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    British Boxing card hit by ‘uncalibrated’ scales storm as furious trainer BOYCOTTS weigh-in after interrupting presenter

    TRAINER Joe Gallagher threatened to BOYCOTT the weigh-in before his fighter’s world title bout due to “uncalibrated” scales. Natasha Jonas – coached by Gallagher – faces Wales’ Lauren Price for the unified 147lb welterweight world titles tonight at the Royal Albert Hall.Joe Gallagher said the scales were not calibrated correctlyCredit: ReutersHe was ready to boycott the weigh-insCredit: PABut drama unfolded when Gallagher claimed the official scales used at the weigh-in one day before fight night had not been correctly calibrated – meaning it could produce incorrect results. He interrupted Sky Sports’ MC and said: “No, there’s no weigh-in until these scales have had calibration.”I need to a see a certificate of calibration on these scales. Everyone’s weighed light on it today and usually these scales come with a calibration sticker on it. “Until that calibration sticker is here today, that they’re bang on weight, then there will be no weigh-in for the main event. READ MORE IN BOXING”Them scales need a calibration sticker on it. They’re the rules, I’m only playing by the rules.” Price later came in at 10st 5lb while Jonas – fully clothed – came in at 10st 6lb.Boxxer, promoting the event, said in a statement: “The scales were calibrated and the British Boxing Board of Control are happy that everything is correct” The all-women’s card is topped by Jonas and Price, an Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympics four years ago.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPromoter Ben Shalom said: “I think Joe believes that they were half a pound too light.”Ultimately, Lauren has come in lighter than Natasha so really it doesn’t make too much of a difference. When does WWE-backed TKO Saudi boxing league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren?”I think Joe is protecting his fighter ahead of an unbelievable night tomorrow night and a huge pressure fight for both of them.”The pressure is on. It’s as much a battle of the trainers as it is a battle of the fighters – two of the best trainers this country has ever produced going head to head. It’s fascinating.”Price added: “There’s been drama all week. Gallagher is trying to make it about himself, but it’s Jonas vs Price.”Cool, calm, collected. Just looking forward to going out and showing how good I am.”I make the weight perfectly every camp, I’m a professional, it’s my natural weight as well.”It makes for a great fight, I respect Tash, I’m proud to be part of it. I’m in my prime, it’s my time and I’ll be taking those belts back to Wales.”Jonas and Price fight for the welterweight titlesCredit: PAControversy surrounded the weigh-insCredit: PA More

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    ‘That’s you in both photos?’ – Elle Brooke shows off incredible body transformation that led to boxing career

    ELLE BROOKE believes her loss is her gain.But fans were stunned the boxer’s ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures as she shed weight to get fighting fit were both her.-Elle Brooke is proud of the honed technique she’s worked hard forShe has 2m-plus fans on TikTok and nearly 1m on InstagramCredit: @ellebrookeukFans are used to selfies with less on than in the ringCredit: Instagram @thedumbledongBrooke, seen here taking on Andrea Jane, remains fighting fitCredit: GettyThe Misfits fighter and OnlyFans star shared the snaps as she attributed her change to “Hard work and Ozempic”.Weight-loss jabs have a controversial reputation, with some celebrities taking them but medical experts launching warnings.But the influencer is proud of her transformation.However, that’s mainly because she ditched her lifestyle as a “really bad party girl” while also overcoming issues with drugs and depression.READ MORE IN BOXINGBrooke’s’s 962,000 Instagram followers were staggered by her change in appearance – as shown in a clip she posted featuring two mirror selfies.The drastic metamorphosis was no doubt helped by her decision a couple of hears ago to give up alcohol.First Brooke was seen in a typical boxer’s pose, grinning as she flexed her arm muscles, albeit only wearing lacy underwear.Then the video drifts to an image of how she looked before her new holistic lifestyle – a healthy shape in a more modest bikini.Most read in BoxingHere’s how she looked before her transformationThe Brit looked more serious and perhaps less confident in this shot, as she peered down at her phone rather than at the mirror.She summed up the altered images by adding: “Red Bull gives u… wings.”SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr reveals Daniel Dubois’ chances of fighting Joseph Parker ‘look grim’But “speechless” fans focused on her physical change.One said: “That’s you in both photos? Wow!! That’s incredible. Bravo!!”A second wrote: “Wow, great transformation and dedication.” And others praised the Tiktok sensation for her commitment to peak conditioning.One said: “Wow, great transformation and dedication.” Another reckoned: “That’s real motivation.”And a third claimed: “Consistency and determination are sexy as f, and with age, it just gets better and better.”However, Brooke might prefer that her dedication and honed body make sparks fly in the boxing ring.She first picked up her gloves for a victory over AJ Bunker in July 2022 and has since also dabbled with bareknuckle fighting.Brooke has since told the Sun of her emotional and physcial jounrey.She said: “From going out every week to the pub, going clubbing, sniffing tons of cocaine, ketamine… to the other side, watching what you put in your body, dieting, health and exercise, regular routine.“Routine is my favourite thing about boxing. It gives me a reason to wake up in the morning. It gives me structure. Now I just live a boring life. She added: “I was at one point on antidepressants, taking sertraline before I started boxing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So I was relying on a pill everyday to make me happy and so I didn’t have like dark, suicidal thoughts whereas now I have those good days and I have those bad days but it’s more about training and what I’m focusing on.“So boxing really has changed my life.”She offers fans frills and spills out of the ringCredit: Instagram @thedumbledongNot even Elle can do without white trainersCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledongBrooke has put many problems behind her for a new lifestyleCredit: RexShe was an elegant visitor to WimbledonCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong More

