Blog

Anthony Joshua has done himself a power of good, literally, with the hat-trick of thunderous blows which he thanks the Almighty for raining down upon the head of UFC interloper Francis Ngannou.

‘God is good,’ said he who would be three-time and undisputed world heavyweight champion. Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk permitting, in due course.

The good he has done for his mediaeval sport is even more profound. And he knows it.

Joshua went from worshipful to Trumpian as he said: ‘We are making boxing great again.’

That he is. Just as remarkably as he as risen from a trough of despond after being dethroned by Usyk.

Anthony Joshua claimed his fourth successive victory against Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday night

Joshua (right) knocked his opponent down three times in the opening two rounds, landing a brutal right-handed hook on Ngannou (left), knocking his opponent out

Joshua, suddenly, is leading the charge across the Arabian desert which has become boxing’s new battleground

If ever this noble old game needed a clarion call to arms it is now. Joshua, suddenly, is leading the charge across the Arabian desert which has become the battleground. One announced by three knock-downs inside two rounds of such force that Ngannou cannot remember them.

The electricity which surged through the world of boxing in the dawn hours of this Sunday morning sparked the man himself to say: ‘We are on fire.’

He vows to carry the fight all the way to a full blown revival of the ring’s flagship division, saying: ‘Heavyweight boxing is a league of its own.’

The Premier League, he might have said. Except that it has been in the doldrums of late. Now, empowered by the black gold of Saudi oil, the best of the big men are finally getting around to boxing each other. As in days of yore.

When asked who he would prefer to fight for that undisputed crown once Fury and Usyk have settled the ownership of all the alpha belts, Joshua said: ‘Both.’

There will be a delay, since the Gypsy King and the Ukrainian hero are contracted to a rematch whichever of them prevails here in May. But they both know that the desert sands have shifted towards a resuscitated AJ.

For Fury to watch from ringside as his British arch-rival reduced to dust the huge icon of mixed martial arts who knocked down and almost defeated him here five months ago, was a 4am wake up call. Be sure he will respond with alacrity as well as the tinge of irony with which he said: ‘Me and Usyk will be real boxing.’

Tyson Fury (pictured), who defeated Ngannou last October, was spotted ringside and looked shocked by the manner of Joshua’s victory

The British fighter (left), meanwhile, praised his opponent and whispered in Ngannou’s (right) ear: ‘You’re a great fighter. Stay in boxing. Work at boxing and you will have many big nights to come’

It was a big win for Joshua (left), who has been working hard to reinvent himself following his two defeats by Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua reacts after brutal Francis Ngannou knock-out

Usyk, for his part, will not have recognised the hesitant Joshua he outboxed twice. Trainers Ben Davison and Andy Lee have inspired his reinventing of himself in his maturity as the old AJ who dynamited his way to Olympic gold followed by two world titles.

The buzz among the faithful will grow louder, The couple of hundred followers who trekked to Riyadh this time will multiply as his crusade goes on.

Joshua will need a worthy opponent to keep him primed as he waits for Fury and Usyk.

One candidate on the undercard did himself no harm either. Joseph Parker suffered the inevitable damage which Chinese giant Zillie Zhang is capable of inflicting when his monstrous punches connect.

But with Usyk (pictured) and Fury set to meet in May, Joshua will need a worthy opponent to challenge him next

Joseph Parker (pictured) could be that man, after coming back from suffering an early battering to defeat Zillie Zhang on Friday night

Parker (right), like Joshua, has applied himself to the hard graft of redemption since losing his WBO title to the Brit six years ago

‘I’m not done here yet’: Francis Ngannou responds after AJ defeat

But the amiable Kiwi rose from two knockdowns, ignored his broken nose and produced the second masterly performance of this late, late show with a brave and brilliant tactical exercise which won most of the 12 rounds.

This on the back of beating Deontay Wilder, who has also been classified as one of the biggest punchers of all time.

Parker, like Joshua, has applied himself to the hard graft of redemption since losing his WBO title to AJ six years ago. Of a possible rematch, the New Zealander who trains with Fury, says: ‘Yes. Bring it on. I’ll be ready.’

Joshua explains the cost of such epiphanies: ‘This can only be done by hard, hard work. It is by total dedication that I think I’m not just the old AJ but possibly the best AJ I’ve ever been.’

No argument here. The naysayers will join Fury in raising the caveat that Ngannou is still a novice in boxing after only two high profile fights, But as he recovered from this traumatic shock Joshua whispered in his ear: ‘You’re a great fighter. Stay in boxing. Work at boxing and you will have many big nights to come.’

Later he added: ‘These things happen to the best of men, especially with the power of heavyweight punching. But Francis is a big asset to boxing. We need him.’

