Section: Sport:Boxing

AMIR KHAN fears Canelo Alvarez has lost his hunger for boxing – leaving Terence Crawford ready to feast. 

Canelo defends his undisputed super-middleweight titles against Crawford on Saturday night – which will be the 68th bout of his iconic career. 

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The red-haired boxing hero – who was bullied for his ginger hair earning him the nickname Canelo, which translates to cinnamon in Spanish – turned pro aged just 15. 

And now two decades later the 35-year-old is the sport’s top attraction.

He is on course to become a BILLIONAIRE and has world titles in four division’s clogging up his trophy cabinet. 

So Khan – who was beaten in his retirement fight against Kell Brook in 2022 – reckons Canelo has lost the same fire which burnt him in their 2016 clash. 

Khan, 38, told SunSport: “I think that Crawford takes the fight in my opinion.

“I like Canelo and he’s very respectful but the reason why I think this is because Crawford’s a fresher fighter.

“I’ve just started seeing little things in Canelo in the last couple of fights where he moves more.

“I just don’t think he’s got the fire in the belly like he used to or have that killer instinct like before.

Canelo vs Crawford – All the info

IT’S finally time – one of the biggest boxing matches EVER takes place THIS WEEKEND.

Two of boxing’s GOATs will meet in the ring as they fight for pound-for-pound supremacy and the super-middleweight crown.

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford have been fixtures in the top of the rankings for years and are considered among the best to ever do it.

Unbeaten Crawford, who beat Israil Madrimov to win the light-middleweight title last time out, hasn’t fought for a year.

He is jumping up two weight divisions to meet Canelo, having spent most of his career weighing in even lighter.

Mexican favourite Canelo has scored title defences over Edgar Berlanga and William Scull since Crawford was last inside a ring.

Here’s all the info for this must-watch fight…

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CANELO VS CRAWFORD: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY

“I don’t think he has that killer instinct now. Normally they have that killer instinct where they wanna go for the kill and hurt the guy, but I think he’s calm and he’s a made man.

“I know how that is. Like when I fought against Brook, you don’t have that fire in your belly like you are coming up and you wanna achieve something.

“You know when you’ve achieved everything – which Canelo in my opinion has when it comes down to belts, titles, and also weight categories and also financially – that fire in the belly just goes and I know you might say that it might not go, it’s automatically it’s gonna happen.

“Your mind’s a very strong muscle that it just takes over your whole body.” 

Khan boxed to an early lead against Canelo almost ten years ago – before a frightening right hand in the sixth robbed him of his momentum and senses. 

The former super-lightweight champ was caught so hard he was out for the count well before the he even hit the deck. 

Khan said: “I don’t know if he’s got the same kind of power that he had then, but in my opinion, he does hit very, very hard.

“I mean, even before I hit the floor, I was probably knocked out, to be honest with you. That’s how hard he hit me. So that just shows pure power.

“The guy’s very strong and he can definitely hurt someone really badly. But like I said, I don’t know how much power he has left in him now.

“Obviously, as you get older, the power’s not gonna be the same, but I’m sure it’s still very strong.”

Crawford, 37, beat a past-his best Khan in 2019 but the pair reunited as training partners three years later before the Brook grudge bout. 

That was at the 10st 7lb welterweight limit – but Crawford now finds himself up THREE divisions to challenge for Canelo’s 12st throne. 

I just don’t think he’s got the fire in the belly like he used to or have that killer instinct like before.

Amir Khan on Canelo

But Khan – who had Crawford in the corner the night he lost to Brook – warned the unbeaten American can hang with the biggest and best of them. 

He said: “Crawford is a bigger guy in camp. He’s always a stronger and bigger guy. I’ve seen him take down heavyweights.

“The guy, he’s a good wrestler and also he’s just a very strong guy. He’s got a strong upper body.

“So yeah, I don’t think anyone’s gonna give him any problems, especially Canelo, I don’t think Canelo’s gonna give him any problems.

“Look, you make them wrestle, I guarantee you Crawford will take Canelo down easy. That’s how strong he is.

“He’s a very good strong wrestler as well. But obviously that shows how much strength he has, core strength is solid. He’s a solid guy.”

The pound-for-pound greats meet at the Las Vegas Raiders’ 65,000-seat NFL stadium – streamed live on Netflix. 

It has the hallmarks of a bonafide super-fight for the ages – one Khan reckons cannot disappoint. 

He said: It’s gonna be a fantastic fight though still regardless because one thing I can say about both fighters is that they’re not gonna sit back and they’re not gonna put on a performance, they’re gonna fight till they die.

“But I just feel that Crawford has that little bit more than Canelo.”

CANELO ALVAREZ is set to earn over $100MILLION for his fight with Terence Crawford – after agreeing a historic deal.

The Mexican superstar defends his super-middleweight titles against unbeaten Crawford in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

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UFC boss Dana White is promoting the mega-bout alongside Saudi Arabia money man Turki Alalshikh.

Alalshikh was probed on whether he will deliver a $100m payday for Canelo – but the Riyadh powerbroker is going one further.

“You get the number wrong. That contract between us and Canelo is more than that,” Alalshikh said when asked about a $100m purse.

“Congrats, Canelo.” Crawford said from across the press conference table.

Canelo, 35, was in shock talks to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 28, on May 3 in Vegas.

But Alalshikh instead offered Canelo a fresh multi-fight deal to snub the spectacle bout against Paul.

Canelo accepted and defeated William Scull, 33, in May to win back the IBF title to once again become undisputed champion.

And he defends the crown against Crawford after penning a historic deal with Riyadh Season’s Alalshikh.

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CANELO VS CRAWFORD: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY

Canelo vs Crawford – All the info

IT’S finally time – one of the biggest boxing matches EVER takes place THIS WEEKEND.

Two of boxing’s GOATs will meet in the ring as they fight for pound-for-pound supremacy and the super-middleweight crown.

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford have been fixtures in the top of the rankings for years and are considered among the best to ever do it.

Unbeaten Crawford, who beat Israil Madrimov to win the light-middleweight title last time out, hasn’t fought for a year.

He is jumping up two weight divisions to meet Canelo, having spent most of his career weighing in even lighter.

