machine gun!”The post was filled with comments from fans demanding that he be “arrested” for the heinous act.One posted: “He should be arrested for assault and battery, and banned from doing any combat sports ever again. That is so low.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “He has to be banned from all the sports.”A third commented: “Tell us you suck at boxing without actually telling us that you suck at boxing.”‘Referee’s got a chin on him’ say shocked fans after official accidentally whacked in face during heavyweight clashThe two fighters have ‘made up’Credit: Instagram @idris_abdurashidovA fourth said: “Assault and banned for life is my vote.”Another added: “Should put him in jail for that.”He is facing a lifetime ban from boxing to bring his time in the sport to an abrupt end.Abdurashidov has posted again on Instagram to confirm that he has made amends with Faraji.He shared a picture of the two shaking hands and posing for a picture together.He wrote: “We shock hands between us.”Everything is fine, we made up.”Abdurashidov is a professional in MMA and currently has a record of 4-0.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe fights in the Asian promotion ONE Championship.It is not yet known if his illegal kick will have an impact on his future MMA career. More

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      ‘That would be something’ – Francis Ngannou’s coach opens door to boxing fight ‘everybody wanted to see in first place’

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU may still have one more boxing fight in him – and it’s the one “everybody wanted to see in first place.” Ngannou put his MMA career on hold in 2023 to cross over and pursue his lifelong ambition of boxing. Francis Ngannou could still return to boxingCredit: ReutersLast October, he sensationally floored former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, 36, only to lose a controversial decision. He then returned to the ring to face Anthony Joshua, 35, in March but was knocked out in two rounds. Ngannou, 38, shared the ring with the British pair after overlooking American Deontay Wilder, 38. The two humongous hitters were in talks with even a two-fight deal in boxing and MMA touted. READ MORE IN MMAAnd Ngannou’s striking coach Dewey Cooper is still interested in the bout – after fans demanded it in the past. Cooper told SunSport: “A fight with Deontay Wilder? That’s the fight everybody wanted to see in the first place.”Two hard punchers, totally opposite personalties that would be something. “Whatever Francis Ngannou, whatever His Excellency Turki Alalshikh wants to do with Riyadh Season and boxing, if he’s with it, I’m with it.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I have no expectation, whoever it is if it happens again we’re going to work hard and do our best to solidly a final victory for the record book.”Ngannou now returns to MMA with the Professional Fighters League after walking out on the UFC. I’ve had 100 fights but training Francis Ngannou is just as painful… he punches as hard as Mike Tyson He faces 6ft 8in Brazilian Renan Ferreira, 34, in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Wilder meanwhile is in career crisis following points defeat to Joseph Parker, 32, in December and a brutal KO against Zhilei Zhang, 41, in June. And Cooper reckons stepping into the ring with Ngannou could bring an official and brutal end to Wilder’s glittering boxing career. The trainer said: “I’m sure if he were to lose that would be the final nail in the coffin but a fighter knows when it’s time, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physiologically.”If Deontay Wilder still wants to do it, he definitely should. We’re so judgemental, so biased, when he was knocking everybody out at 40-something and 0 with 40-something knockouts, we all thought he was the best thing since sliced bread.”A guy has a few bad fights and the whole world turns against him. We learned this with Anthony Joshua, I remember he lost to Oleksandr Usyk everybody said it’s over.”Then he went on a great run and climbed back to the top of the world. “So, whatever a fighter wants to do, as long as he’s taking his health into consideration, his family and his wellbeing into consideration.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So if Deontay Wilder wants to continue fighting, he definitely should.”Zhilei Zhang knocked out Deontay WilderCredit: Getty More

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      I’ve had 100 fights but training Francis Ngannou is just as painful… he punches as hard as Mike Tyson

