SAD NEWS: EastEnders Star Balvinder Sopal REVEALS REASON For Joining Strictly After HEARTBREAKING LOSS

Strictly Come Dancing star Balvinder Sopal has opened up about her mum’s heartbreaking d3ath. And revealed why she signed up for the show this year.

The EastEnders actress has swapped acting for dancing, as she takes to the dance-floor in the hopes to win the Glitterball Trophy.

Over the weekend it was revealed who each of the celebs had been partnered with. And Balvinder has been paired with Strictly’s new professional dancer, Julian Caillon. But now, Balvinder has opened up on the real reason she agreed to take part in the show.

Balvinder lost her mum last year (Credit: BBC)

Strictly star Balvinder opens up on mum’s d3ath

Ahead of the live shows starting this weekend, Balvinder and Julian spoke to the RadioTimes about their partnership. And she shared the touching reason she wanted to be on the show.

Gushing about being partners with Balvinder, Julian revealed: “It’s such a blessing. After we first met the celebrities, we were asked who we think is good and who is one of the better dancers. Bal was in almost everyone’s top two. She has a hidden natural dance ability.”

Asked why she is doing Strictly now, Balvinder Sopal revealed it’s actually because of her mother’s heartbreaking d3ath.

The actress said: “2025 is my ‘yes’ year. I lost my mum last year, and i think she would hate me for not to take up an opportunity like this.

“My mum was a real fan of the show. We used to watch it together. She was so strong and always put her best foot forward. I need to step into her energy.”

Balvinder has been partnered with Julian (Credit: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Balvinder pays tribute to mum

In February 2024, the 46-year-old actress lost her mum, who d!ed peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by her family.

At the time, a heartbroken Balvinder paid tribute to her mother on her Instagram, sharing what she wanted her legacy to be.

She shared a series of images of her mum throughout the years. Alongside it, Balvinder wrote: “Mum passed peacefully, with dignity and grace, just as she had lived her whole life. My sister and I had settled in for the night shift at the hospital. The lads had come, spent the day and just as the last of them left, mum passed. With me and my sister holding her hands.”

Balvinder continued by letting everyone know everything about her mum’s life, before revealing she was “extraordinary”.

She concluded: “Love is mum’s legacy. We are the lucky ones. Rest well. Thank you, <um.”

Strictly Come Dancing has been plunged into chaos on the eve of the first live show after Dani Dyer was forced to withdraw through injury.

Dani took to social media to share her devastation of the news in an emotional statement. And the news was met with sorrow from her fellow dancers on the hit BBC show.

Taking to Instagram, Dani, 29, said: “I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.

“Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so l’ve had to pull out of the show. To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”

Dani Dyer was one of the celebs taking part in this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing ( 
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BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Dani Dyer married West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen recently ( 
Image:
Instagram)

Following the news, Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios added: “Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start.

“Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete in this year’s series. We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.”

BBC Strictly and Dani both shared the sad news on Instagram, with fans and viewers quickly sharing their devastation at the announcement. Among them was professional dancer Amy Dowden, who is paired with Tom Skinner on the show.

She wrote in the comments section: “Sending you so much love and a speedy recovery @danidyerxx absolutely gutted for you and @nikita__kuzmin.” Tasha Ghouri also commented, saying: “Sending love to you @danidyerxx!! I hope you have a speedy recovery,” alongside love heart emojis.

Judge Shirley Ballas also shared her sorrow, penning: “I’m so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel.” And fellow dancer Johannes Radebe also said: “Gutted for you both, take care of yourself.”

Stars of the show took to her announcement to share her devastation ( 
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As the comments continued to pour in, Nancy Xu said: “Ohhh nooo!!!! I’m so sorry Dani and Nikiii. Hope you’re getting better soon @danidyerxx. sending all my love.” Dani’s famous father Danny Dyer also posted a heartbreak emoji as he reacted to the news.

Dani had been paired with Nikita Kuzmin for the upcoming series. She had taken to Instagram at the weekend to share her delight at the link-up. She wrote: “So happy to finally say… my partner is Nikita!

“Honestly couldn’t be happier, he’s already been so patient with me (thank god). Can’t believe the first live show is next week! Wish me luck.”

It remains to be seen who will pair with the Ukrainian for the upcoming series or if Dani will even be replaced. When a star pulls out before the series starts, the BBC show will draft in a new contestant to replace them. With Dani pulling out just days before the first live show, it is not yet known whether another celebrity will stand in last minute.

