GOtv Boxing Night 33: Microbiology Graduate, Shogbesan, vows to floor opponent with Tech and Biology

Sikiru “Omo Iya Eleja” Shogbesan, Nigeria’s first graduate boxer, has vowed to use his knowledge of technology and biology to floor Segun Gbobaniyi when they clash at GOtv Boxing Night 33 on 26 April at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Shogbesan, who was discovered at GOtv Boxing NextGen Search, the talent discovery and nurturing initiative that has produced many top boxers, holds a Higher National Diploma in Microbiology, Ordinary National Diploma in science laboratory technology, graduating with Upper Credit at both levels, and has completed the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps programme. Speaking at his training base in Lagos on Friday, Shogbesan said his knowledge of technology and biology has always helped in the ring and it would be put to use against Gbogbaniyi against whom he would fight in the lightweight category.  “Segun (Gbobaniyi) does not know what is coming. Even if he does, he will not know how to deal with it. In the ring, I am guided by knowledge of technology and biology, both of which I studied in school. Both fields help me in determining what to do when I am in the ring. Segun will not go beyond three rounds. Mark my words,” he boasted. In the super featherweight division, Sodiq Oyakojo will face Lateef “Latest” Azeez. The super bantamweight category will see a fight between Durotimi Agboola and Sodiq Adeleke. The event will stage to light welterweight bouts. One will feature William “Kaki” Amosu and Emmanuel ‘Ability” Abimbola, while the other will see a clash between Tobiloba Ijomoni and Hassan Kareem. There will also be a female super flyweight female bout Ayisat Oriyomi and Olofintunyi Iyanuoluwa.

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Tyson Fury takes up ‘new job’ weeks after quitting boxing

Tyson Fury appears to be enjoying the retirement life by training his wife Paris at a local gym in Lancashire. Last month, the 36-year-old announced his decision to walk away from the sport of boxing following back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet,” he said to the camera. “I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing. It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it. I’m going to end with this. Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side. Get up!” Fury was recently seen taking his family to Disneyland Paris. Tyson, his wife Paris, and their seven kids spent the day at the park, enjoying the rides and attractions. Paris shared photos from their trip on social media, showing the family having a great time. Tyson was seen pushing his youngest child in a stroller, smiling as they explored the park together. Paris captioned the wholesome post: “If you can dream it, you can do it” Walt Disney.” For now, it seems as if the ‘Gypsy King’ is happy with his decision and it looks as if he has taken up a new job, being Paris’ personal trainer. In a story uploaded to his official Instagram page, Fury, along with wife Paris, were working out at the Salt Ayre Leisure Centre in Lancaster, Lancashire. The pair were seemingly warming up on the treadmills before Fury asked his wife: “How’re you feeling, babe?,” to which she immediately replied: “Tired.” Fury continued: “Tired, on your warm up?! Training her right up I am. What a sort she’s going to be when I train her right up! How’re you feeling?” Paris jokingly replied back: “You’re as daft as a brush.” The ‘Gypsy King’ concluded: “Daft as a brush? Please, that’s a compliment, daft as a brush. Of course I am!” It’s fair to say that the British heavyweight star was looking rather lean in the video amid talks of a potential showdown with rival Anthony Joshua despite being fulled retired. Derek Chisora, a former foe of the ‘Gypsy King’ believes the 36-year-old will make yet another return to the ring to take on ‘AJ.’ His comments came after ‘Del Boy’ sensationally toppled Otto Wallin in his penultimate fight on Saturday night. Fury’s long-time promoter Frank Warren recently revealed that the former heavyweight star is set to make some ‘serious announcements’ soon. Speaking on the Seconds Out YouTube channel, he said: “Didn’t even discuss it with him,” the 72-year-old said of the Brit returning to the ring. He later added: “He’s enjoying himself. He’s had a hard, hard year last year. Tough fights, three training camps… tough times. Missed his family, missed his kids.” Warren revealed he wouldn’t encourage Fury to fight again before adding that the former world champion is set to reveal a big announcement. “I wouldn’t encourage him to fight again,” he continued. “But if he does fight again, who knows, he may do it again. If he does that’s up to him. What I know he’s going to be doing is making some serious announcements about things he is doing outside of the ring that are exciting. I’m not going to say what they are, but they are bloody exciting. Everybody’s going to love it.”