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      TRAINER Dewey Cooper had over 100 professional fights – but taking shots from Francis Ngannou is a far more painful experience. Cooper fought in boxing, kickboxing and MMA before moving into coaching after retiring. Trainer Dewey Cooper with Francis NgannouCredit: Matchroom Boxing And he has been working with Ngannou since 2017, bravely holding the pads and body belt for the 6ft 4in powerhouse. Cooper admits not even a 15-year fighting career brings as much agony as withstanding Ngannou’s power.He told SunSport: “In the fights when I was fighting I had really good defence. I would defend a lot of techniques, getting hit clean was a rarity.”Getting hit by Francis, I’m giving the body away getting hit by him. It’s not happy, it’s not nice for sure. READ MORE IN MMA”It hurts but like I said, I signed up for the job and I’m happy to be here. We’re going to keep working hard.”Ngannou’s power was once tested at the UFC’s Performance Institute in Las Vegas. And the ferocity had the same impact as a 12lb sledgehammer being swung at full force or comparable to being hit by a Ford Escort at top speed. Cooper chuckled: “I believe it! I can tell you right now, I’ve been hit by a lot of guys, recently I’ve been doing pads for Mike Tyson. No one’s hitting harder than Francis, man.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When he places those punches correctly and bends his knees and turns his hips, sometimes I get hit so hard I’m like, ‘How am I taking this? What am I doing to myself?'”It’s funny to me because I’m like, ‘What am I doing here?’ It’s a lot of pain involved.”‘That would be something’ – Francis Ngannou’s coach opens door to boxing fight ‘everybody wanted to see in first place’ Ngannou, 38, last year put his MMA career on hold to pursue a lifelong ambition of boxing. He sensationally dropped Tyson Fury, 36, in his boxing debut before being knocked out by Anthony Joshua, 35, in March.Cooper led the corner on those occasions but now he welcomes Ngannou back to MMA to fight Renan Ferreira, 34, on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. The coach said: “We’re refreshed to see him back in MMA. “Boxing, kickboxing, grappling, wrestling, all the elements. It’s been a good camp and he’s ready to go.” Ngannou facing off with Renan Ferreira More

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      Tommy Fury in line to earn TRIPLE his net worth in rematch against Jake Paul… with never-before-seen fight teased

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      TOMMY FURY is in line to sensationally TRIPLE his net worth as talks to rematch Jake Paul continue – but with a twist. Fury looked to have buried two years of bitter feuding when he beat Paul via split-decision in the Diriyah desert in Saudi Arabia last year. Jake Paul and Tommy Fury are in talks to rematchCredit: GettyBut the celebrity boxing rivals have continued their feud to build towards a money-spinning rematch. And they could even take their rivalry to the MMA cage with a huge two-fight deal being put in place. Paul is signed to the Professional Fighters League and primed to make his cage debut next year. And in February, PFL founder Donn Davis told SunSport £15milllion ($20m) was on the table for Fury to fight Paul in MMA and boxing. READ MORE IN MMADavis said: “Tommy doing a back-to-back boxing and MMA – hardwired together where Tommy couldn’t back out of one or the other – is on the table.”The rumoured offers of $15-20m to Tommy – which is three times what he could earn for many other of his options – is accurate.”Is that the best option for Jake? I’ll leave that to Jake and Nakisa [Bidarian]. They’re the best at picking opponents and managing that.”But that is accurate and that is a possibility.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury even recently posed with PFL gloves on in a YouTube video and called out Paul to a rematch in the cage. And PFL CEO Peter Murray – ahead of Francis Ngannou’s MMA return in Riyadh – confirmed talks with the 2019 Love Island star are ongoing. Murray told SunSport: “He was going to be part of this event on the broadcast team. But he’s excited by the sport and that would be interesting.”Listen, he’s a big event fighter and there’s plenty of money to go around. “We’re investing in the sport, we’re investing in big events, that would be a mega event and we’re here to put on a spectacle.”Fury is believed to have earned around £6m for his two wins over YouTube pair Paul and KSI. It means PFL’s proposed double header would see him nearly triple his fight earnings.Fury, 25, controversially beat KSI, 31, in October and underwent hand surgery soon after, leading to a potential return by January.Paul, 27, meanwhile faces heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson, 58, on November 15 in a clash slammed over the 30-year age gap. But PFL are looking to schedule his MMA debut for next year – possibly right after the Netflix fight with Tyson. And Paul confirmed in August that talks to fight Fury in the cage are happening. He said: “I think that’s actually still a discussion. So that could be interesting for sure. Me versus Tommy in MMA.”The PFL are also working on introducing hybrid-rules fights to help bridge that gap between boxing and MMA. And a never-before-seen mixed-rules bout between Paul and Fury has not been ruled out. READ MORE SUN STORIESMurray added: “We’ll see. We haven’t talked about Jake’s debut that would be modified rules. “It’s a possibility but we’re having those conversations with other fighters, in particular from the boxing world. I think it could be interesting.”Tommy Fury has called out Jake Paul to a rematch in MMACredit: @evolutionfitnessxlJake Paul is signed to the PFL to make his MMA debut More

