Latest news with #AllOutFighting
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Paddy Pimblett calls for Ilia Topuria fight as UFC star vows to end heated feud
After Topuria decided to move up to lightweight and become a two-division champion, Pimblett is eager to settle their bitter feud once and for all Paddy Pimblett has confidently promised to stop long-time rival Ilia Topuria wherever 'the fight goes' amid talks of a showdown between the pair. Pimblett, 30, is widely regarded as one of the biggest names in the sport. Still undefeated in the UFC, the Liverpudlian is ranked eighth in the lightweight rankings. 'The Baddy' continues to rise up the division and - earlier this year - picked up the biggest win of his career. Back in April, Pimblett scored a stunning knockout victory over former Bellator lightweight champion, Michael Chandler. Many believe the 30-year-old is at least one win away from competing for a world title. Over the last few years, Pimblett has gone back-and-forth verbally with Topuria. After almost clashing at a fighter hotel in London back in 2022, the pair have talked about a potential fight in the near future. With Topuria now moving up to 155lbs, a clash between the two could come sooner than expected. 'El Matador' is scheduled to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant title next weekend - with Pimblett set to be cageside for the mouthwatering clash. Should the former featherweight champion come away unscathed and with his hand raised, Pimblett can see him fighting for the belt next. In an interview with on behalf of All Out Fighting, he said: "If Ilia wins, I can see me fighting for the belt next. I'd never usually have said that if it was anyone else, as I'm only ranked 7, but the fact that he keeps talking about me and saying things about me, he's basically telling the world he wants to fight me. "I'm going to be there in Las Vegas on June 29 cage side. If he mentions me, I'll be getting pulled into the cage and I'll be laughing my head off. It'll be quite funny." Regarding how a potential clash between the pair would play out, 'The Baddy' fully believes that he will topple Topuria and settle their bitter feud once and for all. "I'd beat him just like I beat Michael Chandler," he continued. "Ilia thinks he'll knock me out, but he won't get close to me. I wouldn't let him get in range, I'd kick him everywhere and more than likely T/KO him with a punch or a kick. I could even ground him and stop him that way. "I think people overestimate Ilia. He's had a good run, I'm not saying he hasn't, but Jai Herbert hit him with a head kick a few fights ago and he almost didn't survive that. If Jai would have been a bit quicker after he dropped him, he would have finished him. He was very, very lucky to survive that. I'm a lot bigger than Jai, if I'd have hit him with that head kick, I'm snapping his chin, never mind knocking him out. "He's overestimated and had a nice easy run up the featherweight division. I know everyone says that about me, that I've fought people at the right time, and I probably have, but he's fought everyone at not just the right time, but the perfect time. I'd beat Ilia however the fight goes, and whenever it happens." If it is not Topuria next, Pimblett revealed he is open to taking on former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in October. However, the American's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently claimed that his star client could walk away from the UFC if he does not fight for the title next. Reacting to Abdelaziz's comments, Pimblett did not mince his words, but has the utmost respect for Gaethje amid talks of a potential clash. "His manager talks s***. His manager is the craziest helmet in all of MMA, and that's saying something because there are a lot of helmets in the sport. It's a load of shit. It's scare tactics into giving him a title shot - I don't believe any of it. "I respect Gaethje, he's a brilliant fighter, but he's just beat the no.12 ranked fighter by decision, whereas I've just knocked out the no.7. I stopped Chandler in round 3, Gaethje couldn't even finish him. He had to take him to a decision."
Daily Mirror
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Tom Aspinall reveals latest on Jon Jones showdown as UFC title fight stalls
The British star is seemingly growing frustrated with having to wait for his heavyweight rival and has revealed an announcement on his next fight could be made soon Tom Aspinall has revealed an announcement regarding his next fight will be made "soon" but insists heavyweight rival Jon Jones is "retired." The interim heavyweight champion has not fought since a devastating knockout victory over Curtis Blaydes last July at UFC 304 in Manchester. Aspinall claimed the interim prize after a first round knockout win over Sergei Pavlovich back in November 2023 - a fight card that was expected to be headlined by Jones, before the American withdrew due to injury. Since picking up the undisputed title against Ciryl Gane two years ago, Jones has only defended the title once - a knockout victory over Stipe Miocic back in November. It seemed as if 'Bones' would call it a day after the clash in New York, but the 37-year-old teased at least one more fight in the cage. However, he has since failed to commit to a fight with his British rival. While Aspinall has grown frustrated with the lack of noise regarding news of his next fight, he claims a decision will be made soon. Speaking to All Out Fighting at the launch of Aspinall's long-term partnership with sportswear brand Champion, when asked if fans can expect fight news soon, the 32-year-old replied: "Yeah, we are. It is not my job to announce it but it should be announced soon as far as I am aware." With fans continuing to call for an Aspinall vs Jones showdown, the former admits he has moved on and believes