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    Three-weight boxing champion Claressa Shields under investigation and suspended after testing positive for marijuana

    BOXING superstar Claressa Shields has been suspended after testing positive for marijuana following her last win.The three-weight undisputed champion, 29, beat fellow American Danielle Perkins to lift the heavyweight crown on February 3. Claressa Shields said earlier this month she was a ‘clean athlete’Credit: GettyShields celebrated beating Danielle Perkins earlier this monthCredit: GettyThe ex-Olympic golden girl faces an investigation after the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission suspended her from fighting in the state.Shields is said to have tested positive after providing an “oral fluid sample” following a dominant victory over Perkins on points.Marijuana is on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).The World Boxing Organisation is also looking into the case.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt’s a sanctioning body without the power to suspend fighters.But the BBC say the WBO has asked Shields for a “show notice”.That means they want her to explain the situation.Meanwhile, the Michigan Commission has launched its own probe to see if she should be the subject of disciplinary action.Most read in BoxingThe Commission said: “Ms Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes.”It comes just a week after Shields spoke out over rumours of a failed drugs test.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender She went on social media to insist she was a “clean athlete”.Shields and Perkins were both scheduled to have been tested  by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (Vada) following their fight, due to the WBC’s clean boxing programme. More

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    ‘Nowhere else in the world has this’ – Eddie Hearn reveals little-known rule that can catch boxers out

    EDDIE HEARN has revealed the little-known rule that is catching international boxers out when they fight in Saudi Arabia. The British Boxing Board of Control oversee the bouts staged in Saudi – including this Saturday’s mega-event. Eddie Hearn revealed the little-known rule that is catching international boxers outAnd Hearn revealed how the BBBoC enforce a rule that boxers must check their weight on the Wednesday of fight week. That is two days before the official weigh in. So Hearn admitted uninformed boxers flying in internationally are sometimes blindsided by this rule. He told iFL TV: “One of the issues – and I’ll be completely honest – it’s a bit of a pain in the a***e.READ MORE IN BOXING”The British Boxing Board of Control operate the events out here. They have a very strict rule of a check weight on the Wednesday of fight week.”Now, I’m not saying that rule is a bad rule but, nowhere else in the world to my knowledge of any major commission has that rule.”So every international fighter that comes over – I mean they should be told weeks in advance, some only find out when they actually get there, that’s not our job if it’s not our fighter.”But, basically and this is where I think it’s a bad policy is fighters are really focussed on making that weight for the check weight.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And then they’re rehydrating for the check weight and then they’re going forward to another weigh in two days later.”So I don’t know, I can’t give you the doctors’ opinion on whether it’s a good or a bad rule but it’s a rule and that’s it.”Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol come together before huge heavyweight showdownOfficial BBBoC rules read: “Three days prior to the contest both Boxers will have to submit to a further check weigh-in before a designated official of the Board or Area Council at a time and place to be determined by the Board or Area Council. “A Boxer weighing more than 3 per cent above the relevant Championship limit three days prior to the date of the contest will require the sanction of the B.B.B. of C. before being permitted to box for that Championship on the contracted contest date.”Artur Beterbiev, 40, rematches Dmitry Bivol, 34, in the main-event on Saturday after his close points win in October. And Daniel Dubois, 27, defends his IBF title against Joseph Parker, 33, as part of the massive card.American Floyd Schofield, 22, was due to challenge WBC champion Shakur Stevenson, 27, but he was pulled out by the BBBoC. And his dad and trainer, Floyd Sr, wildly claimed his son was “poisoned” before sharing a picture of him in a hospital bed.Promoters, Golden Boy, said: “Yesterday, Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. fell ill and was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure. “In the interest of Schofield’s health and safety, the British Boxing Board of Control made the decision to cancel his scheduled bout against Shakur Stevenson. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Schofield has since been discharged from the hospital and is awaiting the results of his medical evaluation. “We extend our gratitude to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, SELA, and the medical professionals who provided Schofield with care.” More