Joshua also spoke of how he and Ngannou will be donating money to provide life-changing opportunities to children from Nigeria and Cameroon

Of the Arabian summer to his career, in which he is now as hot as he has ever been, Joshua says: ‘The future is in God’s hands. We all have our destiny. What will be, will be. But I can do my bit. I will be back in the gym this Monday morning. I will keep training almost every day. Back in what I call my cage.’

By such application these 30-somethings – Joshua, Fury, Usyk, Parker – are making this mysterious but emergent land very much the country for older fighting men. With their own financial futures very much secured by the tens of millions of dollars the Saudi Kingdom is investing in them, they are coming to the help of others.

Joshua rarely talks about his charity work but given the context of his fight with Ngannou he revealed: ‘We have our roots in Africa. Me in Nigeria, Francis in Cameroon. We have agreed to combine our efforts in providing life-changing opportunities for poor kids from those two countries.’

Forget about AI for the moment. AJ the very human being has struck three huge blows for mankind.

Sean O’Malley goes toe-to-toe with Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera in the main event of UFC 299 on Saturday night with the bantamweight title on the line.

Vera is the only man to have handed the American a defeat in his professional career, a loss O’Malley discounts as a fluke.

The bookies have the champion as a comfortable 5/2 favourite and he is growing in confidence all the time, particularly after impressively dispatching Aljamain Sterling.

But how do other top fighters see the main event going down in Miami?

Interestingly, opinion is divided among fellow bantamweights, with former champion Henry Cejudo saying: ‘I’m sorry Sean but I still don’t think you’ll get past. I still think you’re a clown and… yeah, I lost. I’ll take it, but I think you’re about to lose.

Sean O’Malley (left) takes on Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera (right) in the main event of UFC 299

Henry Cejudo is tipping the underdog to upset O’Malley in Miami this Saturday night

‘I believe if Chito sticks to the game plan, kicks your f***ing leg. He runs you down for five rounds and just stalks you and catches you looking at the clock.

‘I do believe that Chito Vera is not only going to beat Sean O’Malley but he’s actually going stop him. I’m going Chito Vera via stoppage maybe within the fourth or fifth round. I think for that reason it could be an easy fight for the one and only Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera.’

While Corey Sandhagen agreed that O’Malley can be brittle, adding: ‘I know O’Malley has broken hands in fights and his leg in fights. From what I hear he’s injured a lot of the time.

‘I know if you’re going to fight someone as intense as Chito, who is a very durable guy who does hit very, very hard it’s not going to be an easy task to take that guy out or win in any fashion if you’re not that durable.

‘He’s very talented but won’t keep up on a hard fight.’

However, Sterling, the man who lost his belt to O’Malley, predicts that a slow start could cost the Ecuadorian challenger.

He said: ‘Chito is one of the more dangerous guys, especially with those kicks. He’s not the best puncher but with those kicks he’s deadly.

Vera won the first fight between the pair but O’Malley is the heavy betting favourite

Robert Whittaker talked up the accuracy and power of O’Malley’s striking

‘He starts too slow where he’s given up one or two rounds. So it could be that O’Malley just needs to skate to one more round to a decision. I think O’Malley is going to get the job done.’

Robert Whittaker, meanwhile, was more circumspect and put forward the cases for both men to win.

‘O’Malley has an uncanny ability to find the KO point, finding his mark,’ the Australian former middleweight champion explained.

‘I don’t think it will be any different in this fight but I do think there will be a mental thing at play because I saw the face off and Chito looks mean, he’s a killer.

‘You can tell in his eyes that he’s looking at O’Malley thinking he already beat him once and will do it again.’

A number of fighters also made their predictions to James Lynch, with Paul Craig and Anthony Pettis among those to tip the champion to secure his first defence.

‘I’m an O’Malley fan because of the striking,’ Pettis said. ‘Obviously I saw how the first fight went down but I like O’Malley’s style and the way he goes from orthodox to southpaw so seamlessly and his confidence has got to be up.

While Craig added: ‘That’s a bit wild, that one. Chito just jumped the queue. I believe being champion brings a little bit of confidence and a bit more about you and that is probably going to O’Malley.

Neil Magny (right) thinks Vera has what it takes to beat O’Malley for a second time

‘I thought in the fight against Sterling that Aljo would just take him down but I think O’Malley as a champion now will be a different animal, he already had confidence and now he’s got even more.’

Chase Hooper agreed: ‘I think O’Malley honestly. I like Chito but feel like he was losing that first fight until he got the drop leg on O’Malley, which I imagine is something O’Malley will be waiting for and same thing for Chito, he will be hunting that calf even more. O’Malley showed up even better against Aljo so I think he’s stepped up level wise.’

Neil Magny and Ben Askren both went for Vera to upset the odds, with Magny saying: ‘I think Chito might pull this off. The last fight was very close, it was unfortunate that Sean hurt his leg and we weren’t able to see how it would play out in it’s totality.’

Askren was far from confident in his pick but also sided with the underdog: ‘I did not think O’Malley was going to win against Sterling but he rose to the occasion. I guess I’ll go with Chito but not with a level of comfort.’