Mexican favourite Canelo has scored title defences over Edgar Berlanga and William Scull since Crawford was last inside a ring.

Here’s all the info for this must-watch fight…

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“I want to say something; thank you also to Canelo to accept this fight and accept to do it,” Alalshikh said.

“And honestly, we signed Canelo the biggest history contract ever to happen in boxing for three fights.

“On Saturday I hope to see a great fight, they will give everything and I hope for their safety.”

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PADDY DONOVAN will be hoping to right some wrongs when he takes on Lewis Crocker once again for the IBF welterweight title.

Donovan, 26 thought his title dreams had come true when he delivered a big right hand to knock Crocker down during their first encounter.

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But to the dismay of the Irishman, he would quickly learn he had been disqualified by referee Marcus McDonnell, who deemed his punch to be AFTER the bell in the eighth round.

Speaking after the fight, Donovan said: “It’s not easy to get the fight out of your head. It’s not really the fight, it’s the aftermath … Coming out of the ring, the emotions setting in and seeing different reactions from the crowd.

“This part of my journey doesn’t really happen to many fighters. You either win fair or you lose fair.

You either win, get knocked out or knock out somebody and you just move on. It was like I won the fight but didn’t get the result. That’s the way I felt deep down.”

Six months later, Paddy will get a second shot at Crcocker and SunSport can let fans know exactly how to watch it.

How can I watch Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2?

• Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan will be exclusively broadcast LIVE on DAZN.
• The whole fight card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe via a DAZN subscription.
• If you are not currently a DAZN member, then monthly and annual subscription options are available to watch over 185 fights a year across boxing, bare knuckle boxing, MMA and kickboxing.
• An Annual Super Saver subscription is a one-off payment of £119.99 / $224.99 for 12-months access (£14.99 / $19.99 per month if paying in monthly instalments).
• A Monthly Flexible pass, which can be cancelled at any time, is £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
• If you are not a DAZN subscriber, you can also redeem a 7-day free trial and just pay for the PPV as a one-off, and once the trial is over, you will move onto a Monthly Flex subscription, should you not cancel.
• Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will bring you round-by-round updates from the huge card.
• Crocker vs Donovan 2 will take place on Saturday, September 13.

Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2 – All the info

WINDSOR PARK will host one of the biggest boxing nights in Irish history as rivals Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan meet again THIS WEEKEND.

Almost 20,000 people are set to pack into the stadium to watch the highly-anticipated rematch between Belfast’s own Crocker and Limerick’s Donovan.

Their first fight ended in massive drama as Donovan was disqualified for punching Crocker after the bell after round eight.

He had already been docked points in rounds six and eight for illegal use of his elbow and head.

With tensions boiling over – and a world title also now on the line – we could be in line for one of the best fights of the year.

Here’s everything you need to know…

Watch Crocker vs Donovan 2 live on DAZN

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Who else is on the card?

There will be another huge title fight on the card to accompany the main event.

• Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2 (IBF welterweight world title)
• Ishmael Davis vs Caoimhin Agyarko (Super-welterweight bout)
• Tyrone McKenna vs Dylan Moran (Welterweight bout)
• Molly McCann vs Kate Radomska (Bantamweight bout)
• Pat Brown vs Austine Bbandi (Cruiserweight bout)
• Matthew Boreland vs Ruadhan Farrell (Irish super-bantamweight title)

What has been said?

Crocker feels as if he has been written off despite winning the first fight.

The heavy-hitter told DAZN news: “It does change. The last fight was seen as a 50-50 fight. I feel like everyone has written me off for this fight.

“I’ve got to be better from the last time around. I’m feeling very confident going into this fight. Fight week is always busy, and I’ve always got stuff to do. I’m used to it now.

“But the main part is on September 13th. It will be exceptional on the pitch, with the crowd. It is going to be such a huge occasion for everyone and for the city of Belfast.”

MIKE TYSON is set to fight Floyd Mayweather in a blockbuster boxing fight in 2026.

The two sporting icons have already signed contracts for the exhibition bout.

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The retired duo will face off in a Spring showdown, TMZ reports.

Tyson, who confirmed the news on Instagram on Thursday night, will enter the ring again aged 59.

The heavyweight king sparked health concerns during a fight against Jake Paul last year.

He struggled in the clash against his younger foe.

And unbeaten 48-year-old is eleven years his new rival’s age.

The 50-0 legend has also been able to keep himself in top shape in retirement.

Tyson’s bout against Mayweather is being organized by CSI Sports/Fight Sports.

An exact date and location is not yet known.

“This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen,” Iron Mike said.

“However, boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable, and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets.

“I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really do this.

“It’s going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it, so it’s signed and it’s happening!”

The exhibition fight will not go towards their professional records.

“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy,” Mayweather said.

“You already know that if I am going to do something, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be legendary.

“I’m the best in the business of boxing.

“This exhibition will give the fans what they want.”

Mayweather has been named the greatest fighter this century.

He last fought professionally in August 2017 when he took on UFC king Conor McGregor.

‘Money’ also fought Logan Paul in an exhibition bout years later.

Tyson’s last fight against his brother Jake drew 108 million viewers.

ANTHONY JOSHUA looks ready to fight right now as he showed off his shadow boxing and hulking physique.

The two-time heavyweight world champion has been out since September 2024 when he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois.

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But he posted a video online – showing off his incredible shape – shadow boxing outside.

Elbow surgery in May also kept Joshua sidelined – meanwhile shock talks to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul progressed behind the scenes.

Paul has since announced a November 14 exhibition bout against WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis – who is FIVE STONE lighter.

AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn is still in talks with Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian over a fight in 2026.

He told iFL TV: “They want to move forward with the Joshua fight around March 2026.

“But I said to him, ‘If you get chinned by Gervonta Davis, I can’t possibly make the fight with AJ.’

“Gervonta’s a 135lber. Obviously, they don’t think that’s going to happen but I don’t know too much about it.

“It’s an exhibition with bigger gloves? I don’t know. But they definitely want to go from Gervonta Davis to AJ.

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“The issue is, I don’t think we can wait till November to see how he gets on against Gevonta Davis.

“AJ is back in training with the view to fight in early 2026 so it’s very likely we’ll do our own thing. But we’ll see. We’re still talking.