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Tyson Fury announces retirement from boxing

Boxing great Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from the sport following consecutive defeats to unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Talk of either an Usyk trilogy or a fight against Anthony Joshua surrounded the immediate future of the ‘Gypsy King’, but the 36-year-old has instead opted to retire, putting an end to an iconic career. “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet,” said Fury in a video posted to Instagram. “I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing, it’s been a blast. I’ve loved every single minute of it. “I’m going to end with this, Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side.” Fury went toe-to-toe with Usyk for the first time in Riyadh in May last year. He suffered his maiden professional defeat via split decision, a victory which granted the Ukrainian undisputed status. Fury sought revenge on his heavyweight counterpart when the pair locked horns in a rematch in December, but Usyk again emerged victorious via unanimous decision. The Englishman was frustrated by the scoring, having felt that he had done enough to win the rematch, saying Usyk received a “bit of a Christmas gift from the judges”. And when pushed to reveal future plans following the Saudi Arabia showdown, Fury was non-committal. “I’m having some time off,” he said. “I might do, I might not. Who knows? We’ll talk about that next year.” The back-to-back defeats saw speculation mount over Fury’s next move, with a fight against fellow Briton Joshua hotly tipped for 2025. Speaking at The Ring Magazine Awards last week, Joshua himself encouraged the bout, saying: “It has to happen this year.” Fury initially announced he would retire in 2022 following victory over Dillian Whyte, but U-turned on the decision, returning to action to defeat Derek Chisora in December that year. He then went on to defeat Francis Ngannou via split decision in October 2023, before taking on the Usyk double-header the following year. Fury’s retirement brings an end to a glittering career in the ring, which saw him claim WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles after ending Wladimir Klitschko’s long-standing dominance in the heavyweight division with victory over the Ukrainian in 2015. He would soon go on to vacate the titles as he temporarily stepped away from the sport – and he returned to the ring in 2018 with victory over Sefer Seferi. Among his iconic fights, an epic trilogy with Deontay Wilder stands out. The pair fought out a thrilling draw in 2018, before Fury went on to claim back-to-back knockout victories over the American in 2020 and 2021. Fury retired with an imperious record of 34 victories to just two defeats, both coming against Usyk. The Englishman retires having never suffered defeat via knockout.

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Tyson Fury bans his ‘distracting’ dad from Usyk re-match