Some big name fighters previewed the main event on their own social pages, with Alexander Volkanovski breaking it down in depth.

The recently dethroned former featherweight champion told his YouTube channel: I know he’s already beaten O’Malley but O’Malley is high level.

Alexander Volkanovski thinks the striking skills of the champion will win the day

‘I think he’s underrated, I know people think he’s good but I don’t think they understand how good he is, his shot selections, variety in his strikes, angles, distance management – all of that is very, very high level. He’s young, still in his prime and finding his prime.

‘He’s the champion, is he still putting in the hard yards? He’s already been a bit of a celebrity, had a bit of love and you’ve seen him evolve into being a champion but that champion lifestyle can change people.

He continued: ‘I was able to be the same person, that’s why I felt like I evolved so much, is that the case with O’Malley. I’m leaning towards O’Malley, I think his striking is going to be too much. I think Chito has to keep it standing, O’Malley is even dangerous on the ground.

‘I think he’s going to be hard to take down, I think Sean can even give him problems there. I think it’s going to be a stand up fight, which is exciting. I think it will be a finish for Sean O’Malley.’

British star Arnold Allen was of the same mind, saying on his YouTube channel: ‘I think O’Malley is going to defend the belt with a lot of volume kicking and stance switching. I don’t think it’ll be the most exciting fight.

The champion put his first defeat by Vera down to a ‘fluke’ after his leg was compromised

‘Vera has to pressure, kick his leg again, high guard. Don’t walk into silly shots but be in his face and try to break him, not be in kicking range but I think O’Malley is going to win.’

And Israel Adesanya interestingly chose not to have a dog in the fight given his friendly relationship with both pugilists.

‘Chito it’s all about managing the distance, either it’s all the way out or all the way in, he has to out-feint Sean,’ he said on his YouTube channel.

‘It will be a battle of distance, trying to counter the counter striker. I’m not going to pick, I think they will sort it out themselves and again I love Chito as a person and O’Malley always shows me respect and it would be a disservice if I was to pick a winner. It’s not my fight, it’s theirs so you guys can roll the dice on that one.’

Anthony Joshua delivered a devastating blow to end the hopes of heavyweight newbie Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.

The win confirmed the British boxer’s readiness to become a three-time world champion after stunning the former UFC champion by putting him on the canvas three times.

Ngannou – who has emerged as a new emerging threat in boxing after he himself had put Tyson Fury on the deck during their showdown in December – was no match for the Brit, who has recaptured some of his old fear factor with a statement win.

 

The manner of the fight’s conclusion brought to mind some of the sport’s most brutal finishes.

Here are are my picks of the five most sensational heavyweight knockouts in history in descending order.

Joshua (right) knocked his opponent down three times in the opening two rounds, landing a brutal right-handed hook on Ngannou (left), knocking his opponent out

It was a big win for Joshua (left), who has been working hard to reinvent himself following his two defeats by Oleksandr Usyk

5. George Foreman – Michael Moorer

November 5 1994 Las Vegas

Moorer had turned down the chance of fighting Lennox Lewis for the unified world heavyweight championship. He said the titles didn’t much interest him but more likely he was not at all interested in fighting our Lennox in his prime.

That decision did not save Moorer. Big George was coming back from a near ten-year retirement, declaring such intense determination to redeem himself from his Rumble In The Jungle humiliation by Ali two decades earlier that he donned a replica of the shorts won by The Greatest that night.

Moorer, 19 years the younger, stormed ahead through all the early rounds. Come the tenth Moorer, wearying of his efforts to finish off Foreman, went out looking for the KO. Whoops. Rope-a-dope revisited.

He walked onto Big George’s big right. His discombobulated efforts to beat the count ended in a crumpled heap. At 45 years and 360 days Foreman became the oldest heavyweight ever to win a world title.

George Foreman (left) became the oldest heavyweight champion to win a world title after the brutal knockdown over Michael Moorer

READ MORE: The definitive top 25 heavyweight boxers of all-time: How high does Tyson Fury rank, who was tougher than Mike Tyson and is Muhammad Ali really the greatest? JEFF POWELL gives his ultimate verdict

4. George Foreman – Joe Frazier

Kingston, Jamaica January 22 1973

Frazier, the ultimate warrior, had picked up the WBA and WBC world heavyweight tiles stripped from Muhammad Ali for refusing conscription to fight in the Vietnam War by knocking out the highly respected Jimmy Ellis.

Typically, Frazier agreed without hesitation to meet the formidable challenge from the also undefeated Foreman. His courage was beyond question. His judgement not so much. He would be battered to the canvas six times in the first two rounds by fusillades of Foreman’s hefty punches.