“We do realise it’s a massive event. If he was to go in there and bash up Gervonta Davis, it wouldn’t be nothing much to boast about.

“It’s a cruiserweight vs a lightweight but at least he’s in there with a pound-for-pound fighter.”

Joshua, 35, is now set to return in January or February in a warm-up bout before turning his attention again to Tyson Fury, 37.

Fury retired in January following two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, 38, last year but has teased a comeback in 2026.

Paul, 28, meanwhile made a heavyweight fight in November when Mike Tyson controversially made a comeback aged 58.

And over 100 MILLION watched Tyson lose his first professional fight in 20 years over eight shorter rounds of two minutes.

Paul then followed it up by beating ex-middleweight world champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, in June to earn himself a No14 WBA cruiserweight ranking.

But his next fight against Davis is not set to count towards his official record with the exhibition unable to be professionally sanctioned.

Paul fights in the 14st 4lb cruiserweight limit of 200lb while Davis is a champ in the 9st 9lb lightweight division of 135lb.

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DEONTAY WILDER has welcomed a fight with Jake Paul – in a bid to dish out a “reality check”.

Wilder has become the latest champion of the past linked with a bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.

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And while it so far remains just another possibility on the table – Wilder is ready to come to the table for that lucrative conversation.

He told Brian Mazique: “Nothing has been presented to us, at the moment it’s not real, but if it came my way of course I’m 100 per cent taking it.

“He’s been doing his thing in the business although it’s not the traditional way, it’s not the logic way of how a fighter comes up or how he gains stardom and fame and fortune.

“Unfortunately, it’s a more brutal road than that. Some of these guys never, ever in their lifetime see $50,000, let alone $100,000 or $1million or $2million.

“It just doesn’t go like that. That module of how it is, it’s not like that. But it’s the wave of what young people are looking to or what they like.

“Unfortunately, people try and go off the vote of popularity. What’s going on, what’s popular, what can make them money.

“Money makes the world go round and everybody is trying to make that dollar – no matter what skill you’ve got if you can generate a crowd that generates to asses in seats that generates money.

“So all of this is a cycle that’s used and here it is you’ve got a guy that’s been doing good in generating money and putting asses in seats although he’s selective in how he fights and who he fights, I would say.”

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Paul moved up to heavyweight in November when Mike Tyson controversially made a comeback aged 58.

And despite the scrutiny surrounding the showdown – over 100 MILLION tuned in on Netflix to watch Tyson lose over eight shorter rounds of two minutes.

Paul, 28, then returned in June to beat ex-middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, over ten rounds to earn himself a No14 cruiserweight rank in the WBA.

The American – whose only loss in 13 fights came to Tommy Fury in 2023 – soon after entered shock talks to fight Anthony Joshua.

And two-time heavyweight champ AJ looked to be nearing a deal to face Paul next year.

But talks have since stalled after Paul announced a November 14 exhibition against lightweight champ Gervonta Davis, 30, who is FIVE STONE lighter.

Paul’s camp claim they still intend to fight Joshua, 35, in 2026 with the Brit legend  sidelined since his September 2024 loss to Daniel Dubois, 27.

But Wilder, 39, has now thrown his name into the mix to fight Paul in an attempt to teach the prankster-gone-prizefighter a lesson.

He added: “That’s exactly how I would approach it. It would be a big reality check.

“That would be the title of the show ‘Reality Check’. At least for me.”

Wilder suffered consecutive losses – to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang – before returning to victory against little-known Tyrrell Herndon in June.

And he is now in talks to fight ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou – who lost his two boxing bouts to Tyson Fury and AJ.

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JOEY ESSEX returns to the big screens once again TONIGHT… but not for a reality TV show!

The TOWIE legend will be making his highly anticipated boxing debut on the Misfits 22 card against Portuguese influencer Numeiro.

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Joey, 35, was in line to feature on Misfits Boxing’s ‘super card’ in Qatar last November against KSI’s brother Deji.

But it fell through with Joey featuring on season 11 of Love Island instead.

Fast forward a year later, Essex is set to face Numeiro who has a little bit of experience in the ring.

However, the Portuguese star lost his only career fight – a 2023 sixth round stoppage by Kalin Simeonov.

And despite it being Joey’s first-ever boxing bout, he’ll feel confident with his uncle and legendary coach Tony Simms in his corner who is known for his incredible work with British icon Conor Benn.

SunSport can provide fans with all the details ahead of this intriguing clash.

When is Joey Essex vs Numeiro?

• Joey Essex vs Numeiro will take place TONIGHT – Saturday, August 30.
• Ring-walk times for this huge fight are yet to be confirmed but reports suggest that the fight could start around 9pm BST.
• The main card will get underway at 7pm BST, while the main event between Darren Till and Luke Rockhold is expected at 11pm BST.
• Manchester’s AO Arena is the chosen venue and it can host approximately 21,000 fans.

Misfits 22 – All the info

MISFITS boxing is back for an absolutely massive card this weekend.

The a huge event comes from the AO Arena in Manchester, with the night starring a mix of UFC legends, Misfits icons – and two TOWIE stars!

Ring of Thrones, as the night has been dubbed, is headlined by a meeting of two former UFC stars in Darren Till and Luke Rockhold.

Former UFC champ Tony Ferguson is also making his debut for the promotion and puts his legacy on the line against Salt Papi, who has impressed in the ring and won his last three fights by TKO.

A packed night sees reality TV star cousins Joey Essex and Demi Sims make their boxing debuts.

Demi’s dad Tony has trained the likes of Anthony Joshua and Conor Benn and is Matchroom Sport’s head coach.

MMA upstart Dillon Danis is also back on the card, as well as Misfits regulars such as Ty Mitchell, Chase DeMoor and Amir Anderson.

Here’s everything you need to know about the night…

FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION FROM MISFITS 22 LIVE ON DAZN

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What TV channel is Joey Essex vs Numeiro on and can it be live streamed?

Joey Essex vs Numeiro will be available to watch exclusively on DAZN.

There are three options for a DAZN subscription, Annual – either paying a one-off fee or monthly – and a monthly option. 

An annual pass can be purchased for £119.99 in the United Kingdom. That’s just £2.30 per week or 65p per fight (based on 185 fight nights per year).

