3 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Joseph Parker brutally knocks out Martin Bakole in second round after brave rival took fight on just two days’ notice
JOSEPH PARKER rewarded Martin Bakole for his super-sub antics with a two-round pasting for racing across Africa to save his show.
The 33-year-old Scotland-based heavyweight was digging ditches for a Kinshasa shopping centre to be named in his honour in the Congo on Wednesday.
GettyJoseph Parker needed just two rounds to beat Martin Bakole in Riyadh[/caption]
ReutersThe former WBO world champion had been due to face Daniel Dubois[/caption]
Parker caught Bakole with a solid right hook in the second roundThe Congolese challenger was sent flying by the force of the punchGettyThe entire bout lasted just under 6 minutes, with referee Steve Gray waving the action off[/caption]
But when Daniel Dubois was pulled out of his IBF heavyweight world title defence by the British Boxing Board of Control, after being struck down with a virus, Bakole got the unlikely call to face the dateless Kiwi.
Bakole’s chief support slot was so hastily arranged that he had to wear Dubois’ personalised gloves, complete with ‘DDD’ logo etched in white across the black knuckles.
But they were only on for the warm-up, ring walk and six minutes of action, before the 22st funster was flattened.
Up against a former WBO world champion, an 18-hour trip, via Dubai on Ethiopia Airlines, jet lag and a serious lack of sleep, Bakole couldn’t afford to waste energy.
So he dropped his lead left hand low and tried to lure Parker in close where he could be clipped.
The Kiwi was too wise and kept jabbing at the giant target from a safe distance but he was grazed right on the bell, when backed onto the ropes.
The second round started like a slugfest, Parker seemed crazy for engaging with the unfit behemoth in the few early rounds he could pose a threat.
And he looked like he was on a hiding to nothing when he landed a big right hand on Bakole’s beard and he theatrically shook it off.
The crowd cheered the iron chin and amateur dramatics but the fanfare didn’t last long.
Parker looped in a right hand that even a fit and fair-warned fighter would have struggled to deal with.
But being propped up on hope and airplane food alone, meant Bakole fell down onto his giant tartan backside.
He clambered inelegantly to his feet but he was gone and referee Steve Gray did the right thing in waving the action off with Bakole in a very dangerous spot.
Speaking to DAZN, Parker said: “I want to thank the people of Saudi Arabia and my team.
“Martin Bakole, thank you very much for accepting the invitation and for giving me a good fight.
“I’m fit, I’m strong and I’m healthy thanks to these men.
“Who’s next? How can I fight for the world title next? If [Oleksandr] Usyk wants a dance partner next, then we can get Uncle Frank [Warren] in here.”
3 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on The ‘unknown’ animated film that’s raked in £1.36billion – more than ANY of Disney’s biggest blockbuster
IT is the “unknown” animated film that is smashing records, with Ne Zha 2 making more in its first month than ANY of Disney’s biggest blockbusters.
The Chinese flick, about a dragon-slaying boy demon, has raked in $1.72billion (£1.36billion) at the box office, Chinese ticketing platform Maoyan has revealed.
Ne Zha 2 is making more in its first month than ANY of Disney’s biggest blockbustersSuppliedSuppliedThe Chinese flick, about a dragon-slaying boy demon, has raked in $1.72billion (£1.36billion) at the box office[/caption]
That had pulled in $1.71billion (£1.34billion) since its release last June, according to deadline.com.
Ne Zha 2, which hit the big screen on January 29, has also eclipsed the total takings of global juggernauts such as Frozen, Frozen II and The Super Mario Bros, which previously made up the top four.
Chris Olson, editor-in-chief of UK Film Review, told The Sun On Sunday: “The box office figures are extraordinary.
“With incredible takings like this, China is showing it can be a powerhouse in the movie industry.”
In China, social media platform Douyin — the country’s name for TikTok — shows videos of fans, from schoolkids to factory workers, heading off to watch the film, in which actress Lu Yanting voices Ne Zha.
Company Weilong Food in Shandong province posted footage of buses filled with nearly a thousand staff who were going to see it.
One local movie-goer said many Chinese film fans were boycotting Hollywood offerings such as Captain America to support home-grown movies.
Experts reckon it shows the country is fast becoming the one to watch in the film industry.
InstagramMolly Smith had a sweet text exchange with Casey O’Gorman before he entered the All Stars villa[/caption]
RexCasey ended up winning All Stars with Gabby Allen[/caption]
InstagramThe winners of the 2025 All Stars series seem to be going strong[/caption]
Just before the final, Olivia Hawkins returned to the villa briefly and claimed she’d seen text messages from Grace to someone where she had declared she would “do anything to win the show this time”.