the American has called it a day. "He is retired! I don't know (why he does not want to fight), I think he is just done. I think he is done… everybody has a sell by date in this sport and I think he has reached his," he said. Within the promotion, Aspinall holds the record for the shortest fight time of a fighter with five or more bouts. All of his victories have come within two rounds. An athlete who loves to compete regularly, it has been a tough year for the Brit, but insists he is just getting on with life as he awaits news of his next fight. "It's been difficult in terms of sport but in the grand scheme of life, it has not been that bad, it has been pretty awesome to be honest but I would life to fight more often than I have been fighting and that's nothing to do with me," he said. "I can only fight when I'm given a fight and, so far up until recently, I have not been offered any fights so there is not a lot I really could have done, but that is all kind of in the past now and we can all move forward, so I am happy with that." Regarding his next opponent, the British brawler admits he won't be "picky" and will even consider rematches with former foes. With Jones seemingly on his way out and Miocic retired, many are questioning whether the buzz around the UFC's heaviest division is still there, but Aspinall believes the division is exciting as ever. "Every fight is different, so even if I have beaten somebody before, it is still exciting for me to fight in. It's heavyweight MMA, so, even though it might seem a bit stagnant, as soon as the guys get active again, it will be good!" In an ideal world, the British star is targeting two fights this year. However, one thing is certain, the 32-year-old just wants to stay active and is even open to TEN bouts this year. With the UFC having announced pay-per-view events for June, July and August and September, Aspinall seems unlikely to fight before October, but that still has not stopped him from wanting to remain active. "Being as active as possible really," he said when asked about his goals this year. "Two fights would be ideal. We might even push for three or four, to be honest. Might even get 10 in before the end of the year! I just want to be as active as possible."
Daily Mirror
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Justis Huni opens up on Fabio Wardley clash: "It was too good to let go"
Rising heavyweight sensation Justis Huni has confessed that the opportunity to face Fabio Wardley at short notice was "too good to let go." The undefeated boxing stars are set to face off on Saturday night, with Wardley facing a touch more pressure as the bout is set to take place at Portman Road, home to his beloved Ipswich Town FC. Originally, Wardley was lined up against Jarrell Miller; however, the American had to pull out due to injury. Nevertheless, in the world of boxing, the show must go on. The Australian is jumping in at the last minute and is aiming to pick up the biggest win of his career so far. Boasting a perfect record of 12-0, including seven knockouts, the 26-year-old knows it'll be a difficult challenge on fight night. Huni has only twice entered the ring outside Australia and has yet to fight on English soil. Eyeing a seat at the heavyweight division's high table, the Aussie talent is poised to surprise everyone and claim the interim WBA championship. With so much at on the line, Huni has shared his thoughts upon receiving the fight offer. The fighter opened up about his decision to take the fight, explaining to All Out Fighting and other journalists at a media roundtable last Thursday: "I had to weigh up the pros and cons. If I did not take the fight, I could not have been fighting on small cards in Australia for who knows how long," he said. "I could be fighting in Australia for the next year or two before I get another opportunity likes this... or, I take this fight and just show the world that I am capable of doing and overcoming challenges like this on five weeks' notice." He added: "That was the big thing for me, whether I come out and show myself to the world now or having to wait around and not know when I will get another opportunity. It was a no brainer once I weighed up the pros and cons. It was too good to let go." The 26-year-old is heading into the fight following a stunning victory over Shaun Potgieter earlier this year, but faces a daunting challenge in Wardley - who is a much larger and more formidable opponent. He further stated his ambition for the upcoming showdown: "The best outcome for me is to walk out of that stadium with my hand raised and to be the WBA interim heavyweight world champion. That is the outcome I have come over here for and I am just going to give it my best shot... as long as I give it my best, I am happy. That is what it is all about!" As the anticipation builds for their upcoming bout, both fighters are feeling the pressure, with 30,000 fans expected to rally behind Wardley. Huni is well aware that he won't be the crowd favourite come fight night in Ipswich. "I have not really thought too much about it. All I think about is 'I know it is going to be loud," he shared with journalists. "I know there is going to be a lot of people against me.' But, at the end of the day, it is only going to be myself and Fabio (Wardley) in that ring and we are going to handle our business." The Australian boxer added: "I know it is going to be loud. I know there is going to be a lot of people against me, but at the end of the day it's only going to be myself and Fabio in that ring and we are going to handle our business. I feel like there is no ignoring [the fact that I'm in enemy territory]. It's going to be loud and I know that. They're all there to support their boy for his homecoming party. So, I think the thing for me is just to embrace it, soak it all up and just go out there and do my job."