A monthly flexible pass is priced at £24.99 per month, which can be cancelled at any time.

A subscription allows you to watch every live event and all on-demand programming on DAZN

A DAZN subscription costs:

• Annual Super Saver: £119.99 annually
• Monthly Saver (12-month deal): £14.99 per month
• Monthly Flexible pass (cancel any time): £24.99 per month

Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens.

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Who else is on the card?

Darren Till and Luke Rockhold headline Misfits 22 for a huge MFB bridgerweight title fight.

And fans will get to see Salt Papi in action once again when he takes on Tony Ferguson.

What has been said?

Numeiro has not been impressed with Joey Essex’s sparring videos.

The Portuguese influencer said: “I saw a couple of videos of him boxing and sparring and I do not know if he was trying to look bad on purpose to like not scare me away.

“That was genuinely a question in my head because I do not know the guy. I do not know if he fought as a kid. I saw a couple of videos and they looked really bad.

“Hopefully, he was not playing me. If that was the real him, I am confident I will beat him up.”

DARREN TILL goes head-to-head with ex-UFC champion Luke Rockhold in a colossal fight for the MFB Bridgerweight title THIS WEEKEND.

Manchester’s AO Arena hosts the high-stakes bout with professional MMA fighter Till taking on former UFC Middleweight champion Rockhold.

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Till boasted a UFC record of 18-5-1 and has since transferred his skill to the Misfits ring.

The Liverpool born fighter, 32, has won his first two fights since making his Misfits boxing debut, convincingly defeating Anthony Taylor by TKO and Darren Stewart by unaminous decision.

“The Gorilla” will be eager to continue his form with a win over Rockhold and is favourite for the bout.

American retired MMA star Rockhold makes his much anticipated boxing debut on August 30.

The 40-year-old star is most remembered for becoming the seventh UFC Middleweight champion in UFC history just over a decade ago.

It will be a tough challenge for Rockhold as he makes the transition into boxing, but he will be hoping for a strong underdog victory against the in-form Till.

When is Till vs Rockhold?

• Till vs Rockhold will take place on Saturday, August 30.
• Streaming for the event begins at 7pm BST.
• The ring-walks for the main event will be approximately at 10pm BST.
• The bout will take place in Manchester at the AO Arena.

What TV channel is Till vs Rockhold on and can it be live streamed?

• Till vs Rockhold will be broadcast live on DAZN.
• The whole fight card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe via a DAZN subscription.
• If you are not currently a DAZN member, then monthly and annual subscription options are available to watch over 185 fights a year across boxing, bare knuckle boxing, MMA and kickboxing.
• An Annual Super Saver subscription is a one-off payment of £119.99 / $224.99 for 12-months access (£14.99 / $19.99 per month if paying in monthly instalments).
• A Monthly Flexible pass, which can be cancelled at any time, is £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
• Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will bring you round-by-round updates from the huge card.

Who else is on the card?

Here are all the bouts taking place in Manchester:

Subject to change

• Darren Till vs Luke Rockhold; Bridgerweight
• Tony Ferguson vs Salt Papi; Middleweight
• Dillon Danis vs Warren Spencer; Light heavyweight
• Joey Essex vs Numeiro; Middleweight
• Ty Mitchell vs Sean Hemphill; Super middleweight

MOSES ITAUMA and Dillian Whyte will go head-to-head in a mammoth heavyweight clash THIS SATURDAY!

Itauma will be aiming to take another huge step towards a world heavyweight title shot with victory over his fellow Brit.

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MOSES ITAUMA VS DILLIAN WHYTE: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

WATCH ITAUMA VS WHYTE LIVE ON DAZN

The exciting youngster is ranked No1 by the WBO after he knocked out Mike Balogun in May to take his flawless record to 12-0.

Itauma is the big favourite to beat veteran Whyte, who is almost double his age.

The Bodysnatcher is looking to pull off a huge upset as he looks to revive his career after underwhelming wins against Christian Hammer and Ebenezer Tetteh in 2024.

A win for Whyte could potentially set up a blockbuster rematch with Anthony Joshua or a trilogy bout against Derek Chisora.

But defeat may see the 37-year-old’s time as a top heavyweight come to an end.

SunSport brings you all the details you need ahead of Itamua vs Whyte.

Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte – all the info

One of the biggest fights of the year has arrived

The highly-touted Moses Itauma faces the biggest test of his fledgling career as he steps into the ring with Dillian Whyte on Saturday night.

Itauma, 20, has great expectations on his shoulders – he has been compared to Mike Tyson and is expected by many to dominate boxing’s heavyweight division over the next decade.

But the Slovakian-born star – who sits at 12-0 (10KOs) is yet to face a test anywhere close to what Whyte can offer.

The Body Snatcher is now 37 and has not looked great in his last couple of fights, but the former world title challenger knows an upset win would catapult him right back to the top table.

Watch Itauma vs Whyte LIVE on DAZN

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fight…

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When is Itauma vs Whyte?

• Itauma vs Whyte will take place on Saturday, August 16.
• The main card will get underway at 5.45pm BST.
• The ring-walks for the main event are scheduled for around 10.20pm BST.
• The ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will host.

What TV channel is Itauma vs Whyte on and can it be live streamed?

• Itauma vs Whyte will be broadcast live on DAZN.
• The whole fight card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe via a DAZN subscription.
• If you are not currently a DAZN member, then monthly and annual subscription options are available to watch over 185 fights a year across boxing, bare knuckle boxing, MMA and kickboxing.
• An Annual Super Saver subscription is a one-off payment of £119.99 / $224.99 for 12-months access (£14.99 / $19.99 per month if paying in monthly instalments).
• A Monthly Flexible pass, which can be cancelled at any time, is £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
• Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will bring you round-by-round updates from the huge card.

Who else is on the card?

Here are all the bouts taking place in Saudi Arabia:

Subject to change

• Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte; Heavyweight
• Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman; Featherweight, for the WBA title
• Ray Ford vs Abraham Nova; Super featherweight
• Filip Hrgovic vs David Adeleye; Heavyweight
• Hayato Tsutsumi vs Qais Ashfaq; Super featherweight

CAPTAIN hook Dillian Whyte faces being stripped of his best punch against Moses Itauma – so he will have to come armed with a different weapon.