It is possible that Dani could be replaced as the official show has yet to begin. Previously, Kelvin Fletcher was drafted in for Jamie Laing, and Kelvin went on to win the BBC show.

Dani and Nikita appeared together on Saturday’s launch show. The video showed the pair’s excitement at being partners, but it was pre-recorded before her accident took place.

Just days earlier, Dani had been addressing the dreaded “Strictly curse” months after tying the knot with Premier League footballer Jarrod Bowen. She explained that the West Ham and England star, 28, was “so chill” and not worried about her taking part in the show, insisting “there is no Strictly curse”.

The Strictly curse refers to a belief that the show can lead to the breakdown of a contestant’s existing romantic relationship. It’s reported that over the show’s 20-year run, it has led to the breakdown of at least 21 relationships.

Dani, whose dad is EastEnders star Danny Dyer, rose to fame on Love Island in 2018. She won the show alongside ex-boyfriend Jack Fincham and his since gone on to become a popular reality TV figure.

Three years later, Dani met Jarrod after they became neighbours and he would often take parcels for her. Speaking on Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast earlier this year, Dani shared the unusual story of how they got together.

Chris Eubank Jr refuses to back down after Eddie Hearn’s X-rated rant – “New low”

The pair traded verbal barbs during a press conference ahead of Chris Eubank Jr’s blockbuster rematch with Conor Benn later this year

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Chris Eubank Jr speaks ahead of his rematch with Conor Benn(Image: PA)

Chris Eubank Jr appears to have no regrets after he refused to let Eddie Hearn speak during a press conference on Wednesday evening.

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Both Eubank Jr long-time rival Conor Benn came face-to-face last night to promote their eagerly anticipated rematch – scheduled to take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 15. Eubank Jr emerged victorious in their initial encounter back in April after scoring a points victory in an epic back-and-forth showdown.

After the rematch date was rescheduled last month, the British boxing stars finally got the chance to eye each other up on Wednesday. But before proceedings could get underway, there was a heartwarming tribute to Ricky Hatton – who sadly passed away on Sunday aged 46.

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Benn – who turned up to the press conference wearing a Manchester City top in a nod to Hatton – could be seen on the verge of tears during a tribute to the ‘Hitman.’ Later on, Eubank Jr prevented Hearn from paying homage to the British boxing legend. In the build-up to his fights, the 36-year-old has refused to let the boxing promoter speak. “Thirty seconds about Ricky Hatton,” said Hearn, only for Eubank Jr to retort: “There’s no 30 seconds”.

READ MORE: Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis fight venue CANCELLED as bout in doubtREAD MORE: New footage shows aftermath of Chris Eubank Jr egging Conor Benn

Boxing fans have since hit out at Eubank Jr for not allowing Hearn to pay tribute to Hatton. Still, the boxer himself later took to X – formerly known as Twitter – to double down on his thoughts on the promoter, while also paying his respects to Hatton’s family.

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When is Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr II?

The 12-round middleweight rematch is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 15. It will once again be held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London. Official times are yet to be confirmed – but it is likely that the undercard will begin at around 5pm UK time.

In the main event, the ringwalks will likely take place at around 9:50pm UK time. The first clash was shown on DAZN PPV for a price of £19.95, but full broadcast details will be confirmed in the near future.

CHILLING MOMENT: Jay Slater’s mother opens the BAG he was carrying when he D!ED and finds THREE ITEMS in upcoming Channel 4 documentary

A new documentary has captured the heartbreaking moment Jay Slater’s mum opens up the contents of the bag he was carrying when he d!ed.

The 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire went missing in June 2024 while on holiday in Tenerife, sparking a huge search on the island.

Jay’s body was eventually recovered in a remote area near the village of Masca on 15 July after being missed by detectives for weeks. A year on from the tragedy, new detail into Jay’s disappearance and final hours have been uncovered in a Channel 4 documentary. In one moving scene, Jay’s mother Debbie is seen unpacking the bag that was found on his body.

Sitting in her late teenager’s bedroom, Debbie says: “It’s been a year and I still can’t bring myself to unpack his case. I still smell his smell.”

Turning to Jay’s dog she says, “You know, don’t you? You wonder where he is still when you come in here, don’t you?”

Debbie then shows a black zip bag belonging to Jay to the cameras. “This is the bag Jay had with him when he was found. We got handed this from the Guardia Seville, it’s got his things in it,” she says.

The bereft mum then carefully unpacks the contents that reveal details about her son’s last night.