And now more texts have been revealed – but this time from Casey to his pal Molly Smith.
In the messages, Molly said to Casey: “Good luck darling, you’ll be amazing you always are!
“Can’t wait to watch you, we’ll be voting on all devices!! Go show everyone why we all love you! We’ll be more than happy to pass our crown over to you 4 can’t wait to double date.”
Casey then replied: “Awwww thanks Molly. very sweet!!! Yes bloody vote for me and let’s hope I’ll be on video calls with you and Tom in the villa on the final episode.”
Molly then messaged Casey after he won the show, congratulating him and saying how he “only went and did it”.
Casey recently shared the text messages on his Instagram story and said how it was “manifestation at its finest”.
This then sparked fans on Reddit to say how all Islanders are “in it to win it”.
“The text message Casey has shared shows they are all in it to win it. Don’t know why they are specifically targeting Grace,” the Redditor said.
IN IT TO WIN IT?
They added: “My suspicion is that the rest of the islanders are a very close knit group and have had years to build relationships.
“Since Grace and Harriet were only from the most recent season they have not had the same opportunity to build these friendships / connections and are being singled out.”
One person then responded to the post, writing: “I don’t know why anyone is expecting these people to go on the show and find ‘love’ with people they already know. Obviously they are all there to win, that’s the point of a competition.”
Another agreed: “I mean its a competition show with prize money at the end… they all want to win it let’s be real.”
‘NOTHING SUSPICIOUS’
While a third said: “I would assume that anyone taking part in a competition with a monetary prize is in it to win it. I don’t think there’s anything suspicious or surprising there.”
Love Island winners - where they are now
EVERY year Love Island opens its doors to more sexy Islanders who are hoping for a holiday romance that could turn into more.
Here we take you through all of the Love Island winners so far and what their relationship statuses are now:
2022 –Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s time in the villa was anything but a smooth ride, but they managed to win the public’s hearts – and the ITV2 reality show. STATUS: Broken up.
2018 – It wasn’t surprising fan favourites Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer won the show, as they were strong throughout. But sadly things didn’t last. STATUS: Broken up.
2016 – Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde were together from the start of the series, and since they won the show they’ve had two kids and are married. STATUS: Still together.
A fourth then penned: “I can’t see any issue in these texts.”
While a fifth said: “Same here. However if anyone believes that they’re not mostly there just for followers, brand deals, the money it brings, and a free (or paid) holiday, then I think they’re being a bit naive.”
This comes as the All Star couples navigate life with one another outside of the villa.
But will they all last now they’re back in the UK and not sunny South Africa?
RexThe couple were stunned when they were announced as the winners[/caption]
SplashGabby and Casey are seemingly smitten after winning £50K[/caption]
3 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Sir Keir Starmer issues emotional plea to Donald Trump & asks America to stand by Ukraine to secure world peace
SIR Keir Starmer today issues an emotional appeal for President Donald Trump to stand by Ukraine with a security guarantee — and warns that a bad peace deal would be a “disaster”.
Writing ahead of his crunch trip to Washington this week, Sir Keir said the US President is right to “grasp the nettle” and try to end the war.
PAKeir Starmer will issue an emotional appeal for President Donald Trump to stand by Ukraine with a security guarantee[/caption]
The Mega AgencyThe PM will warn the President that a bad peace deal would be a ‘disaster’[/caption]
But a good peace “can only be won with strength” and it requires the world to stand up to Vladimir “Putin’s tyranny”, the PM said.
After Ukrainian supporters held a protest outside the Russian embassy in London yesterday, Sir Keir also hailed the war-torn country’s “bulldog spirit” — comparing it to the courage of Brits against Hitler.
He said Ukraine must be at the heart of peace negotiations.
The PM’s stirring words come days before a White House summit with President Trump which could prove crucial to the fate of peace across Europe.
He will urge the US to provide security guarantees for Ukraine.
This could mean providing air defence and a promise that the US will come to the aid of a Nato country if Russia attacks them.
Sir Keir could also use the trip to announce that Britain will commit to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030 — and set a path to 3 per cent — some sources in Whitehall believe.
Writing exclusively for The Sun on Sunday, the PM said President Trump is right to demand Europe spend more on defence.
Sir Keir Starmer said: “President Trump is also right to grasp the nettle and see if a good peace deal is on the table.