Whyte takes on red-hot 20-year-old prospect Itauma in the sizzling Saudi heat on Saturday – live on DAZN PPV.

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And astonishingly, it will be on the SECOND time Whyte has ever faced a southpaw opponent in his 34 professional fights so far.

The last time he did was against journeyman Tomas Mrazek at the Camden Centre in Kings Cross – which has a capacity of around 1,000.

Since then, Whyte has earned millions from boxing while challenging for the WBC world title in 2022, losing by knockout to Tyson Fury.

The Body Snatcher – as he is affectionately known for his work to the midsection – has also developed one of the most dangerous left hooks in that time.

But the punch – especially as a counter while catching the opponent’s shot on the gloves – is harder to land on a southpaw due to the angle of stances.

Trainer Mark Tibbs – who had four years and 11 fights with Whyte before their split in 2020 – recognises his former boxer is at risk of being debilitated against leftie Itauma.

Tibbs said on SunSport’s No Glove Lost episode: “Unless Moses is throwing a big hook, catch and whip, Dillian loves doing that, catching the shot and whipping the hook. 

“But, he’s got to get the right hand off as well, in my opinion.” 

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MOSES ITAUMA VS DILLIAN WHYTE: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

WATCH ITAUMA VS WHYTE LIVE ON DAZN

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Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte – all the info

One of the biggest fights of the year has arrived

The highly-touted Moses Itauma faces the biggest test of his fledgling career as he steps into the ring with Dillian Whyte on Saturday night.

Itauma, 20, has great expectations on his shoulders – he has been compared to Mike Tyson and is expected by many to dominate boxing’s heavyweight division over the next decade.

But the Slovakian-born star – who sits at 12-0 (10KOs) is yet to face a test anywhere close to what Whyte can offer.

The Body Snatcher is now 37 and has not looked great in his last couple of fights, but the former world title challenger knows an upset win would catapult him right back to the top table.

Watch Itauma vs Whyte LIVE on DAZN

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fight…

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Anthony Yarde – who lost in his two brave light-heavyweight titles challenges to Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbeiv – was in agreement.

And he looked to fellow guest on the panel, Derek Chisora, as an example of how Whyte should approach the bout against Itauma.

Yarde, 34, said: “For him to be catching and countering Moses, it has to be fast.

“For him to give Moses trouble or upset Moses, I personally think he’s just got to be a veteran. 

“Derek will now, you drag them down. Even (Chisora’s) last fight against Otto (Wallin) I was thinking, is that Derek? Because he put it on him. 

“Every time it was, bap, bap, bap, let him have it! Take that and see how you like it. It’s calculated.”

With Whyte’s famous left hook potentially being nullified – Tibbs believes the right hand will need to be more deadly than ever before.

He said: “I’d like Dillian to try get his lead foot on the outside the best he can and get his right hand off because he’s fighting the southpaw. 

“But he will have to use that left hand as a bit of a shield and get in mid range as early as possible. 

“They don’t call him The Body Snatcher for nothing, so we’re going to have to get round that body and try and unsettle and not let Moses be pretty. 

“But Moses is fleet-footed, it’s a difficult task but Dillian’s got the experience, I’m sure he’s got the desire and he’s a fighting man. 

“Unless Moses is throwing a big hook, catch and whip, Dillian loves doing that, catching the shot and whipping the hook. 

“But, he’s got to get the right hand off as well, in my opinion.” 

Tibbs – who never cornered Whyte against a southpaw – called on him to try and drag Itauma into a fight the youngster has never experienced before.

The trainer said: “He’s got a difficult task but if I was Dillian, he’s got to do his utmost to edge him back and put him on his heels. Not too many men can fight on their heels. 

“But Moses, like Derek says, is a fresh, fresh lion. He’s a sharp shooter, a great counter puncher, but it’s a cracking match. 

“Moses needs a Dillian Whyte right now to see where he’s at. The fans need to see where he’s at, we need to see where Moses is at. 

“He’s 12 fights in, it’s not a great deal. It’s a cracking match and what makes it a cracking match is Dillian’s mentality – like I’ve said before – and equally Moses’ mentality.”  

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MOSES ITAUMA and Dillian Whyte will go head-to-head in a mammoth heavyweight clash THIS WEEKEND!

Itauma will be aiming to take another huge step towards a world heavyweight title shot with victory over his fellow Brit.

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MOSES ITAUMA VS DILLIAN WHYTE: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

WATCH ITAUMA VS WHYTE LIVE ON DAZN

The exciting youngster is ranked No1 by the WBO after he knocked out Mike Balogun in May to take his flawless record to 12-0.

Itauma is the big favourite to beat veteran Whyte, who is almost double his age.

The Bodysnatcher is looking to pull off a huge upset as he looks to revive his career after underwhelming wins against Christian Hammer and Ebenezer Tetteh in 2024.

A win for Whyte could potentially set up a blockbuster rematch with Anthony Joshua or a trilogy bout against Derek Chisora.

But defeat may see the 37-year-old’s time as a top heavyweight come to an end.

SunSport brings you all the details you need ahead of Itamua vs Whyte.

Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte – all the info

One of the biggest fights of the year has arrived

The highly-touted Moses Itauma faces the biggest test of his fledgling career as he steps into the ring with Dillian Whyte on Saturday night.

Itauma, 20, has great expectations on his shoulders – he has been compared to Mike Tyson and is expected by many to dominate boxing’s heavyweight division over the next decade.

But the Slovakian-born star – who sits at 12-0 (10KOs) is yet to face a test anywhere close to what Whyte can offer.

The Body Snatcher is now 37 and has not looked great in his last couple of fights, but the former world title challenger knows an upset win would catapult him right back to the top table.

Watch Itauma vs Whyte LIVE on DAZN

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fight…

INFO

LATEST NEWS

When is Itauma vs Whyte?

• Itauma vs Whyte will take place on Saturday, August 16.
• The main card will get underway at 5pm BST.
• The ring-walks for the main event are scheduled for around 10pm BST.
• The bout will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but a venue has not yet been confirmed.

What TV channel is Itauma vs Whyte on and can it be live streamed?

