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“I used to beat people for a living – now I lend a hand with a completely different battle.”

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The former world boxing champion has made it his mission to lend a hand older men combat loneliness and improve their mental health, as well as combat a potentially harmful relationship with alcohol.

Tony Bellew was inspired to join Men on a mission campaign in conjunction with DRINKiQ AND Men’s shedsafter struggling to leave boxing in 2018.

“One day you wake up and you no longer do what you have been doing for 25 years,” he told Express Sport.

“I’ve been punching people in the face for 25 years, I get punched in the face, and then all of a sudden you wake up and you don’t do it anymore.

“You have to come to terms with it. You don’t think it is true at the time, but when you look back. It’s strenuous, but you learn to cope.”

After dealing with his own issues over the past few years, Bellew is determined to lend a hand older men restore a sense of purpose in their own lives.

Many people turn to alcohol when something goes wrong, especially when they lack support to lend a hand them overcome certain challenges. However, Bellew wants to raise awareness of healthier coping mechanisms in an attempt to turn things around.

He worked with Men’s shedswhich can be found all over the country and provide a safe and sound place for men who are trying to talk to each other and escape from their problems.

“I want to lend a hand older men not only repair their relationship with alcohol, but also talk to people and talk,” he said.

“This is also close to my heart for people like me. I have a father who is around this age. We need to start talking first to get things moving.

“I just think these initiatives like Men’s Sheds are a great way to get that message out. The numbers here surprise me and at the end of the day these guys are in a much better state mentally and physically and that can only be a good thing.”

Although awareness of mental health has skyrocketed in recent years, it remains a stigmatized topic that can prevent older men from seeking lend a hand.

“We know that statistics tell us that one in four men aged 50 to 75 think almost nothing about their wellbeing and mental health,” Bellew explained.

“It’s not really talked about. It’s like a taboo topic. They don’t really want to talk about it, they don’t feel the need to. They actually think it’s frail. These are the guests who turn to drink.

“Before you know it, the problem is upon you, it’s getting worse, and you have to do something about it. We need to be out there talking to men of this age and letting them know that there are other things to do, because it is, it’s so strenuous.

“This age group is going down a slippery slope and I think we all know where that’s going to lead, and it’s not very good. Right now we have an epidemic that is at an all-time high. We have to deal with this.”

Bellew wants to inspire older men to take action by talking about their own experiences and setting an example for others in breaking down barriers.

“I am portrayed as this massive, tough case who has no emotions and doesn’t speak, but it’s quite the opposite,” he added.

“I don’t really talk about my issues and problems as often as I should, but I try. Things like this can convey a message.

“We are going through an epidemic. I don’t want to employ this word, but we are experiencing a suicide epidemic. It won’t solve all problems, but talking can solve most of them.

“There is nothing frail about explaining your problems. We have to move away from this. This is my personal opinion. Men need to talk.”

Above all, Bellew wants men to avoid suffering in silence by speaking out about their problems, even though it may be an extremely tough step.

“You are not alone,” he said. “Everyone goes through something. As men, we need to come together and talk to each other.

“Just open your mouth and speak. You’ll be amazed at the answers you get when you start talking. I really believe it.

“You will soon realize that you are not the only one and you no longer have to suffer in silence. In my opinion, the shared problem is half the problem. That’s the best way to deal with it.”

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UK Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk’s various injuries after each fight with Tyson Fury say a lot

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Oleksandr Usyk emerged from his latest fight with Tyson Fury without requiring hospitalization, allegedly a stark contrast to his experience after their first fight in May. On Saturday (December 21) in Saudi Arabia, the 37-year-old Ukrainian boxer secured his second victory over “The Gypsy King”, winning and retaining his undisputed heavyweight titles by unanimous decision.

Sporting significantly fewer battle scars than after his first triumph over Fury in May, Usyk had only minor bruises under his eyes this time. The judges were in agreement during the rematch, with all three unanimously scoring the fight 116-112 in favor of Usyk, who appeared to take less damage throughout the fight.