John Fury will not be in his son Tyson’s corner for Saturday’s world heavyweight title showdown against Oleksandr Usyk, the Gypsy King’s trainer has confirmed. Tyson, 36, is bidding to bounce back after losing to the Ukrainian by split decision back in May, with Usyk becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 following his triumph in Saudi Arabia. The Gypsy King’s father John, 59, was criticised by several fans for his behaviour in the build-up to May’s fight, having been left bloodied after headbutting a member of Usyk’s camp. John was left bleeding from his forehead after he launched the attack in the lobby of the Riyadh Hilton Hotel in Saudi Arabia. Footage that quickly circulated on social media showed Fury Snr lashing out with his head towards Stanislav Stepchuk, who was wearing Usyk’s team tracksuit. He then had to be restrained after security stepped in to prevent any further confrontation. After the fight, fans suggested that John’s presence in the corner distracted Tyson from tactical advice being offered by his coach Andy Lee and trainer SugarHill Steward. Now, SugarHill has confirmed that Tyson’s father will not be present in the corner for Saturday’s showpiece. ‘Tyson is just ready right now, along with myself,’ the trainer said. ‘He has always has a silly demeanour, playing around, but this is a different side of him and he is 100 per cent ready.’ When asked exactly who will be in the corner, SugarHill replied: ‘Just myself, Andy Lee and the cutman, pretty much that’s it.’ Meanwhile, Lee admitted there we perhaps too many voices in Tyson’s corner last time. He added: ‘Last time the corner was hectic, especially towards the end of the fight. There were three different voices in there, SugarHill, John and me. ‘I can understand, from a dad’s point of view, he was trying to protect his son. But SugarHill was trying to win the fight. I was told Tyson was two rounds down and I had to communicate that to him.’ Tyson is determined to avenge his sole professional defeat — and perhaps has decided that his father’s exclusion from the corner will help him focus. The Gypsy King revealed earlier this week that he has not spoken to his wife Paris in three months after locking himself away for his training camp. Promoter Frank Warren has explained the thinking behind Tyson shutting himself off from the outside world ahead of this weekend’s heavyweight showdown. ‘His mind just needs to be Usyk,’ Warren exclusively told Mail Sport. Attempting to get into the mind of the Gypsy King, he added: ‘This is what I’ve got to do. I don’t want to be distracted. ‘I don’t want to know if there’s a problem at home. I don’t know if I’ve got a business problem. All I want to do is focus on this. This is what I want. I need to win this fight. ‘It’s not about the belts, it’s about beating the guy who got the decision in the last fight in a very, very close fight, a split decision. He needs and feels he’s got to do this to win that. ‘I’ve got to sacrifice, I’ve got to be in that mood, I’ve got to be in that mindset, I’ve got to focus on this is what it is. And I’m not going to be deviated, no one’s going to distract me. Blinkers on, that’s it. And that’s where he’s at.’ Earlier this month, Tyson vowed to take his rematch against Usyk more seriously this time, admitting he did too much ‘clowning’ during the last bout. He said: ‘I’ll just throw more this time. Keep hitting him in the face more often than I did last time. ‘I’m just going to box smart, box clever and if I catch him, get him out of there. ‘retty similar to what I did last time. ‘A little bit less clowning around and a bit more focus and that’s it, really. ‘I did more clowning than anybody in any high-level fight’s ever done. ‘It’s taken my focus away as well, so maybe a little less clowning and more focus on the actual victory. I was messing around too much in there.’

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Mike Tyson: I almost died

Mike Tyson isn’t upset about losing to Jake Paul because just getting back in the ring after his health issues was an achievement. The 58-year-old former heavyweight champion lost in a controversial comeback fight against Jake Paul on Friday night but had “no regrets” and wasn’t feeling too disheartened because he viewed being fit enough to get back in the ring after an ulcer forced him to postpone the bout, which had originally been due to take place in July. He posted on X on Saturday: “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time. “I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won. “To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you prayer emoji“ Jake, 27, was quick to offer support to his opponent. He replied: “Love you Mike. It was an honour. You’re an inspiration to us all.(sic)” After the fight, the social media star admitted he had gone easy on Mike because he “didn’t want to hurt” him and deliberately didn’t push for a knockout when he saw his opponent was struggling in the ring. Asked if he had eased off during the post-fight press conference, Jake said: “Yeah, definitely a bit. I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt. “I tried to give the best fight I possibly could but when someone’s just surviving in the ring basically, it’s hard to make it exciting. “I couldn’t really get him to engage me or slip shots and do something super cool or whatever.”

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Jake Paul outclasses Mike Tyson in historic fight

Social media star turned boxer Jake Paul defeated former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson in the pair’s boxing match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday night. Paul won by unanimous decision after the fight went all eight rounds. Tyson, 58, was a huge fan favorite in the stadium, but was not able to stand up to the onslaught from the 27-year-old Paul. The former heavyweight champion started out fast, but looked his age as the younger Paul kept him at arms reach for much of the fight. Paul bowed to Tyson in the final seconds of the bout. YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul shows some love to Mike Tyson after their fight went 8 rounds on Friday night at AT&T Stadium. Paul won the fight by unanimous decision. “Let’s give it up for Mike, bro. He’s a legend. He’s the greatest to ever do it,” Paul said after the fight. Tyson stayed on his feet for the duration of the fight. Paul had knocked down or knocked out his competition in all of his previous fights. The social media star landed 78 punches, compared to 18 for Tyson. Tyson admitted he was dealing with a knee injury before the fight. “Yeah, but I can’t use that for an excuse because if I did, I wouldn’t be in here,” said Tyson. Paul is now 11-1 with seven knockouts in his career. Tyson’s record fell to 50-7. After the fight, Tyson was asked if that was his final time in the ring. “I don’t think so,” Tyson responded. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson seemed open to the possibility of more fights after losing his boxing match to Jake Paul. Paul vs. Tyson is now available to watch globally on Netflix. Paul said he would not call out specific names for his next fight, but did mention Canelo Alvarez.