“Every time I have spoken with him, I am struck by his commitment to peace.
“Of course nobody in Britain wants the bloodshed to continue. Yet a good peace can only be won through strength.
“Ukraine must have a voice in negotiations about its future. And it needs strong security guarantees so the peace will last. I believe America must be part of that guarantee. It’s in their interest.
“A peace deal which does not stop Putin from attacking again would be a disaster for everyone.
“The best way to make sure that doesn’t happen is to be firm and fair now.”
Vowing to lead from the front, Sir Keir repeated his offer to put British troops on the ground in Ukraine after a peace deal.
In an astonishing few days, President Trump launched a series of savage attacks on Volodymyr Zelensky — even calling him a dictator.
The US President has frozen Ukraine out of peace talks and demanded it gives America $500billion worth of rare minerals.
Mr Zelensky has so far refused to sign over the minerals.
Protestors took to the street outside the Russian embassy to demonstrate against PutinPA
Last night he told the CPAC conference in Washington: “We are getting our money back because it is not fair. I think we are pretty close to a deal — we better be close to a deal.”
Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron will both go to Washington this week to plead with President Trump to stick with Ukraine with a security guarantee.
In the UK, Foreign Secretary David Lammy will tomorrow announce fresh sanctions on Russia to erode its military machine and cut its cashflow.
He said Europe is facing a “critical moment” and must “double down on our support for Ukraine”.
Mr Lammy added: “This is also the time to turn the screws on Putin’s Russia.”
The PM held a series of diplomatic phone calls yesterday.
He spoke with Mr Zelensky and pledged to continue Britain’s “ironclad support”.
Sir Keir and EU leader Ursula von der Leyen agreed that Europe must “step up” its security defences.
3 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on ‘I don’t know what fight that fella’s watching’ – Fans fume at ‘rigged’ result on Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 undercard
BOXING fans slammed Carlos Adames‘ contentious split decision draw with Hamzah Sheeraz as “rigged”.
Most felt WBC middleweight champion Adames had done more than enough to win but the judges couldn’t separate the two fighters.
GettyFans slammed Carlos Adames’ contentious draw with Hamzah Sheeraz as ‘rigged’[/caption]
GettyMost felt WBC middleweight champion Adames had done more than enough to win[/caption]
GettyBut the judges called it a split decision draw[/caption]
One judge had it 118-110 for Adames, another scored it 115-114 for Sheeraz, while a third had it even at 114-114.
The huge scorecard discrepancy left TNT commentator Richie Woodhall was left utterly dumbfounded.
After seeing the 118-110 scorecard, Woodhall said over comms: “I don’t know what fight that fella’s watching.”
The result – which Adames’ took well – received an angry response from fans who flooded to social media to protest the decision.
One wrote: “OMG I’m sorry but Sheeraz got wasted here that’s a robbery can’t be a draw for s***.”
A second said: “WOW. Adames clearly won that fight. That looked rigged.”
A third added: “Robbery! Adames definitely won.”
Another tweeted: “F*** right off!!!! No way a split draw. Sheeraz lost by about six rounds.”
Meanwhile, somebody else posted: “Adames has been robbed.”
Adames retained his WBC middleweight title and challenger Sheeraz was frustratingly cautious – despite some serious orders getting sent his way by the sport’s most powerful man, Turki Al-Sheikh.
The 21-0 Ilford middleweight earned a crack at the WBC world champion – and a chance to become Britain’s newest breakout boxing star.
The proud Pakistani-Londoner had the Riyadh crowd right – and kingmaker Turki Al-Sheikh – in his corner as he was cheered into the ring and the Dominican was booed by all but one small corner of the arena.
Adames, 30, bobbed and weaved into range, under Sheeraz’s freakishly long levers and jabs, but could not connect with anything thudding.
Our 25-year-old undefeated ace was on the backfoot for all of the opener but he was happy scoring from there and landed the most jabs by a distance.
Little Adames grew in confidence and stature in the second but Sheeraz remained disciplined and picked him off from the safety of a 4in height advantage.
The third round was the dullest of the evening, so far, as Adames stalked and stalked and Sheeraz just warned him off with prodded jabs.
GettyAdames retained his WBC middleweight title via a controversial draw[/caption]
GettySheeraz’s performance was quite flat by his standards[/caption]
GettyBut Sheeraz turned it on and enjoyed his best stanza in the 11th[/caption]
Sheeraz came alive at the start of the fourth, bedding his knobbly knees and whipping a left hook into Adames’ ribs and then rifling down a right hand.