Renowned US television commentator Gil Glancy resorted to repeating: ‘Down goes Frazier, down goes Frazier, down goes Frazier…..’ There was not much time to say anything else. After the fourth flattening at the start of the second round Foreman called out to Frazier’s corner: ‘If you don’t stop this fight I’m going to kill your guy.’ Referee Arthur Mercante performed that humane service when a huge right sent Smokin’ Joe down for the sixth and last time.

Muhammed Ali – then named Cassius Clay – delivered a short right hand to jaw to drop Sonny Liston

3. Cassius Clay (as he was then) – Sonny Liston

February 25 1964 Miami Beach

One of the most important stoppages in ring history did not even require a definitive final punch from the precocious young man known also as the Louisville Lip.

Ali, as he would become before their rematch, was an 8-1 underdog against the most terrifying figure in boxing at the time, who had just KO’d Floyd Patterson in the first round to become world heavyweight champion.

Henry Cooper as British champion was offered a fight with Liston but his manager Jim Wicks said: ‘We don’t even want to meet Liston walking down the street.’ Clay, at 3 am on the day of contract signing drove to Liston’s home street in Denver and woke him by shouting ‘come out of there you big ugly bear.’

The spooking of Liston continued when Clay said he would donate the bear to the zoo after he beat him. Liston was an immense physical specimen but lacked the intelligence to deal with ‘this crazy kid.’

Clay would admit that he was scared just before the fight but overcame it when he survived the first big punch. By contrast, the longer it went Liston was increasingly incapable of mentally processing Clay’s antics, let alone his lightning speed of hand and foot for a heavyweight.

Clay had made the first of his famous predictions: ‘The Bear goes in eight.’ He was proved slightly wrong when, after a flurry of his punches at the end of the sixth round, Liston quit on his stool.

2. Mike Tyson – Michael Spinks

Atlantic City June 27 1988

Tyson’s ferocious punching, arguably the most powerful of all time, had supercharged the youngest ever world heavyweight champion.

Spinks was also undefeated and held a couple of the titles and was regarded as the Peoples Champion in preference to the young Iron Mike who petrified not only most of his opponents but what America liked to regard as civilised society.

Donald Trump settled arguments about the purse split – which ended up at $22 million for Tyson and $13.5 million for Spinks – to promote at his Atlantic City casino what would become the $70 million grossing richest fight yet.

Some closest to the Spinks corner insisted they could smell the fear on him as he entered the ring. Not that Tyson needed any further encouragement. A delayed start for a spurious mind-games check on his gloves had angered him.

He pounced out of his corner at the first bell and felled his man with a left uppercut followed by a crunching right to the body. Spinks rose at the count of four.

His one meaningful punch was dodged by Tyson who promptly dropped him again with a left-hand right combination to the head. To stay. It was all over in 91 seconds. Spinks later admitted he had been fearful of Tyson. He was not alone in his apprehension.

Mike Tyson ended his heavyweight clash against Michael Spinks within 91 seconds in Atlantic City in 1988

The Rumble In The Jungle  is one of the most iconic fights in boxing history and it delivered an explosive finish when Ali dropped the favoured Foreman

1. Muhammad Ali- George Foreman

Kinshasa, Zaire October 30 1974

Extravagant promoter Don King’s fabled Rumble In The Jungle. The great men had to stay in Africa an extra five weeks after Foreman sustained a cut eye in sparring.

The local population kept up their drumming and chanting throughout. The fanatical support for Ali reached a crescendo in the heaving, sweating stadium on a wild fight night. He had kept them entertained with his poetic goading of Foreman but The aging Greatest was a 4-1 underdog against the all-powerful, all conquering Big George.

Ali confided to trainer Angelo Dundee shortly before the first bell that he had a secret but seemingly suicidal plan to halt this hitherto unstoppable force. Hello Rope-A-Dope. Ali laid back on the ropes for most of the first seven rounds, inviting Foreman to punch himself out while occasionally clipping his face with snap jabs. Big George became bewildered as well as fatigued.

As he lumbered into another assault at the start of the eighth Ali whispered in the ear of one of the hardest punchers of all time: ‘Is that all you got George.’ Then he landed the right hand blow which sent Foreman crashing to the canvas. Where he stayed.

The Greatest was also the world heavyweight champion once again. The most watched television broadcast of the time with harvested an estimated one billion viewers around the world. A documentary film of the event – When We Were Kings – won an Oscar.

Dana White has given his reaction after former UFC star Francis Ngannou suffered a second round knockout to Anthony Joshua as he continues his attempt to crossover into boxing.

Ngannou had raised expectations after an impressive boxing debut against Tyson Fury in October.

The Cameroonian sensationally knocked down the WBC heavyweight world champion before losing via a split decision verdict.

Ngannou’s second visit to the boxing ring, however, ended in brutal fashion as he was sent to the canvas three times by Joshua, who earned a knockout victory in the second round.

White, speaking after UFC 299, gave a blunt assessment of Ngannou’s performance as he suggested the former UFC star had benefited from Fury being out of condition for his boxing debut.