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Mike Tyson targets victory against Jake Paul

Mike Tyson wasn’t in the mood for talking in the final news conference before the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Tyson had terse answers for all the questions Wednesday night, two nights before the fight against Paul, who is 31 years younger, at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. The issue of Tyson’s health didn’t come up in a small concert venue about 20 miles from AT&T Stadium. A bout originally scheduled for July 20 was postponed to Friday night after Tyson had to be treated for a stomach ulcer when he fell ill on a flight. Tyson said in a documentary promoting the fight that he lost 26 pounds while recovering, but Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder with Paul of Most Valuable Promotions, said Tyson had been cleared medically for weeks. Bidarian also said Tyson was going through the same regular medical checkups of any sanctioned pro fight in Texas. Several states wouldn’t sanction the bout. Texas agreed to a fight that was eight rounds instead of 10 or 12, with two-minute rounds instead of three, and heavier gloves designed to lessen the power of punches. “It’s cute,” Paul said of the terse Tyson. “I fear no man, so I want him to be that old savage Mike.” Paul couldn’t even get Tyson to respond by wearing what the 27-year-old said was a “diamond-spiked ear cover.” It was Paul’s jab at Tyson over the Hall of Famer infamously biting the ear of Evander Holyfield in a 1997 fight. Tyson did get briefly riled up when somebody asked twice what he would do if he lost. His last sanctioned bout was in 2005. Tyson fought Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition four years ago. “I am not going to lose,” Tyson said, his voice rising the second time it was asked. “Did you hear what I said?” Tyson was 50-6 with 44 knockouts before retiring 19 years ago. Paul is 10-1 with seven knockouts in less than five years as a pro, facing mostly mixed martial artists and journeymen boxers.

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Anthony Joshua splashes £150m on property 

Anthony Joshua’s huge property spending has been revealed as the heavyweight boxing superstar continues to invest in London’s real estate, according to reports. The 34-year-old has maintained a low-profile since being brutally knocked out by Daniel Dubois in a shock defeat, but away from the sport is an active property developer. Huge investment in boxing largely bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s interest in the sport has led to fighters such as Joshua lining their pockets with overwhelming riches and the Englishman is being smart with his cash. Joshua has become known as ‘The Landlord’ in his inner circle due to his growing property portfolio that was boosted by the addition of a £30million spend on a huge commercial venture last year. Now it has been revealed that Joshua has spent a total of £150m in just the last 18 months on building his real estate stock, as reported by The Sun. The British household name appears to be securing his future beyond his boxing career and has ambitions to continue throwing his weight around in the industry as he targets new revenue streams. A pal of AJ’s told the publication that he ‘wants to buy up the board’ when referencing the boxer’s fascination for Monopoly and ‘is inundated with investment opportunities but he doesn’t rush into anything.’ Joshua is believed to boast a net worth in excess of £100m after more than decade of multi-million fights and sponsorship deals and the position he finds himself in is impressive given where he started. Along with his real estate investment, the former two-time heavyweight world champion also boasts a garage worth around £1m that includes a £150,000 Range Rover SVO – which was custom made with his name inscribed in the tread plates – and a £93,000 white Jaguar XJR.  He also forked out £600,000 on a luxurious Rolls Royce Phantom stretch, a £146,000 Mercedes v8 BiTurbo and a relatively ‘modest’ Audi A3 S-Line. AJ is also a shrewd investor in start-up projects, donates to charitable organisations, is attempting to build his own promotion company and is a key part of the celebrity team that became stakeholders in F1 team Alpine.  Joshua could add further millions to his profile if a rematch is agreed with Dubois after the knockout defeat against his younger opponent last month. Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed earlier in the week that Joshua is keen to get back in the ring as a matter of urgency, stating: ‘My initial thought after the fight was, ‘Let’s just chill out, maybe wait for the result of Fury-Usyk’. ‘AJ’s reaction was quite a bit different. He is leaning towards the rematch.’

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