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      Francis Ngannou’s amazing rise from borrowing money as MMA champ to making millions in boxing and eyeing property empire

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU went from borrowing money as the MMA champion of the world to earning millions in the boxing ring. The heroic Cameroonian – who emigrated from Africa to Europe over the course of a year on foot – put his cage career on hold in 2023. Francis Ngannou emigrated from Cameroon for a better lifeHis life changed after switching from MMA to boxingCredit: ReutersNgannou has made millions from his boxing boutsHe walked out on the UFC as their heavyweight champion to pursue a his lifelong ambition of boxing. At the time, he had beaten Ciryl Gane in January 2022 but had no plans to re-sign with the UFC. He made only £450,000 for the bout and revealed he borrowed £150,000 from friend and former UFC champ Kamaru Usman. But after two boxing bouts – against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua – he is believed to have earned over £10MILLION. READ MORE IN MMAAnd Ngannou told SunSport: “Yes, there was a day that I have to borrow money from Kamaru Usman, I might not have to borrow the same amount today.”But I can still borrow because my project gets bigger and bigger. So things are changing as a person I’m growing.”Life is moving, I have different perspective in life. My ambition grows, you know. I set no limit for myself. The sky is my limit.”Ngannou revealed he leant the money from Usman to focus on his fledging property empire. Most read in BoxingNgannou with friend and former UFC champion Kamaru UsmanCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Personal things, investment, having a house, building a house. I love houses, I love real estate.”I come from a family that we never owned any house. We never had a house. Francis Ngannou’s first fight since tragic death of his son Kobe announced with MMA star to take on giant 6ft 8in rival”Then my first thing was to build houses in different city and then maybe buy one wherever I’m living make some investment. “Think of my future. Think of a potential retirement plan or in case things don’t work out.”I’m doing a job that I have no guarantee, no insurance. I have no guarantee of the future of tomorrow, everything can stop right now.”So yes, you think about that. When you think about that, you need to plan things out at least, like for 1,2,3 years or more in case s*** happens. “So you have something you have some time to reset and start back. I think that’s what every single combat sports athlete should do.”Ngannou left Cameroon when he was 26 for a better life, having began working in the sand mines from the age of just TEN. It took him 14 months to go from his hometown of Batie to eventually France, where his journey as a fighter began. Now, he is a former world champion with two huge paydays in the bank – but there was once a time when securing food to eat was his biggest problem. He said: “There were days that when I wake up my only worry, my only concern was what I was going to eat that day. There were days like that in my life. Ngannou used to work in the sand mines in Cameroon and often visits backCredit: @francisngannouNgannou left Africa for Europe on footCredit: @francisngannouIt took him a year to emigrateCredit: @francisngannou”Basically growing up there were days that going to school, I worry because I didn’t have a pen to take notes or because I didn’t have a note, because my school tuition hasn’t been paid.”So life evolved, doesn’t mean he was that bad day. I think it was just a process. “Because at the end of the day, life is mostly a journey that you have to understand, enjoy the journey is not a destination.”Because, if you set a destination and then you get to destination, then what’s happened? It’s the trusting the process.”Ngannou, 38, sensationally dropped Fury, 36, on his boxing debut only to lose a controversial decision. He then remained in boxing but was knocked out by Joshua, 34, in two rounds in March. Now, he returns to the cage for the first time in over two years to face 6ft 8in Brazilian Renan Ferreira, 34, in his Professional Fighters League debut. And he welcomes the familiar feeling of strapping on the tiny 4oz MMA gloves and stepping foot back in the cage. He said: “I would say the transition was going from MMA to boxing not to from boxing to MMA, because that’s not the transition.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been doing MMA my entire career. I mean, both are definitely two different trainings which MMA has their own complexity. “But, I’m more used to the complexity of MMA.” Ngannou facing off with Renan Ferreira More

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      ‘These men are actual giants’, says Jake Paul as he reveals prediction for Francis Ngannou vs Renan Ferreira