Daily Mirror
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Josh Kelly slams Conor Benn as boxing star calls for all-British showdown
The British star returns to the ring this week, but hopes a win over Flavius Biea will set him up with a future showdown with the 'Destroyer' Josh Kelly believes Conor Benn is 'not up for it' after calling for a showdown with the British boxing star. Benn faced off against his arch-rival Chris Eubank Jr at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April, where after a thrilling clash, Eubank Jr secured a unanimous decision win in what has been described as a 'Fight of the Year' contender. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has since indicated that a rematch is in the works for September 27. While many are eagerly anticipating the potential sequel, 'Pretty Boy' Kelly, who tuned into the mouthwatering middleweight dust-up, has expressed his own keen interest in stepping into the ring with Benn. However, the Sunderland native suggests the 'Destroyer' may not be quite so enthusiastic about facing him. Speaking exclusively to All Out Fighting, Kelly stated: "Yeah, for sure. But I do not know if he is up for it. "He is up for those circus fights though, I do not know if he wants those real fights. He wants all these rehydration clauses and all these circus names. I just want to get past this guy (Biea) and it will open up all of those things." In an honest review of the clash back in April, 'Pretty Boy' did not hold back his assessment on Benn's performance, admitting: "He was good, he dug in," he said. "I think a lot of pressure was on both of them. I think Benn was jumping in, he was a bit wild. But, I think the weight affected Eubank Jr, he started to go inside and bite down on his gum shield because his legs stopped working and that made out for a great fight for Conor... he was trade and do what he does best and it made it a lot better. You cannot take any credit away from both of them, it was a great performance. They both dug in and gave the public exactly what they wanted - that dog fight." Staying on the topic of Benn, Kelly insist that he has seen holes in the 'Destroyer's' games for a number of years and believes the British boxing star is not going to get any better. "I have seen holes in his game for years, but I think he is now plateaued," he brutally said. "He is at that level now where this is where he is. He is not going to get much better. I feel like he did a lot of improving for a few years and now he is sort of settled." With his eyes set on bigger challenges, Kelly is eager for high-profile clashes within the boxing world, stating his readiness for the top contenders. However, before he can chase fights with boxing elites, Kelly's immediate future sees him squaring off against Flavius Biea in a highly anticipated return after almost 12 months outside the ring. 'Pretty Boy' is eyeing the big fights in the near future, and Friday night presents the perfect chance to demonstrate his readiness. "He's a decent fighter. He's strong, he's big. He's going to come forward and throw punches and will want to try and get busy. But, I think he will bring the best out of me. I have really got to go in there and put on a good performance," he stated. The 31-year-old is keen to maintain momentum with a victory on Friday night and is eagerly anticipating what the rest of the year has in store for him. "Whatever comes. I am just looking to go in there and enjoy myself," he expressed. "When I am enjoying it, I am at my best, so whatever comes, I am just going to go in there and enjoy myself and forget about everything else. It is another fight, I have had 150 odd at amateur at the top level, now it is going to be my 19th fight as a pro, so it is all good... I cannot wait!"
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Tommy Fury's boxing return gone the 'wrong way' says rival
After nearly two years away from the sport, the former Love Island star returned to the boxing ring last week, but many were left unconvinced by his performance. Tommy Fury returned to the boxing ring last week following a near on two-year hiatus. Although he was raring to go, many people have been left unconvinced at his return. His critics included Darren Till, who has taken a swipe at his rival a few months after their scheduled boxing showdown was scrapped. Tommy, younger brother to Tyson Fury, made his highly-anticipated return to the sport last week. As reported by the Mirror, Tommy, know as 'TNT' in the ring, cruised to a points victory over Kenan Hanjalic in Budapest, Hungary, on Friday. It was the former Love Island star's last match since October 2023 when he defeated social media sensation KSI. Despite the win, many were left underwhelmed by his performance, including Till, who Tommy withdrew from fighting after he threatened to kick him in the head during the match. In an interview with All Out Fighting, Till, 32, didn't hold back his words when discussing Tommy Fury 's latest victory and their cancelled match. The ex-UFC title challenger said: "Tommy has got his own agenda and his own narrative on the situation in terms of… Tommy seems to think that I blew my chance to make a lot of money or something like that. "I've got a business outside of fighting making millions a month. That's the serious truth of it. I don't need the money from Tommy. Am I doing this for the money? 100 per cent, but am I going to beg Tommy for the fight with him? He's an after thought for me. If the fight comes along and the money is alright, sound, but Tommy is in Hungary fighting and I'm in England fighting on Misfits. I think we know who's going the wrong way and who's going the right way." Regarding a future showdown with Fury, while Till insists there is unfinished business with the reality star and sportsman, he certainly won't be crying himself to sleep if the fight never gets rebooked. "Yeah, but there's unfinished business with Jorge Masvidal who knocked me out, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it," said Till. As Till prepares for his upcoming showdown with Darren Stewart on Friday night, it seems as if Fury is targeting a future rematch with Paul. Speaking after his win last week, Tommy said: "Jake Paul's a b**** and he's running scared. Hey, Jake, the hand is fixed now, the hand is fixed. I fought a guy in here tonight who has had over 100 amateur fights. "He's experienced as f*** and he's as tough as teeth. If Jake Paul wants to step inside this ring, I guarantee you next time I will knock him spark out. I've had two years out of the ring, this is me after two years. I will knock that bum out whenever he wants it."