And then he played matador as the bullish champion shadowed him around the ring looking for power punches.
It looked like Sheeraz was going to gift Adames the fifth by being too cautious on the outskirts of the ring.
But just before the bell he unloaded a few piercing shots that angered the champ enough that he battered his chest after the bell and demanded more of a fight from the challenge in the sixth.
Sheeraz obliged and tried to be offensive but Adames was used to punches raining down at him and dipped and slipped past most of the efforts with impressive composure.
Round seven was an exhibition of elite shadow boxing, as Adames dodged every one of Sheeraz’s meaningful digs and the Brit caught all of Adames’ looped efforts on his golden gloves.
Adames landed a peach of a right hand in the third, that smacked the sweat off of Sheeraz’s brow.
But before he could get carried away, Sheeraz pinged him back with an identical shot that sent snot skywards.
By the ninth round Sheeraz had still not worked out Adames’ masterful lateral movement, sometimes he would sink and slide below the Brit beanpole’s waist.
But he went too low with one punch and got a warning from Panama ref Hector Afu.
Sheeraz’s performance was so flat that, before the tenth round, Al-Sheikh walked around the VIP seats and into Sheeraz’s corner to tell him he had two desperate rounds to pull something from the fire.
It’s amazing what a director order from the richest and most powerful dictator in boxing can do, as Sheeraz turned it on and enjoyed his best stanza in the 11th, with three big shots harming Adames.
And Sheeraz landed the cleaner shots in the last shift too but, despite the urges of the crowd, refused to put his foot on the gas and coasted to the final bell.
And the result felt a fair reflection of a promising fight that never caught light.
3 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Dani Dyer reveals food she can only eat when fiancé Jarrod Bowen is away as they’re ‘like a laxative’
DANI Dyer eats Brussels sprouts only when her footballer fiancé Jarrod Bowen is away — because they make her blow off.
The former Love Island winner, 28, insists she adores the leafy little vegetables but says they play havoc with her digestion.
GettyDani Dyer, pictured with Jarrod Bowen, opened up about her wind woes and the foods she can only eat when her fiancé is away[/caption]
Not only do they leave her blowing bubbles — they can have a laxative effect.
So she waits for West Ham star Jarrod, also 28, to be playing a game away from home before she dares tuck in.
She said: “I love my veg, but Brussels just don’t feel very safe around me.”
Mum-of-three Dani spoke of her wind woes on her Live and Let Dyers podcast, on which she appears with ex-EastEnders dad Danny, 47.
She said: “Brussels don’t agree with me. They give me a really bad stomach — but I love them so much.
“It’s a little bit like a laxative for me. I wouldn’t eat Brussels and sit in a car for four hours. I love them.”
“It’s just I’m a little bit ‘Eh’ — I can’t really go into too much detail how it is.
“But I do love Brussels. I wouldn’t mind eating Brussels if Jarrod had an away game.”
She also said health-conscious Jarrod has an app that scans bar codes of items in their kitchen for how many calories they have — and can find healthier alternatives.
Dani said: “Grated cheese – ooh, you shouldn’t have that. It’s bad. Now he’s getting me obsessed with this app going around scanning everything.”
And one baby food brand is a hit.
She said: “What is really good is the Ella’s Kitchens, which made me feel good.”
3 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Electrician Josh Padley wins over fans with amazing Mike Tyson tattoo during fight of a lifetime on Beterbiev vs Bivol 2
JOSH PADLEY’s incredible tattoo has got fight fans talking – on the biggest night of his boxing life.
The Doncaster electrician, 29, fought for a world title on just FOUR DAYS notice against Shakur Stevenson.
GettyJosh Padley took on Shaku Stevenson in Riyadh for a world title[/caption]
Fans were quick to notice Padley had some unusual inkThe incredible ink shows Mike Tyson punching Zeus
Padley took up the fight in Riyadh after Stevenson’s original opponent Floyd Schofield claimed he was ‘poisoned’ before the bout.
The pair are battled it out for the WBC lightweight title in a desert dust-up.
But it was Padley’s remarkable ink that caught fans’ attention early on in the contest.
The 29-year-old has a full-back tattoo featuring legendary heavyweight Mike Tyson.
In the huge tatt, Tyson is seen punching Greek god Zeus square in the face.
Underneath the bizarre scene are the words “Team Padley.”
After spotting the ink, one fan gasped: “One thing I can say about Padley so far is that’s a hard-a** tattoo on his back.”