Despite Fury’s claims that Usyk was hospitalized with a suspected broken jaw after their first meeting, the reigning champion denied such suggestions, admitting he only felt pain in the area and not a broken bone.

However, he admitted to the physical effects of their intense first clash, stating: “Yes, I have a little problem, but I have problems with my fist, my back and my whole body because it’s a tough fight that lasts 47 minutes. “

Despite Fury’s exhaustive preparation, which included a three-month period in which he stated he had not spoken to his wife Paris, he ultimately failed to defeat Usyk again. The result leaves fans and pundits wondering whether this defeat will push the Gypsy King to hang up his gloves for good, reports. Mirror.

The 36-year-old Fury could not hide his irritation after his second defeat in a row to the boxer from Kiev, calling the judges’ unanimous decision a “Christmas gift”. “I feel like I won both fights,” he declared.

I know I had to knock him out, but it’s boxing and things like that happen. I have no doubt that I won this fight. Franc [Warren] I was three or four rounds ahead, and a lot of people were at least two rounds ahead of me.”

Echoing Fury’s frustration, promoter Frank Warren expressed his astonishment at the referee’s performance. “I’m amazed at how they do it [judges] I scored a goal,” said the head of Queensbury Promotions.

“His jab was phenomenal, his footwork was brilliant, he wasn’t tardy. He was very evasive.” In the aftermath, IBF heavyweight titleholder Daniel Dubois entered the ring shortly after Usyk’s victory and challenged him to a rematch following his own knockout loss to the Ukrainian last year.

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UK Boxing

Tyson Fury is furious at Oleksandr Usyk’s result with a Christmas joke and shares his next plans

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Tyson Fury insisted Oleksandr Usyk received an early Christmas present after he challenged the Ukrainian’s unanimous points victory in the rematch in Riyad.

Fury lost 116-112 on all three judges’ scorecards, and his bid for revenge for the only defeat of his career ended permanently, with the extraordinary Usyk retaining his WBA, WBC and WBO titles.

Promoter Frank Warren said he was “stunned” by both the result and the vast margin of victory – and Fury agreed.

“I felt a bit of a Christmas atmosphere there and I think he got a little Christmas present from the judges. An early Christmas present,” said Fury, who lost his first fight in May by split decision.

“I was sure I won this fight again. I thought I won both fights, but on the other hand I came home with two losses under my belt. I will always believe, until the day I die, that I won this fight.

“I won’t cry over spilled milk. It’s already happened. I know boxing, I’ve been involved in it all my life and you can’t change any decision.

“I will always feel a little tired. Not a little, actually a lot. When you don’t get a knockout, that’s what happens. You can’t guarantee victory.”

Fury said he would take time to consider his future, which is now in doubt after successive defeats, even if the all-British clash with Anthony Joshua continues to attract mass interest.

When asked if we would see him fight again, he replied: “You may do it, you may not. Who knows. We’ll talk about it next year.

“What’s next for me? I’m going home and will have some time off. Glowing. I’m going home and wish you a good Christmas. I was away for 12 weeks working on this fight.

“I’m going to go home now and enjoy it. We’re having a nice Christmas at the Fury house and thank God we both made it out of the ring in one piece.”

Usyk urged Saudi boxing broker Turki Alalshikh to arrange a rematch with Daniel Dubois after the British IBF champion entered the ring during post-fight interviews.

Dubois was knocked out in the ninth round by Usyk in August 2023, but has since bounced back impressively, culminating in an explosive victory over Anthony Joshua in October.

“I want revenge. I want revenge Usyk! Good job today, good job. God bless you. I want revenge for the last robbery. Let’s go, let’s go. Make it happen, Frank!” – Dubois said.

Usyk replied: “Your Excellency, fight Daniel Dubois. Thank you very much.

“I can do more. I’m ready to fight (Dubois), no problem. Next fight no problem. Now I want to go home and rest.”

Usyk paid tribute to Fury for taking part in a second classic clash in a fascinating rivalry.

“He’s a great fighter, a great opponent and it was a great 24 rounds. An unbelievable 24 rounds in my career. Thank you very much,” Usyk said.