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    England legend ‘Razor’ Ruddock reveals Harry Redknapp show saved his life after doctors feared he had two months to live

    ENGLAND legend Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock has revealed how Harry Redknapp’s show saved his life.The former Liverpool centre-back disclosed that what he initially thought was dementia turned out to be a serious heart condition as doctors feared he had just two months to live.Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock has revealed details about how Harry Redkapp’s show saved his lifeRuddock linked up with his old England team-mates for ‘Harry’s Heroes: The Full English’ in 2019 and it’s sequel a year laterThe ex-England defender ballooned to 27st during the pandemicRuddock, 56, has turned his life around and reduced his alcohol intake as he credits his former gaffer’s TV show ‘Harry’s Heroes’.Speaking to Nigel Farage on GB News, he said: “From when I left school until like 35, every day I was told where I’ve got to be.”What I can eat, what I can’t drink, and all this. And when you’re 35 there was no sort of step back.“There was no help when football finished. I turned into an 18-year-old kid and couldn’t wait to retire at 35 and start drinking and eating what I wanted and then I got 28 and a half stone.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I did the Harry Heroes TV show. I was feeling dizzy. At the time there was a lot of talk about dementia in football, heading the ball.“So I was going dizzy. So I thought, you know, ‘it’s dementia’. I went to see all the specialists and it was my heart, he said, ‘the way you’re going, you’ve got two months to live’.“Trust me, that changed my life, and then they had to stop my heart, restart my heart. I got a pacemaker. I’ve had the gastric sleeve…because I’d given up on myself, basically.“Without doing that TV show, I wouldn’t be here today.”Most read in FootballNeil Ruddock has shown off his incredible weight transformationThe award-winning documentary series was filmed in 2020.It saw Redknapp tasked with turning a cohort of unfit England football legends from the 1990s into a winning team once more.Neil Ruddock and Paul Merson fall out over the ex-Tottenham star’s drinking habit on Harry’s Heroes: Euro Having A LaughThey included a host of familiar faces – such as David Seaman, Paul Merson and Matt Le Tissier – keen to prove that, even in middle age, they could still cut it on the pitch and beat old rivals Germany.Viewers saw the ex-star players, who came from an era with a more relaxed approach to footie practice and healthy eating, as they adopted a rigorous new training and nutrition regime akin to that of today’s pros.Former Liverpool ace and 2018 King of the Jungle, assistant John Barnes, successfully coached the blokes to a 4-2 victory.’Harry’s Heroes: The Full English’ was filmed in 2020 before Ruddock’s gastric bandNutritionist Luke Worthington did a body mass index with RuddockRuddock, who earned one England cap during his career, memorably told the lads about his heart scare in one of the episodes.Meanwhile, Redknapp managed Ruddock when he played for West Ham in the late 1990s.Asked what advice he would give to anyone else who was worried about their health, he said: “Go and see the doctor. It costs you nothing.“If you’re driving your car and your car makes a noise, you take it to the mechanic and pay to get it fixed.“If you’re not feeling well, go and see the doctor, because men are scared of going to see the doctor. “It’s bad news, and you can’t go out Saturday night and watch football.“Go get yourself checked out. It costs nothing.”Ruddock unveiled his incredible 11-stone weight transformation earlier this year.The 56-year-old began his weight loss journey back in 2021 after meeting TV personality James Argent.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe dad-of-two teenagers had ballooned to 27st during the Coronavirus pandemic, which put his health at serious risk.He made 195 Premier League appearances during his career and played for the likes of Liverpool, West Ham, Tottenham, Southampton and Crystal Palace.In his 17 year career, Ruddock made 355 club appearances and earned one cap playing for England More