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      JAKE PAUL felt dwarfed after facing off the gigantic duo of Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira. Ngannou makes his MMA return on Saturday in Saudi Arabia against 6ft 8in Brazilian Ferreira.Francis Ngannou, Jake Paul and Renan Ferreira during the face offAnd two months ago, Paul was tasked with getting in between the two humongous men to square them off.It marks Ngannou’s first fight back in MMA in over two years following a stint in the boxing ring.And Paul believes the former UFC champion and now Professional Fighters League star return to the cage with a vengeance.He said after facing the two off: “Battle of the Giants is very, very real. These men are actual giants. READ MORE IN MMA”And if they were to have started fighting, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything. But, I was there, I was doing my best. “I had some form, but they’re very strong… I just think Francis just has so much to prove here that he’s going to rise to the occasion. “With a taller man and as strong as Francis is with his solid base I just think he’s going to be able to clip Ferreira at some point.” Ngannou, 38, put his MMA career on hold to cross over to the boxing ring to first face Tyson Fury, 36.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd he sensationally dropped the former world heavyweight champ before losing a controversial split-decision.Ngannou then faced Anthony Joshua, 34, in March but was brutally knocked out in two rounds. Francis Ngannou’s first fight since tragic death of his son Kobe announced with MMA star to take on giant 6ft 8in rivalA month later, he endured personal heartbreak when his 15-month-old son Kobe tragically died. His fight with Ferreira, 34, not only marks his first with the PFL but also since he lost his baby boy and decided against retirement. Ngannou said: “I didn’t want to do anything but I just realised it was just my pain speaking. My rationality would not allow things like that. “And also for the reason why I was deciding to retire wasn’t the best reason. “I think I should use it as motivation and make something beautiful out of it.” More

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      Fears Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul could be cancelled at last minute with boxing legend, 58, ‘somewhat protected’

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      MIKE TYSON’S team could stop him from returning to the ring to fight Jake Paul – MMA legend Dan Hardy has warned.The heavyweight icon faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul on November 15 in a bout widely slammed over the 30-year age gap.Mike Tyson faces Jake Paul on November 15Credit: GettyDan Hardy says Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson could still get cancelledCredit: GettyThe already controversial clash was further scrutinised when Tyson pulled out of the initial July 20 date after suffering an ulcer flare up in his stomach.And former UFC title challenger Hardy does not rule out the fight facing the KO for good. He told Bloody Elbow: “As much as I’m enjoying Jake Paul as a phenomenon in combat sports, I feel like beating up Mike Tyson would not do great things for his brand.“I honestly think a lot of the fun poking and fat suits and stuff that we are seeing now is actually working against him a little bit because Mike Tyson is held in such high regard.READ MORE IN BOXING“It wouldn’t surprise me if that fight falls away and Mike is somewhat protected by the people around him because I do think that would be worth considering for them.“There’s so many people Jake Paul can fight, he doesn’t need to be fighting Mike Tyson. If he was calling him out 10 years ago, 15 years ago, fair enough.“This version of Mike is not the person who represents who Mike Tyson was when he was at the top of the sport.”Despite the previous health scare, Tyson has been deemed medically fit to continue training. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he is required to undergo additional brain and hearts tests ahead of his fight while both will undergo mandatory drug testing. Tyson retired in 2005 following two dismal defeats but did return in for an exhibition bout in 2020 against Roy Jones Jr. What’s happened’ say fans as they fear Jake Paul is ‘going to get slept’ by Mike Tyson after seeing training footageBut his controversial comeback is to be professionally sanctioned with records on the line – Iron Mike’s first real fight in 15 YEARS. Paul, 27, meanwhile has ten wins and only one loss in the boxing ring, losing a 2023 split-decision to Tommy Fury, 25.And Hardy – joined by many other boxing fans – fears Tyson could be sent “crashing to the canvas” by his opponent 30-YEARS his junior. He said: “I’m a big Mike Tyson fan as many combat sports people are. “You know, time always catches up with us and Mike Tyson isn’t the fighter he was even a couple of years ago.“Even when he fought Roy Jones Jr. I thought he looked good, but in the last couple of years, I feel like his age has really started to show through.“Like, he’s still a dangerous man in his own mind and you would want to upset the guy, that’s for sure.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In a boxing contest where you’re in with someone who is in their 20s, over 200lbs and spending all day every day working on his boxing. “What none of us want to see is Mike Tyson go crashing to the canvas and Jake Paul celebrating.”Tyson and Paul facing offCredit: Rex More