Dana White has reacted after former UFC star Francis Ngannou lost to Anthony Joshua

Joshua ended the contest with a knockout in the second round of the boxing fight in Riyadh

Ngannou was knocked to the canvas three times in two rounds before the fight was ended

‘If Fury trained for the fight and didn’t show up and look like he ate Tyson Fury, that’s probably the way that fight would’ve ended, too,’ White said.

‘Listen, you know how I feel about crossovers into boxing.

‘That’s how they end, just like that.’

Ngannou left the UFC last January despite reportedly turning down an offer that would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight of all time.

The fighter was released by the organisation and stripped of his heavyweight belt after taking the decision not to renew his contract with the promotion.

Ngannou has now secured two money-spinning heavyweight fights since moving into boxing, but the nature of his loss to Joshua has led to doubts over whether he can make a successful crossover.

The 37-year-old had been put on the canvas by Joshua with about a minute to go in the round, beating the count at nine and making it back to his feet to see out the final 40 seconds.

However, when he was knocked down again in the second round there appeared to be little chance of Ngannou continuing, and after struggling back up he was quickly knocked out by a big right hand to put an end to the contest in Joshua’s favour.

Ngannou had risen expectations after knocking Tyson Fury down on his boxing debut

White claimed Ngannou would have had the same fate had Fury been in a good condition

Ngannou required oxygen in the ring as he was attended to by medics in the immediate aftermath, before recovering to leave the ring unaided.

Despite the brutal nature of his loss to Joshua, Ngannou insisted he will continue to pursue success in the ring.

‘You can be sure I’m not done here,’ Ngannou said post-fight.

‘It wasn’t my day, he was way better than me today.

‘It sucks but it’s the game. We all know that.’

‘I’m not done here yet’: Francis Ngannou responds after AJ defeat

Joshua has also offered his backing for Ngannou to continue in boxing.

‘You’re an inspiration,’ Joshua said.

‘You’ll beat a lot of people. Don’t leave boxing. Don’t leave boxing.

‘If you need anything, let me know, but we’ll speak another time.’

Towering Cuban heavyweight Robelis Despaigne made a devastating UFC debut as he won his fight in 18 seconds.

Despaigne is one of the most promising stars in MMA, and made his UFC bow on Saturday night on the undercard of Sean O’Malley’s bantamweight title defence against Michael Vera.

He took on Josh Parisian in Miami, but the bout was short-lived, with Despaigne dealing with his opponent good time to earn to Performance of the Night award for the event.

In doing do, he secured the second-fastest knockout for a debuting heavyweight in UFC history, behind Todd Duffee’s seven seconds against Tim Hague in 2009.

Having dispatched of his last three opponents in a combined 19 seconds, Despaigne, who said he will be ready for a title fight ‘in four or five fights’, took a little longer to deal with Parisian, but can be forgiven given his impressive striking inside the cage.

Robelis Despaigne made his UFC debut on Saturday and delivered a staggering early knockout

He beat Josh Parisian in Miami after just 18 seconds as he put the heavyweight division on notice

He signed for the UFC in December following success early on in his MMA career elsewhere

The taekwondo Olympic bronze medalist started off the bout with a strong right hand and head kick to asset his dominance in the opening few seconds of the fight.

Parisian tried to move forward, but Despaigne, 27, delivered a brutal right hand to floor his opponent and bring an end to proceedings.

He threw a few more punches before the referee stepped in, but had asserted his dominance and put the heavyweight division on notice so early on in his career.

The giant will now have to face tougher opponents, but looks more than ready to make the step up next time out.

The giant had won his last three fights in under 20 combined, including a three-second KO

With a background in combat sports, Despaigne made his MMA debut in June 2022 at Titan FC 77, beating Katuma Mulumba in the first round via a TKO stoppage.

In 2023, he began competing on Fury cards and started to dismantle opponents, knocking out Travis Gregoire in 12 seconds in June, Stevie Payne in three seconds in September and Miles Banks in four seconds in December.

Later that month, he signed with the UFC and has now put the heavyweight division on notice.

Marcus Stroman is prepared for the 2024 season with the Yankees.

Marcus Stroman is entering a new chapter of his career with the New York Yankees in 2024. Transitioning to a big market like New York is never easy, but Stroman is ready for the challenge.

“There is nobody in this process who was like, ‘Hey Stro, you need to…’ That was only the people who weren’t involved, the outsiders who were like, ‘Hey, Stro, you gonna put on a suit and tie and be Mr. Good Boy?’ I’m 33 years old. I am who I am,” Stroman said, via Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. “I’ve got 10 years in the big leagues. I don’t have to change for nobody.”

Some players have struggled to find comfort in New York. Yankees fans can be ruthless, and will not hesitate to boo you the moment you begin to slump. This can lead players to not be themselves at times.