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    Lawrence Okolie secures brutal first-round stoppage win in first heavyweight fight after bulking on FOUR STONE

    LAWRENCE OKOLIE piled on the pounds to announce himself to the heavyweight division with a brutal first-round knockout.The former WBO cruiserweight champ cleaned out woeful Hussein Muhamed with a trademark right hand.Lawrence Okolie quickly dispatched Hussein MuhamedCredit: GettyOkolie made a blasting impression on MuhamedCredit: GettyThe Sauce reckons he’s more ‘explosive’ nowCredit: PASix months on from his dismal title defeat to Chris Billam-Smith down at the 14st 4lbs division, The Sauce beefed right up to light up Wembley arena at his curvy NEW 18st 8lbs stature.”I felt good,” he beamed. “That’s my second first-round KO in a row.”Now that I’ve been putting on the weight, enjoying training camp, I can be a lot more explosive.”It’s showing in the fights, as soon as I start hitting these guys, they start going. I’m ready for the best in the world at any weight.READ MORE TOP STORIES”I felt super robust, super strong. I think people might have thought, ‘he weighed 200lbs last year, why’s he 260lbs now’?”But I feel happier and natural and a lot more solid.“You know when I was making cruiserweight because of what I had to do to make that weight I felt tired.”But now, I just know every round I can go explosive, recover, explosive, recover. So it feels good.”Most read in BoxingHere’s how a smaller Okolie looked in losing to Chris Billam-SmithCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHussein arrived with a decent looking record but it was padded in Germany and he looked way out of his depth from the opening bell.The 2016 Team GB Olympian poked and probed with his long jabs, while Muhamed did very little.Reality TV star, 37, and former world champion offer to replace Tommy Fury after pulling out of Darren Till fight”Toward the end of the opener the visitor did decide to finally throw a shot and it was to be his undoing.Okolie telegraphed Muhamed’s first crack at a punch and landed his own giant right hand.Muhamed’s body folded down on itself left him in a heap.To his credit, the 18-1 plodder did climb back up to his feet and plead to be allowed to continue.But the referee rightly waved off the contest to let Okolie start calling out far more credible opponents.Muhamed was completely outclassedCredit: Getty More

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    Tyson Fury receives ominous body transformation warning from ex-world champ as do-or-die Usyk rematch nears

    TYSON FURY has been warned his drastic body transformation for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk could work against him.Photos emerging from Fury’s training camp appear to suggest he’s carrying more weight for next month’s do-or-die Saudi showdown.Tyson Fury renews his rivalry with Oleksandr Usyk on December 21Credit: PAThe Gypsy King looks to be carrying more weight for the boutCredit: INSTAGRAM@KEVINLERENABut former Brit world champ Duke McKenzie has warned Fury carrying too much size could work against himCredit: GETTYThe Gypsy King may have decided to come in heavier in order to rough Usyk up in their Riyadh rumble.But former Brit world champion Duke McKenzie reckons the added size could end up working against the Wythenshawe warrior.He told GiveMeSport: “If he puts on more weight and thinks to himself ‘I’m going to bully Usyk this time, I’m going to go in and walk him down, I’ll be able to take his shots because I’m that much bigger’, it’s not going to work for him.”He’s going to be slower, he’s going to be more predictable, he’s going to get hit more and a lot sooner…READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2″Usyk wins the rematch all day long, I can’t see how Tyson Fury beats him.”Fury’s lifestyle outside of the ring is also a concern for former three-weight world champ McKenzie: “He [Fury] doesn’t live, eat, walk and talk the sport.”But you’re supposed to, in-between fights is where fights are won and lost.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We know Fury blows up, puts on a load of weight between fights and then he has got to get rid of all that weight again.Most read in Boxing”Now, they’re trying to tell us that Fury is going to be bigger and better. Bigger and better isn’t going to beat Usyk. It’s really not.”Usyk Vs Fury 2 Launch Event entrancesMcKenzie reckons Fury doesn’t stand a chance of knocking slick southpaw Usyk out, adding: “This guy is unbeaten, so you have to look for chinks in his armour.”Has this guy got a bad engine? Does he get cut? Does he go down?”Does he have to get up off the floor to win fights? “Usyk doesn’t have to do any of them, he’s never shown any vulnerability.”Fury, 36, suffered a split decision defeat to Usyk in their first desert dust-up in May, in which he was knocked down in the ninth round.And he’s adamant he won’t let the Ukrainian hear the final bell, saying: “I’m going to roll the dice and it’s going to be you or me.Tyson Fury has vowed to be killed or be killed in his rematch with Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTY”Best foot forward and swing away.”I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time.”He continued: “There’s no secret! I’m going in there to knock you out. Because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do.”I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].”And I’ve got to get him out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.” More

