Boxing fans finally know how much the Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury PPV fee is and let’s just say they’re finding the whole thing rather laughable.
Despite numerous on-and-off, ‘will they won’t they’ shenanigans over the past year or so, it looks like we’ll finally be getting to the Fury vs Paul fight after all — barring any more last-minute visa or injury problems, of course (we’ve been burned before).
Scheduled for Sunday, 26 February, the fight will be held in the Saudi capital of Riyadh as opposed to back in the UK or in the US as previously planned. However, whether fight fans on both sides of the Atlantic will be watching is another question entirely.
Revealing the PPV (pay-per-view) price on Thursday, 16 February, journalist Michael Benson confirmed that those interested in the much-talked-about match-up will cost them just under £20.
While it is by no means the most expensive PPV boxing match viewers will have ever come across, given the calibre of the opponents (each still relatively early in their fighting careers), many are arguing the price is still too high.
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Moreover, given the ongoing discussion surrounding the recent advent of celebrity and exhibition fights — started by the likes of KSI, Jake and his older brother Logan Paul — many still feel these bouts do constitute ‘proper boxing’ and are tarnishing the sport.
On the other hand, others continue to argue that by allowing these one-off events and bringing in more high-profile names, they are generating significant revenue and further exposure for boxing.
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Nevertheless, it’s pretty clear what the general consensus is when it comes to Jake Paul, Tommy Fury and the PPV fee they are deemed to be worth, with many labelling it “robbery”, “an absolute joke” and declaring boxing as “dead”.
Boxing is embarassing now. I used to be a fan, now I just mostly laugh at it.
However, there is still plenty of hype around the fight especially after being talked up for such a long time, along with the usual trash-talking and punch-up pageantry.
The latest from the home camp is that Tommy is in fine form ahead of the fight — at least that’s the word from father John. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said “there have been a few visits to the hospital” after several knockdowns, a fair few “cold knockouts from Tommy” and one sparring partner even suffering a “hairline fracture in the jaw”.
As he puts it, the younger Fury brother has been “destroying his sparring partners” but you’ll just have to wait and see if the two can match all the talk on the night.
Featured Image — Jake Paul/Tommy Fury (via Instagram)
Sport
Pubs can extend their opening hours if England make it to the Euro 2024 semi-finals
Emily Sergeant
Pubs are to be permitted to extend their opening hours if England make it through to the semi-finals of EURO 2024 this summer.
With the Premier League, and the English and Scottish football leagues, all drawing to a close over the next couple of weeks, our nations are already looking ahead to what is gearing up to be a massive summer of sport – with both the UEFA EURO 2024, and the 2024 Olympics coming up before August is out.
And now, it’s been revealed by Home Secretary James Cleverly that if either England or Scotland’s mens national football teams make it to the semi-final of European football’s flagship tournament, then pubs will be allowed to stay open for longer.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… because isn’t there always?
The Government has said that venues will be allowed to stay open for an extra two hours on match days if either or both teams reach the last four or the final of the competition, but this only applies to pubs that already have a license to open until 11pm anyway.
Pubs can extend their opening hours if England make it to the Euro 2024 semi-finals / Credit: Piqsels | Wikimedia Commons
The move to extend opening hours comes after a consultation at the end of last year, and is hoped to provide a boost to the hospitality industry – which has notably been hit hard during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The Home Secretaries in England and Wales, under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, can make an order relaxing licensing hours to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, but the Scottish and Northern Irish Governments have to set their own rules.
“We have listened to the public through our consultation,” explained Home Secretary James Cleverley, “and we will be extending pub licensing hours should England or Scotland reach the semi-finals or final of Euro 2024.”
The EURO 2024 semi-finals are to be held on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 July / Credit: UEFA
Mr Cleverley said the move will “allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home”.
This legislation is set to be laid in Parliament today (Wednesday 8 May) to ensure there is enough time for it to be debated and passed before the tournament begins on Friday 14 June, the Government has confirmed.
A young lad is walking all the way from Manchester to Ibiza for a truly tear-jerking cause
Danny Jones
We recently came across the story of a young man who has set himself the task of walking all the way from Manchester to Ibiza in an effort to raise money for a truly tear-jerking charitable cause.
In case you haven’t heard of him already, the legend responsible behind this is Henry Oscar Moores, a 21-year-old from Macclesfield in Cheshire who is essentially completing a marathon every single day to complete his voyage from rainy 0161 to sunny Spain.
Nearly halfway into his epic trek already, the youngster has been battling plenty of obstacles, not least heavy rain – and that was just here in Greater Manchester…
Going live each day as thousands of followers tune in to support his latest steps, his real-world journey has sparked a wholesome new community online and we’ve got nothing but the utmost respect.
It’s set to take him around 60 days in total, all being well, but what exactly is Henry Moores doing all this for? Or rather who?
Well, the answer is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, as the ‘Henry Walk’ from Manchester to Ibiza is all in aid of the Tony Hudgell Foundation, a charity set up in honour of the now nine-year-old boy of the same name and the youngest ever Pride of Britain winner.
Hudgell was sadly the victim of horrific child abuse ever since he was a toddler, so much so that he had to have both of his legs amputated as a result of the treatment. In 2020, when he was still just five, Tony set out to raise £500 by walking 10k in his prosthetic legs. He ended up amassing £1.8m. Incredible.
With a non-profit officially registered in his name since 2021, the organisation aims to provide support to children affected by physical, emotional or psychological abuse. His story also helped usher in Tony’s Law. Now taking over the reins, Henry is pounding the pavement on his behalf – and smashing it.
He’s even been given an added incentive by Ibiza’s Ocean Beach owner, Wayne Lineker.
Promising to help Henry finish the walk if he makes it all the way to his final 30k leg in Ibiza Town to the famous club – he’s already polished off the 507km from Manchester to Portsmouth and is currently chipping away at the 1818km stint from Caen in France to Denia – Lineker and the likes of radio DJ Charlie Sloth have been backing the effort since day one.
Describing Tony as an inspirational young figure “who captures hearts with his bravery, optimism, and infectious smile”, even despite his daily struggle and constant treatment, we can’t overstate the admiration we have for both of them. He’s already smashed his initial £20k and just keeps going.
“We really appreciate any donations; we know times are tough. Don’t hesitate if you can’t donate; continue to share and support us in any other way. Thanks to everyone for the past couple of weeks; it’s been insane.” You can do your bit by donating HERE or to Tony Hudgell’s operation fund directly.
Danny Jones -
16th February 2023 