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      Arsenal considering major change to match-day rules after Conor McGregor’s bizarre antics on Emirates Stadium pitch

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      ARSENAL have launched an inquiry after Conor McGregor’s antics on the pitch with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.The UFC legend was in the stands for the Gunners’ 2-0 Champions League win over PSG last Tuesday.Conor McGregor went onto the pitch after Arsenal’s win over PSGCredit: @thenotoriousmmaHe played football and posed for snaps with Declan Rice and Bukayo SakaCredit: @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor was videoed play-fighting with Saka on the pitchAfter the final whistle, McGregor made his way from a VIP area to the pitch.He then enjoyed a kickabout on the field before being greeted by Saka and Rice.The Notorious jokingly kicked and grappled the winger as he warned the Irishman to “be careful” while play-fighting.Reports from The Times say that McGregor did not have permission to go onto the pitch and ignored requests for him to go inside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal have launched an investigation into how it happened.They are considering changing match day rules to see if special arrangement can be made between players and celeb fans.McGregor got tickets to the game via a third party site called 1 Access.The company provide corporate sport packages to the rich and famous.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS1 Access are believed to have a box at the Emirates Stadium within an area that players often hang out after matches.Reports state he was not a guest of Arsenal and the club want to distance themselves from his “brand”.I’m mum of an Arsenal star – I have a side hustle to help parents of Premier League footballers Arsenal ratings vs Southampton: Saka saves nervy Gunners with Jesus low on confidenceARSENAL came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 in front of a temporarily anxious Emirates crowd.Here’s how SunSport’s Ivan Speck rated every Arsenal player…David Raya – 6A spectator for most of the game. Could do anything to keep out Cameron Archer’s curling opener.Thomas Partey – 6Swapped his usual defensive midfield role for right-back, though given the one-way traffic, he barely had any defensive duties.But he supported Saka at every opportunity.William Saliba – 6Dependable as always when he was needed, which was mostly in the second half.Could have closed down Archer more quickly for the Southampton goal, but not alone in that.Gabriel – 6Spent more time in the Southampton box trying to get his head on corners than in his own area, especially in the first half.Handled the giant Paul Onuachu well when Southampton threw him on.Riccardo Calafiori – 5Given a couple of uncomfortable moments by Tyler Dibling.Did not seem to know which way the St Mary’s youngster was going half the time.Jorginho – 6Inches wide with a searing low shot late in the first half.Probed but rarely found an incisive pass through the yellow shirts. Taken off after an hour.Declan Rice – 6His usual solid self and tried to take on a more creative role with Southampton camped out in front of their own area, but prefers an open game to showcase his box-to-box talents.Raheem Sterling  – 7A freedom about his play. Happy to take on defenders at pace with his dancing feet.Unlucky not to finish off one dazzling run and even more unfortunate to be taken off after an hour.But was robbed of the ball for the Saints opener.Bukayo Saka – 9A game of two halves. Had to cope with being double-teamed every time he picked up the ball in the first half and there was disbelief around the Emirates when he launched one shot high into the stands.The second period was a different story. Tore Southampton to shreds time and again.A brilliant floated cross for Gabriel Martinelli to put Arsenal ahead, then a typically clinical finish for his side’s third.Kai Havertz – 8Proved his worth again as a scorer of important goals with the crucial equaliser just as nerves were beginning to jangle around the Emirates.Gabriel Jesus – 4Too long in the shadows has drained him of the belief he had when he first arrived at Arsenal as the main man up front.Two tame shots summed up his current ineffectiveness.SUBSGabriel Martinelli (Sterling 60) – 8Three weeks ago, his role in the Arsenal side was in question.His form has returned in spades with a second Premier League goal in successive weeks.Leandro Trossard (Jesus 61) – 7Like Martinelli, welcomed as a hero when he came on. Has become an important player in this Arsenal team. His run led to the third Arsenal goal.Mikel Merino (Jorginho 61) – 6A first Premier League appearance in Arsenal colours. Introduced just as the games was opening up and will benefit from the taster.Takehiro Tomiyasu (Partey 84) – 6Back from injury. Given a run out towards the end to ease him back into first team duties.Jakub Kiwior (Calafiori 90) – 6Introduced late on when the game was won. Not much to do. More