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UK Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury 2 – results and post-fight report

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Fury suffered a second straight defeat to Usyk Photo Credit: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

On Saturday, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in Riyad for the second time. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
On Saturday, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in Riyad for the second time. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

Oleksandr Usyk defended his WBC, WBA “super”, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles after a unanimous decision victory over Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia.

The pair originally met in May, when Usyk (23-0, 14 KO) scored a ninth-round knockout split decision victory this added Fury’s WBC title to his wealth of belts.

The two started an offensive attack, but Fury (34-2-1, 24 KO) assessed his attacks and landed a nice left hand in the second round, while a right hand momentarily stunned the champion.

The “Gypsy King” did well to keep Usyk at bay, but the Ukrainian began to augment the pressure in rounds six and seven and was doing better heading into the championship round.

Both men left everything in the ring as they fought for dominance, and the fight looked well-balanced as it went down on the scorecards.

Fury suffered his second defeat in a row against Usyk. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Fury suffered his second defeat in a row against Usyk. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

Usyk was declared the winner with three identical scores of 116-112.

The Ukrainian was summoned by IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois for a rematch, although the Briton will defend his title against Joseph Parker on February 22.

Itauma destroys McKean

Moses Itauma further strengthened his credentials by defeating Demsey McKean in the round.

McKean (22-2, 14 KO) was eliminated in the first half, and after the restart, Itauma’s (11-0, 9 KO) powerful left hand confused him and the fight was stopped.

Bohachuk retires Davis

Super welterweight contender Serhii Bohachuk forced Leeds’ Ishmael Davis to retire after six rounds in their WBC super welterweight final eliminator.

Davis (13-2, 6 KO), who took the fight two weeks in advance after Israil Madrimov withdrew, was eliminated in the second round.

Davis was eliminated en route to a sixth-round retirement defeat. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Davis was eliminated en route to a sixth-round retirement defeat. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

“Black Panther” regrouped and was in good shape, but ultimately lost the lead and retired from a corner kick slow in the sixth round.

Madrimov (25-2, 24 KO) is in pole position to fight the unified WBC and WBO champion Sebastian Fundora.

Fisher is ahead of Allen

Popular Johnny Fisher got into a real fight with Dave Allen before winning the WBA Intercontinental heavyweight title by split decision.

Some powerful punches from Allen (23-7-2, 18 KO) put Fisher (13-0, 11 KO) on the deck and by the fifth round it was all at sea, with the ‘White Rhino’ troubling Romford at regular intervals, but Fisher won by two scores of 95-94 compared to a 96-93 score for Allen.

McGregor dismisses Lowe

In a breakthrough featherweight fight, Lee McGregor (15-1-1, 11 KO) won the vacant WBC International title, defeating Isaac Lowe (25-3-3, 8 KO) on points.

A pair of scores of 97-91 and a third score of 96-92 ensured the Scot won the belt.

McGregor overtook Lowe. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
McGregor overtook Lowe. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Undercard remaining

Andrii Novytskyi (14-0, 10 KO) opened the televised portion of the gala by retaining the WBC International title, scoring against Edgar Ramirez (10-2-1, 4 KO).

Two scores of 100-90 and the third score of 98-92 confirmed Nowycki’s dominance.

In the lightweight heavyweight division, Daniel Lapin won the vacant IBF International title, defeating Frenchman Dylan Colin (14-1, 4 KO).

Lapin (11-0, 4 KO) edged the winner with two scores of 99-91 and a third of 100-90.

Peter McGrail was supposed to fight Dennis McCann, but after McCann failed a pre-fight doping test, Rhys Edwards (16-1, 4 KO) stepped in and caught up with the Liverpool fighter, before losing points after ten rounds in the featherweight division.

After two scores of 96-94 and one of 96-95, McGrail (11-1, 6 KO) was the winner.

Mohammed Alakel (2-0) won 60-53 over Joshua Ocampo (8-34-5, 6 KO) after six rounds on all three cards.

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