Marcus Stroman’s potential impact on Yankees

Stroman is confident in his ability, and who he is as a person. He is not going to change for anyone. And that is exactly what the Yankees need. 2023 was a difficult season so perhaps Stroman’s confidence will help this ball club turn things around.

“I truly believe everything is connected,” Stroman added, via Rosenthal as well. “It’s not like I’m going to be on my tip toes, creeping around here, shy and scared to say things and then go out on the mound and be myself.

I think every great team has a balance of guys who are quiet in the way they go about it, but also guys who are authentically themselves, passionate, flashy, confident, guys who aren’t scared to talk a little bit of s—-. That authenticness, paired with the group of guys they already have, it’s hard to beat that dynamic.”

The Yankees need to make the playoffs in 2024. This isn’t a team that can accept back-to-back years of failure. Aaron Judge will lead the charge, while the Juan Soto addition will certainly help matters. Of course, reigning American League Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole is set to lead the rotation once again.

But Marcus Stroman’s impact on the Yankees cannot be overlooked. He’s going to help the team bounce back during the 2024 season.

Derek Chisora has slammed Jake Paul‘s upcoming fight against Mike Tyson, claiming that the pair will be wearing 18oz gloves and headguards in what he believes will be a sparring match shown live on Netflix.

On Thursday, the bout was announced for July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Texas as influencer-turned-boxer Paul is set to take on legend Tyson.

Tyson will turn 58 just three weeks before the fight, meaning that he is 30 years older than his opponent going into fight night.

The news has taken the boxing world by storm, with Chisora now discussing the match-up, as he has slammed the event.

Speaking to Radio Rahim on , he claimed that the bout will be a glorified spar, saying:  ‘I know for a fact they are using 18oz gloves and headguards – if I’m not mistaken.

+3
View gallery

Mike Tyson is returning to the ring to take on Jake Paul on July 20

+3
View gallery

Tyson retired in 2005 and is set to take on Paul, who is 30 years younger than him

‘I think so. So we’re watching a sparring match.’

When asked if he believes the bout is a ‘real fight’, Chisora continued: ‘I don’t know man. How old is Jake Paul? A guy who’s 24 fighting a guy who’s f***ing 56…

‘It’s a f***ing joke. You think I’m paying to watch that?’

Chisora is not the only key figure in the world of boxing who is not a fan of the fight, with Eddie Hearn telling MailSport exclusively that the fight will be a ‘really sad’ event to watch.

‘For me it’s really sad because Mike Tyson was one of my idols growing up, and to see him fighting at 57, 58… but I also understand that a lot of people are going to tune in and watch,’ Hearn told Mail Sport.

‘It’s an entertainment event, Netflix, great to see them involved in boxing. I think it will do really well. But it’s just not really one for me.’

Tyson is set for his return to the ring this summer, but it remains to be seen as to whether the contest will involve the use of headguards and 18oz gloves as Chisora has suggested.

Most Valuable Promotions are yet to confirm the full details of the fight, which will take place live on Netflix on July 20.

+3
View gallery

.

Mel B has revealed the Spice Girls are supporting their bandmate Geri after her husband Christian Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour.

Former racing driver Christian, 50, is currently being probed over claims that he sent ‘sexually suggestive’ texts to a female employee on his Red Bull F1 team – allegations which he has vehemently denied.

Geri, 51, was said to be ‘devastated’ over the scandal with a source telling MailOnline she had not felt able to engage with her bandmates – even going as far as to unfollow all of the Beckham’s on social media.

She also deleted Red Bull star Max Verstappen, however later appeared to have a change of heart when she re-followed David, Victoria and Max sometime later.

Now, Mel B has insisted the girls have been in touch with Geri, and is leaning on Victoria for support, with Posh ‘supporting her in any way she can.’

Mel B has revealed the Spice Girls are supporting their bandmate Geri after her husband Christian Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour (pictured in 2018)

Former racing driver Christian is currently being probed over claims that he sent ‘sexually suggestive’ texts to a female employee on his Red Bull F1 team (pictured with Geri in May 2023)

Speaking to The Sun on Saturday, Scary Spice said: ‘We have a WhatsApp group and we have sent messages.’

It was also revealed Geri is ‘leaning on’ Victoria for support as she previously helped the designer through her own marriage troubles.

A source told OK! Magazine: ‘They always got on well and have been there for each other through the difficult times.

‘When Geri was having a bit of a stormy relationship with some of the other Spice Girls, Victoria supported her and helped her through. It’s the same now Victoria wants to support Geri any way she can.

‘Victoria and David have had some really low points together as a couple and Geri was there for her.’

MailOnline has contacted Geri’s representatives for comment.

It comes just days after Geri unfollowed her Spice Girls bandmate Victoria – and David and Brooklyn Beckham – as the fall-out from the scandal turned toxic.

At the the time, a source told MailOnline: ‘There have been hundreds of fall outs between Geri and Mel B over the years, not least when Mel let slip that she and Geri had slept together a few years ago.