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    Jake Paul has to stay away from KSI fight or his money-grabbing career is OVER, says British YouTube star’s boxing coach

    KSI’S trainer says Jake Paul is avoiding their grudge match in a bid to preserve his money-spinning boxing career.A weight disagreement threatens to stand in the way of a blockbuster bout between the pair of YouTube superstars. KSI’s trainer says Jake Paul is avoiding their grudge matchCredit: GettyJake Paul beat Mike Tyson in his last fightCredit: GettyPaul, 27, moved up to heavyweight to beat boxing great Mike Tyson, 58, in their controversial Netflix showdown.The American bulked up to 227lb (16st 2lb), while KSI’s last fight – defeat to Tommy Fury – was at THREE STONE lighter at 183lb.Paul was, however, down at 185lb (13st 2lb) when he was also beaten by Fury – leaving KSI’s coach Alexis Demetriades questioning the row over weight.Demetriades told SunSport: “I just don’t understand. The common ground is 185 where everyone fought Tommy, even though I think we weighed 183.READ MORE IN BOXING”But we’ll take 185, the same weight he lost to Tommy at. We’ll take the fight at that weight.”I mean, he claims to want to fight Conor McGregor at that weight, he wants to fight rematch Fury at that weight.”But yeah, he’s got to stay away from KSI because if he loses to KSI, his whole money-grabbing career is over.”I think that’s the difference between their coaches or their managers. He’s an asset to them.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The truth of the matter is if he wants to shut everybody up, take the KSI fight that’s how it should be.”KSI, 31, is yet to return since a controversial points loss to Fury, 25, in October 2023 after suffering a hand injury. KSI tells SunSport about his next fight, Donald Trump drinking Prime and Arsenal’s chances of winning the leagueMeanwhile Paul has won five times since his split-decision defeat to Fury in Saudi Arabia last year. His last was against a rusty Iron Mike – who ended nearly 20 YEARS out of retirement to return.Despite criticism over the age gap, a huge 108 MILLION tuned in to watch on Netflix. Paul’s team had been planning a move back down to the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb, but they have since teased remaining at heavyweight.Shock fights against Anthony Joshua, 35, and Daniel Dubois, 27, have even been mentioned by the American’s camp. But Demetriades said: “Look, if KSI wanted to fight any of these guys, he’d get that fight as well. He’s just not that type of guy.”He’s not delusional or disrespectfully trying to money-grab, he’s not that kind. It’s not his character.”JJ wants testing fights that are hard, that the public, that the people want to see that he wants to be part of.”It’s like getting two top chefs to fight each other, I mean, yeah it might be enjoyable but I’d rather eat their food.”I don’t necessarily think that, Jake Paul calling out Daniel Dubois is I mean, it’d be fun to watch but I don’t know – maybe people would pay to see it, I wouldn’t.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s just entertainment. I guess we’re taking the word sports out of it and we’re using the word entertainment more. So if we’re breaching into that department, then fair enough.”But ultimately, I think the fans want big nights, crazy fights, Misfits-style fights with crossover boxers and athletes and things that really kind of wet the appetite.”Anthony Joshua with Jake Paul More