• Itauma vs Whyte will be broadcast live on DAZN.
• The whole fight card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe via a DAZN subscription.
• If you are not currently a DAZN member, then monthly and annual subscription options are available to watch over 185 fights a year across boxing, bare knuckle boxing, MMA and kickboxing.
• An Annual Super Saver subscription is a one-off payment of £119.99 / $224.99 for 12-months access (£14.99 / $19.99 per month if paying in monthly instalments).
• A Monthly Flexible pass, which can be cancelled at any time, is £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
• Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will bring you round-by-round updates from the huge card.

Who else is on the card?

Here are all the bouts taking place in Saudi Arabia:

Subject to change

• Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte; Heavyweight
• Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman; Featherweight, for the WBA title
• Ray Ford vs Abraham Nova; Super featherweight
• Filip Hrgovic vs David Adeleye; Heavyweight
• Hayato Tsutsumi vs Qais Ashfaq; Super featherweight

DILLIAN WHYTE’S trainer Buddy McGirt sensationally admitted he has never watched his fighter’s upcoming opponent Moses Itauma box before.

McGirt, 61, made that stunning revelation just two weeks before Whyte, 37, faces Itauma, 20, on August 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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And that could come back to haunt the Body Snatcher and his trainer as his upcoming foe has won all of his 12 fights heading to their clash in the Middle East.

“But can that kid ask the same question? Can Dillian do something that this kid has never seen before?”

McGirt has worked with with several other world champions, such as Sergey Kovalev, Arturo Gatti and Hasim Rahman

And the American rarely watches tape in the lead-up to any of his boxers’ fights.

Ever since the New Yorker and Whyte linked up in 2022 following the Brit’s loss to Tyson Fury, the heavyweight counts three victories.

McGirt added: “We’re training hard like it is a championship fight, but we aren’t training like we are fighting Clubber Lang or anybody.

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“Moses is a good young prospect, but we’re working every day like we’re fighting for the title, whether it is against this kid or anybody else.”

But Itauma is not to be underestimated by Whyte and the rest of his camp.

The southpaw demolished his first 12 opponents in a way that has brought back memories of a teenage Mike Tyson.

TYSON FURY is champing at the bit to get back in the ring — and it is all thanks to his new training partner.

The 36-year-old Gypsy King retired after losing back-to-back heavyweight world title classics to Ukrainian hero Oleksandr Usyk, 38.

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But Fury confirmed he will return next year, with a long overdue duel with fellow Brit icon Anthony Joshua and an Usyk trilogy fight on the cards.

And the 6ft 9in showman has been inspired by his eldest boy, 14-year-old Prince, taking up the family trade and chasing him along Morecambe Bay.

Fury has been to Turkey for an IBA show and was at Wembley last night for Daniel Dubois and Usyk’s undisputed world heavyweight title decider.

He said: “It’s hard to let it go because it is something I enjoy. When I am around boxing it makes me miss it more. I try to only train three times a week now but it’s hard . . . very hard.

“And when people see me at the shows they assume I am coming back anyway, so it’s hard to walk away.

“I have had ground-breaking offers and everyone knows that I do not work for cheap pay.

“My eldest lad just did his first six-mile run with me and I am very proud of him because, before that, he couldn’t manage only two miles. So he is coming on well.”

Usyk and the 27-year-old Londoner Dubois managed to sell out the home of football, but even their two-bout rivalry would be dwarfed by the fantasy fight between Fury and 35-year-old AJ.

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Fury’s larger-than-life persona — be it hosting daily workouts on Instagram  during lockdown or starring in the WWE — has made him the sort of crossover star that boxing needs.

And he reckons there is still a desperate lack of superheroes left in the sport who can offer fight fans a 12-round escape from reality.

Fury explained: “It’s not just a problem in heavyweight boxing, it’s a problem for all of boxing.

“I don’t want to insult anyone but  boxing is entertainment and it is also showbusiness. People come home from working hard at their 9-5 job — which they don’t even like — and  they want to put their feet up on a Saturday.

“They want to  have a couple of beers, invite a few of their friends around and be entertained.

“But when you turn the TV on and see two boring characters who just stand there and don’t say s**t, they will think, ‘What am I watching?’

“If I went to an event and it was total s**t, I would never go back again or switch it on again.

“But  if something is good, I’ll book and go again. And it is the same in boxing.

Dream match imminent?

“There’s always a lack of charisma and characters. Every era has a couple of great characters and there are always a few great fighters who nobody remembers because they weren’t colourful enough characters.”

When the Fury and Joshua fight finally happens, Britain will stand still and everyone will pick a side.

The media events and face-to- face interviews will be worth the pay- per-view fee alone, even before a punch is thrown.

With the Saudis backing both men, it would generate hundreds of millions of pounds and would probably be a double header at Wembley and Riyadh.

And — following years of failed negotiations and rows over pulling power and value — Fury says they will be able to thrash out a fair deal.

He joked: “I would accept 90 per cent of the purse considering he’s coming back off a devastating knockout loss and I am coming off of two s**t losses!

Support from Paris

“But, honestly, the business side is irrelevant. If we do the fight it will be a level playing field of 50-50. I wouldn’t want to take advantage of him.”

And what about Fury’s long-suffering wife Paris, who tragically lost a baby boy six months into her pregnancy in the week building up to the first Usyk loss last year?

The Gypsy King revealed: “I have  spoken to Paris in depth about it and she has said that she will support me with whatever I want to do.

“But that might just be because she is sick of me and wants me out of the way!

“Or it’s because we have been the real Bonnie and Clyde since 2005  and she will support me with whatever I want to  do. She’s my ride or die.

“If we die, we die. And if we live, we live — that’s our sort of behaviour.”

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CHANTELLE CAMERON takes on Jessica Camara in a HUGE clash at Madison Square Garden.

Cameron and Camara come to blows on the undercard of the hotly anticipated Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3 card in New York.

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34-year-old British boxer Cameron comes into the clash with a record of 20-1-0, having won her last two fights.

Cameron has recently had two fights against Katie Taylor, beating her in 2023 to hand her a first and only loss in her career, before Taylor came back and won the rematch later in 2023.

Camara comes into the fight with a record of 14-4-1, most recently drawing with Caroline Dubois in January of 2025, but had won four consecutive bouts prior to the draw.