‘But Geri has never had a problem with the Beckhams until now.’

Geri was said to be ‘devastated’ with a source telling MailOnline she had not felt able to engage with her bandmates – even unfollowing all of the Beckham’s on social media (pictured with Victoria in 2012)

Now, Mel B has insisted the girls have been in touch with Geri, while ‘Victoria wishes to support her in any way she can’ (Mel pictured in November)

Geri Horner celebrates husband as he marks his 50th birthday

It was also revealed Geri is ‘leaning on’ Victoria for support as she perviously helped the designer through her own marriage troubles (pictured in 2018)

It comes just days after Geri unfollowed her Spice Girls bandmate Victoria – and David and Brooklyn Beckham – as the fall-out from the scandal turned toxic

They continued: ‘You get different accounts of what is going on from different people but the bottom line is that she seems to be taking Christian’s problems very hard.

‘All of the girls have reached out to her but she’s not felt able to engage with them. She is devastated and it’s possible that she feels that the Beckhams could have given her – and Christian – more public support.’

It indicated some extraordinary infighting, with F1 insiders saying that the current allegations, relating to alleged bullying and ‘inappropriate behaviour’ made by a female colleague appear to be part of a ‘power struggle’ within the team.

While Christian denies the claims a Dutch paper De Telegraph claimed to have seen messages at the heart of the probe, and alleges that they were ‘sexually orientated’.

When the news broke on February 6, it was said only that he was accused of ‘incredibly controlling behaviour’ by a female colleague. He denied it fully and appeared relaxed at a media event when he said that he had a ‘very supportive wife’ in former Spice Girl Geri, who is standing by him.

Two weeks later De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to the woman employee ‘over an extended period of time’.

The source of the leak has caused a sensation: Red Bull’s star driver, Max Verstappen, is Dutch, as is his influential father, Jos.

It is perhaps unfortunate that Geri, ‘unfollowed’ Verstappen on Instagram soon after the De Telegraaf story was published.

After the unfollowing became public, Geri swiftly re-followed Verstappen and David and Victoria. It’s not clear what the Beckhams have done to get dragged into the scandal.

Geri’s publicist claimed – despite screen shots which appear to show the opposite – that it is ‘inaccurate’ to say Geri had unfollowed anyone.

One friend told the Mail: ‘Geri worked very hard to get that marriage — there is no way she is letting it go. She always said she was determined to find her prince, and she felt she had with Christian.’

With her husband and children, she has carved out an idyllic country life at their Cotswolds estate.

Sources say Geri has been ‘flattened’ by the scandal – especially as the alleged recipient is a colleague she knew well – and the nature of the messages

But sources say Geri has been ‘flattened’ by the scandal – especially as the alleged recipient is a colleague she knew well – and the nature of the messages.

A friend added this week: ‘Geri is devastated and has been struggling to eat and sleep. Her family and fellow Spice Girls are worried about her.

‘I hear Christian is trying to pep her up to stay positive, but she has gone to ground in the way she did after she left the Spice Girls. She’s not speaking to anyone.’

The source believes Geri may skip the trip to Bahrain for the Grand Prix, as she cannot face the scrutiny.

Christian refused to comment on the investigation into his own alleged ‘inappropriate behaviour’ on Thursday but said he hopes there is a ‘resolution as soon as possible’. 

Horner was carrying out his Red Bull team principal as usual in Bahrain, amid the investigation launched earlier this month.

During the press conference at F1 testing, Horner said he was unable to talk about the ongoing investigation because he was a ‘part of it’ but said the ‘process was under way’.

Horner, who was reluctant to elaborate further, finished by saying he hoped a resolution could be found as soon as possible.

The 50-year-old said: ‘There is a process underway and since I am part of it, I cannot comment on it. We hope there is a resolution as soon as possible.’

Christian refused to comment on the investigation into his own alleged ‘inappropriate behaviour’ on Thursday but said he hopes there is a ‘resolution as soon as possible’

During the press conference in Bahrain on Thursday, Horner said he was unable to talk about the ongoing investigation because he was a ‘part of it’ but say the ‘process was under way’

Horner (right) denies the claims emphatically and his wife Geri Horner (left), formerly Halliwell, is standing by him as he fights for his reputation

The allegations against Horner have overshadowed the run up to the 2024 F1 season – which got off to an inauspicious start when the morning’s session was abandoned after Lewis Hamilton hit a drain cover.

Horner denies the claims emphatically and his wife Geri, formerly Halliwell, is standing by him as he fights for his reputation.

Mail Sport understands a determination on the inquiry may be made by the end of the week.

A bizarre moment unfolded in the Professional Fight League (PFL) on Thursday, where Islem Masraf scored a sensational 10-second knockout over debutant Mickael Groguhe with a brutal kick to the head.

It was Groguhe’s first fight in the PFL, but strangely he appeared unwilling to want to defend himself as the fight began.

The Frenchman had appeared very relaxed entering the Octagon, and as soon as the first bell sounded, he stepped forward, not wanting to raise his hands.

The heavyweight has now fought professionally five times, winning three of those bouts via first-round stoppages.

Groguhe nonchalantly walked up to his opponent, before Masraf, who is 3-0-0 in the PFL, saw his opportunity and swung his left ankle into his opponent’s temple, knocking him to the canvas, before unloading several punches to the Frenchman’s head.

MMA fighter Mickael Groguhe (left) bizarrely refused to defend himself during his PFL fight vs Islem Masref (right)

Masref took full advantage of his opponents laid back approach to the fight, delivering a brutal kick to his opponent’s head to knock him out after just 10 seconds

The referee immediately stepped in to call time on the fight, with Masraf stepping up looking confused by his opponents antics.

The incident left some fans online perplexed too, with one writing: ‘Did bro’s controller die?’

Another added: ‘What was bro thinking?’ While one said: ‘Did that guy even want to be there?’

‘What was the thought in coming out with your hands down?’ Asked another.

Groguhe dropped to the canvas before eating several punches from his opponent

It was Masref’s third professional victory, having beaten both of his previous opponents via a knockout or submission

Fans were left baffled by Groguhe’s approach to the fight, with one asking: ‘What was the thought behind coming out with your hands down?’

His opponent, Masraf, used the opportunity to call out Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen.

Masraf, meanwhile, is no stranger to finishing his opponents, having won also won his two previous professional fights against Mathieu Grondin and Azamat Aboukhanov by knockout and submission.

The legends of the pinstripes know how to spot greatness. When former New York Yankees star baseman Tino Martinez calls Juan Soto “one of the best I’ve ever seen,” we listen.

Martinez, no stranger to championship lineups, recently had a tête-à-tête with YES Network, dishing on Soto’s impact and the potent partnership forming between him and fellow slugger Aaron Judge. It’s a pairing that not only has Yankee fans buzzing but could send shockwaves through the entire American League. But what makes Soto so dangerous?

The former Padres’ star’s raw power is undeniable, yet Martinez offers a peek into something deeper. The former MLB coach praises the youngster’s unwavering discipline at the plate, a calculated approach unlike most power hitters. Could this be the key that propels him to new heights in his first full season with the Bombers?

USA Today via Reuters

Tino breaks down Juan Soto’s genius

Martinez digs deep in the interview clip shared on Twitter today, praising Soto’s calculated approach: “The guy has a great game plan; he knows what he’s doing at home plate… He’s just a dangerous hitter—one of the best I’ve ever seen.” This discipline, he observes, means Soto isn’t just swinging for the fences.

His calculated approach, including a deadly two-strike adjustment, positions him to dominate opposing pitchers in numerous ways. As Tino points out, “He has a great commitment to the strike zone, and if you watch his batting practices, it’s left field-left field-left field—he’s not trying to pull the ball and just hit home runs like most guys do.” How much potential does this factor into unlocking his full power in New York alongside the All-Rise?

“A lot!” That’s Martinez’s blunt assessment of the damage the Juan Soto-Aaron Judge tandem will inflict. It’s about more than just their individual power. With the Childish Bambino’s on-base prowess ahead of Judge, pitchers face an unwinnable dilemma: give Soto a free pass or risk unleashing Judge’s historic home run potential.

This dynamic, Martinez believes, comes with a ripple effect: “When two guys like that are dangerous and they’re getting on base all the time, working the counts, the rest of the lineup kinda feeds off that, and it makes the whole lineup better, all the way through.” And the All-Rise seems to agree with that sentiment.

The impending transformative impact

Juan Soto’s consistent threat elevates the entire Yankee offense, a dynamic witnessed in his four Spring Training blasts. “It just elevates everybody’s game,” Judge himself remarked to Forbes, admiration evident in his assessment. This excitement, as history shows, can make or break a season.

It’s also a reminder that while the Yankees are enjoying the immediate power surge, Soto’s long-term future in New York is uncertain. But his numbers speak for themselves: 167 combined regular and postseason home runs since his 2018 debut. This puts Juan Soto in an elite company, especially considering his young age.

Aaron Judge, while a home run machine himself, brings a slightly different dynamic. The Bronx Bombers’ captain’s historic 2022 season cemented his place among Yankee legends. Yet, the Pinstripers’ recent struggles suggest they need more than just individual heroics. Soto’s ability to consistently get on base and hit for power adds a dimension that could revitalize the entire offense.

Tino Martinez’s insights, coupled with Soto’s electrifying start, paint a vivid picture of an offense on the rise. The Soto-Judge partnership might just be the catalyst that transforms this lineup from a collection of stars into a true force to be reckoned with. This dynamic duo has the potential to take the Yankees to new heights—and the rest of the league better take notice.