SunSport has everything you need to know ahead of the pair clashing at MSG.

When is Chantelle Cameron vs Jessica Camara?

• Chantelle Cameron vs Jessica Camara will take place THIS Friday, June 11.
• The clash is one of the earlier fights on the card, so ringwalks are expected around 12am BST.

How can I watch Chantelle Cameron vs Jessica Camara and is there a live stream?

• Chantelle Cameron vs Jessica Camara will be broadcast LIVE on Netflix as part of the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3 card.
• The huge trilogy bout will come at no additional cost to Netflix subscription holders.
• If you don’t hold a Netflix subscription, packages start from £5.99 per month, with the most expensive membership priced at £18.99.
• Alternatively, SunSport will live blog the action as it happens.

How to get tickets for Chantelle Cameron vs Jessica Camara

Limited tickets for Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3 card, including the Chantelle Cameron vs Jessica Camara clash, are still available via Ticketmaster.

Secondary tickets are also available on StubHub.

**Please note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face value.

Chantelle Cameron vs Jessica Camara full card

• Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano; undisputed women’s junior welterweight championship
• Alycia Baumgardner vs Jennifer Miranda; WBO, WBC & WBA super-featherweight titles
• Savannah Marshall vs Shadasia Green; IBF & WBO super-middleweight titles
• Ellie Scotney vs Yamileth Mercado; IBF, WBO & WBC super-bantamweight titles
• Chantelle Cameron vs Jessica Camara; Interim WBC World female super lightweight title
• Cherneka Johnson vs Shuretta Metcalf; IBF, WBC & WBO bantamweight world titles
• Tamm Thibeault vs Mary Casamassa
• Ramla Ali vs Lita Furtado

JAKE PAUL says he was set to earn $100MILLION against Canelo Alvarez – and planned to bet $2m on himself to win.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer and Mexican great were close to sealing a shock deal to fight on May 3 in Las Vegas.

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But Canelo walked away from talks to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh – KOing Paul’s huge payday.

He said on the Iced Coffee Hour podcast: “How much would I have made? Like $100million (£73m).”

Paul even planned to back himself for $2m (£1.4m) on himself in a bid to boost his earnings 20 fold.

He said: “Against Canelo I was going to bet like $2m on myself…

“I would probably have been like a +1000 (10/1) underdog so whatever the maths is – if I would’ve bet $2m I would have made like $20m.”

Fighters are allowed to bet on themselves to win in the state of Nevada – where the bout was scheduled for.

Paul’s last fight in November saw Mike Tyson controversial come out of retirement aged 58 as 100 MILLION watched on Netflix.

But after talks with Canelo collapsed, Paul instead signed to fight ex-middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, on Saturday.

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Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

JAKE PAUL’S controversial boxing career rolls on this weekend with the Problem Child facing boxing royalty in Anaheim, California.

Paul will face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, a highly-decorated former world middleweight champion.

The Mexican, 39, has fought just once in the last four years but has the best boxing resume of any fighter to step into a ring with Paul – bar Mike Tyson, who was aged 58 at the time they fought.

Watch Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr LIVE on DAZN PPV

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Canelo, 34, meanwhile beat William Scull, 32, in Riyadh in May to regain his undisputed super-middleweight world titles.

And he now defends them against unbeaten American Terence Crawford, 37, in their September 13 super-fight in Vegas.

Paul, 28, claimed he was blocked from boxing Canelo in a bid to restrain his earning potential.

He said: “They don’t want him to fight me because I have people who dislike me in the sport and don’t want to see me succeed and win and be the biggest name in the sport.”

THE squads for this year’s Soccer Aid have finally been confirmed, with the iconic charity match kicking off TONIGHT!

Tyson Fury will co-manage England at the charity match for Unicef alongside Wayne Rooney, who is out of retirement to play and manage alongside the former heavyweight champion.

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Fury has refused to rule out the mouthwatering prospect of subbing himself on and forming a partnership with Manchester United’s all-time record goalscorer Rooney.

Upon his announcement, Tyson Fury said: “ENGLAND MANAGER! Who would ever have thought it!?

“I have had some big fights in my career and the prospect of leading my England team to victory this June fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight!

“Everyone knows that I am a huge Manchester United fan too, so it’s even more special for me that the game is at Old Trafford this year – and I get to manage one of my heroes, Wayne Rooney!

“How can we lose!? The work UNICEF does all around the world is so special and so important.

“I really hope that you can come along and support us this summer.”

Old Trafford will host the game, with Stamford Bridge and the London Stadium hosting the match in recent years.

England won Soccer Aid 2024 edition 6-3 to end a SIX-YEAR wait to beat the World XI.

Who is playing at Soccer Aid 2025?

Here are the full line-ups for this year’s Soccer Aid:

*Subject to change

England full team at Soccer Aid 2025:

• Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur)
• Alex Brooker (TV personality)
• Jermain Defoe (Former footballer)
• Toni Duggan (Former footballer)
• Angry Ginge (YouTuber)
• Tom Grennan (Musician)
• Bear Grylls (TV personality)
• Joe Hart (Former footballer)
• Steph Houghton (Former footballer)
• Aaron Lennon (Former footballer)
• Dame Denise Lewis (Olympic gold medallist)
• Paddy McGuinness (TV personality)
• Sir Mo Farah (Former Olympian)
• Gary Neville (Former footballer)
• Sam Quek (Former hockey player/TV personality)
• Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)
• Paul Scholes (Former footballer)
• Jill Scott (Former footballer)
• Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle)
• Louis Tomlinson (Musician)
• Michael Carrick (Former footballer)
• Phil Jagielka (Former footballer)
• Roman Kemp (Radio host)
• Jack Wilshere (Former footballer)
• Bella Ramsey (Actor)

And the following will be coaching England:

• Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)
• Tyson Fury (Boxer)
• Harry Redknapp (Former football manager)
• Vicky McClure (Actor)
• Goalkeeping coach: David James (Former footballer)

World XI full team at Soccer Aid 2025:

• Tony Bellew (Former boxer)
• Leonardo Bonucci (Former footballer)
• Tobi Brown (YouTube star)
• Martin Compston (Actor)
• Richard Gadd (Actor)
• Bryan Habana (Former rugby star)
• Dermot Kennedy (Musician)
• Kaylyn Kyle (Former footballer)
• Gorka Marquez (Dancer)
• Nadia Nadim (Footballer)
• Livi Sheldon (Gladiators star)
• Edwin van der Sar (Former footballer)
• Nemanja Vidic (Former footballer)
• Harry Kewell (Former footballer)
• Big Zuu (YouTube star)
• Noah Beck (Actor)
• Carlos Tevez (Former footballer)
• Billy Wingrove (Football freestyler)
• Robbie Keane (Former footballer)
• John O’Shea (Former footballer)
• Maisie Adam (Comedian)
• David Trezeguet (Former footballer)
• Nicky Byrne (Singer)
• Kheira Hamraoui (Former footballer)
• Asim Chaudhry (Comedian)

World XI manager:

Hosts

Commentators

• Sam Matterface
• Iain Sterling
• Jason Manford

Officials

• Rebecca Welsh
• Natalie Aspinall
• Emily Carney
• Jane Simms

When is Soccer Aid 2025?

• The match takes place at Old Trafford on Sunday, June 15.
• Tickets cost from £20 for adults and £10 for concessions.
• The match will be aired for FREE on ITV and streamed on ITVX.
• SunSport will blog all the action as it happens.

JAKE PAUL revealed he is goading Anthony Joshua about being knocked out – as their “s*** talking” ramps up behind the scenes.

Paul audaciously called out the two-time heavyweight champion on his podcast earlier this year – vowing to knock Joshua out.

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It did not take long for AJ to quite literally call the prankster-turned-prizefighter’s bluff by phoning him up – but Paul countered by suggesting a 2026 fight date.

And Paul has now revealed the two are already goading each other privately over social media – as all’s fair in love and war.

He said: “It was all nice, we’ve been cordial. He DMd me today like saying “LOL” to one of my training clips and then I sent him a “LOL” of of him getting knocked out.

“And so I guess like we’re kind of s*** talking, behind the scenes a bit. But I have a lot of love for Anthony Joshua.

“I think this type of stuff is funny and he’s a great guy and I think just a fight between us would be awesome and I do believe I can win.”

Joshua, 35, is yet to fight since being KO’d by Daniel Dubois, 27, at Wembley in September having undergone elbow surgery in May.

Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed AJ hopes to return before the year is over – meanwhile Paul faces ex-middleweight world champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on June 28.

It comes after he stepped up to heavyweight in November to face Mike Tyson – who controversially made a comeback aged 58.

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Still over 100 MILLION tuned in to watch Paul’s eight-round points win on Netflix – but it came at the cost of piling on TWO STONE.

And Paul – who gorged on pasta, steaks and potatoes to bulk up – admitted the heavyweight jump was “brutal”.

The 28-year-old added: “It was just too much and my body wasn’t made for it and even when I got into the ring I just felt too fat.

“So cruiserweight is definitely the perfect weight for me.”

Paul will come down from 16st 2lb to the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb to face Chavez in California.

It followed after Canelo Alvarez, 34, pulled out of a shock deal to fight Paul in Las Vegas on May 3 – instead signing with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.

Canelo – who beat Chavez on points in 2017 – regained his undisputed super-middleweight titles with victory over William Scull in May.

And now he defends the 168lb thrown in a September 13 super-fight against unbeaten American Terence Crawford, 37, as Paul was forced to look elsewhere.

But he said: “Chavez and I have been going back and forth for a long time and he’s always been a great opponent on the list of someone that I wanted to fight.

“And now it made perfect sense to go up against him as a former world champion and just continuing to further my resume and get more time under the lights.”

Paul also revealed he is in talks to fight current cruiserweight champions Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, 33, and Badou Jack, 41.

And with Gervonta Davis, 30, also lined up for an exhibition bout – Paul says he is boxing’s most desired man.

He joked: I’m like like Megan Fox from Transformers movie like everyone wants me! So there’s not enough time to do it all and it could make sense. Look, it might.

“It might line up but at the end of the day, there’s 100 people that want to fight me. I got Canelo, Gervonta, Anthony Joshua, Badou, Zurdo, Tommy Fury, KSI, the list keeps on going.

“It’s just about what makes sense and we’ll see when the negotiations come but I would for sure entertain a fight with him.”

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JAI OPETAIA inflicted the “worst broken jaw ever seen” by the doctor who saved Caludio Squeo’s face.

Australia’s 29-year-old cruiserweight king had to defend his IBF crown against the brave Italian on Sunday night.

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And he did so with his trademark ruthless brilliance, battering the previously unbeaten man inside five one-sided rounds.

A body shot dropped Squeo in the fourth and a lead right hook from the South Coast southpaw in the fifth broke his mouth and dreams.

Opetaia’s Tasman team looked after the 34-year-old, rushing him to hospital where he got expert care and the diagnoses that left him needing a minimum of THREE metal plates to reinforce his jaw.

“He has two breaks,” Dr Shannon Webber explained to the team in a video shared – with full permission – with SunSport.

“He was obviously clipped here and then it’s gone ‘BANG’.

“And, when there is one fracture, there is always an exit break. It’s like a ring that always breaks in two spots.

“And there is a piece of fragmented bone left floating in his left cheek.”

Despite the brutal injuries suffered, as soon as Squeo came out of theatre, he helped praise on Opetaia and his classy team for their phenomenal assault on thr 14st 4lbs division and their decency outside the ropes.

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“I just came out of surgery to fix the two fractures I sustained in my jaw during the match,” he explained.

“The operation went very well. I’m fine.

“I learned right after the match that Opetaia was concerned about my condition and told his team to take care of me in every way possible.

“This shows us who the current IBF heavyweight champion truly is – not just a boxing phenomenon – but a real man, endowed with great sensitivity and heart.

“This is a boxing story driven by extreme men, filled with incredible tension, but also by boundless mutual respect.”

Opetaia – who overcame a broken jaw during his gruelling 2022 win over Mairis Briedis – now has a unification against Gilberto Ramirez on his wish list.

“Next fight Zurdo Ramirez, he’s mentioned me, he’s told me he will fight me next after his mandatory,” Opetaia said.

“Let’s get it on, I’m chasing that belt, let’s go.”

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