Going through the last items Jay had in his possession, Debbie says: “His driving licence and then this bottle of aftershave and his lighters.”

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She adds: “There were no knives in his bag, there was no drugs in his bag, there were no expensive watches in his bag. No AP watch, no Rolex watch. That’s it.”

Jay was also carrying his mobile phone on which he made his final phone calls to pals before his d3ath – including what to best friend Lucy Law as he was lost saying he thought he ‘might d!e.’

Jay’s mum also shows the cameras her son’s suitcase from what turned out to be his final ever holiday that he never returned from. Jay’s holiday clothes are still neatly folded in the case as Debbie says she hasn’t had the courage to unpack it over one year on.

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The documentary also shows the final CCTV images of Jay Slater alive just hours before he d!ed. The new film features final shots of Jay alongside the messages he sent.

At 11.55pm Jay is seen at Papagayo Nightclub and then there is CCTV of him leaving at 01.04am.

At 1.12am he is refused re-entry into the club and can be seen at the entrance. A doorman appears to be pointing into the distance to show Jay something.

At 2.40am he send a message telling friends: “Can’t get in Papagayo they got marker on me.”

Pal Lucy replies at 2.48am: “I’ve just said I’ll come out and get you if you come home.”

Then at 2.49am Jay replies: “Doesn’t matter it’s OK. I on a mission.”

A coroner report in July revealed that Jay told his friends he was “in the middle of the mountains” and in need of a drink. He then he attempted a 14-hour walk home the morning after taking drugs and alcohol on a night out.

HEARTBREAKING: Danny Dyer gives UPDATE on daughter Dani Dyer’s HORRIFIC INJURY on Strictly

The news that Dani Dyer has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing has since prompted reaction from her father Danny Dyer. It was announced this evening that she will no longer compete on the new series of the BBC show.

Dani, 29, was due to compete in the dance contest with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, but she’s now revealed in a statement that she’s dropped out due to an injury. It comes just days after the pre-recorded launch show, which unveiled this year’s couples, aired on Saturday night.

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Love Island winner Dani’s departure from Strictly, which comes just days before the first live show this weekend, was shared on social media tonight. The show’s post on Instagram was met with reaction from fans, colleagues and Dani’s father Danny, 48, who expressed his disappointment over the news.

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Danny posted an emoji of a broken heart in the comments section of the post, which was shared on Strictly’s page as well as others, including on Dani’s page. Former EastEnders star Danny didn’t write anything beside the emoji.

He isn’t the only person disappointed by the situation. Some of Dani’s colleagues from Strictly also responded to the announcement on the platform. Fellow contestant Vicky Pattison commented: “Absolutely devastated for you Dani. I’m going to miss you so much … Love you loads.”

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Several of the professional dancers also shared messages. Michelle Tsiakkas wrote: “I’m so sorry Dani and Nikita … Wishing you a speedy recovery.” Whilst Karen Hauer said: “Oh darling nooo. So sorry … wishing you a speedy recovery.”

Dianne Buswell reacted: “I’m so sorry Dani and Nikita. We will miss you so much.” Johannes Radebe said: “Gutted for you both, take care of yourself.” Luba Mushtuk said in her response: “Oh no, I’m so so sorry. Please get well soon.”

Motsi Mabuse wrote: “Oh so sorry. Get well soon. Health first.” Fellow judge Shirley Ballas also reacted to the news, with her writing in the comments section: “I’m so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel.”

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The reactions come after it was announced that Dani fractured her ankle amid rehearsals for Strictly. She said in a statement issued earlier: “I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.

“Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so l’ve had to pull out of the show. To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”

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Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, said: “Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start. Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete in this year’s series.”

The statement concluded with Sarah hinting at a potential return for Dani in the future. Sarah wrote: “We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.”

Strictly Come Dancing was plunged into turmoil last night as one of its biggest stars was forced to quit after sustaining a serious injury while training.

Former Love Island contestant Dani Dyer, 29, was left ‘heartbroken’ as she had to pull out of the dance competition after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals.

Her withdrawal adds yet more pressure to Strictly bosses – actor Kristian Nairn quit the series for medical reasons just last month.

The beloved BBC series also came under fire earlier this month when contestant Thomas Skinner stormed out of a press conference, bringing his appearance on the show into question by viewers.

Ms Dyer, the daughter of Rivals actor Danny Dyer and wife to England footballer Jarrod Bowen, issued a statement on Tuesday, saying: ‘I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny.

‘I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and, after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.

‘Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance, so I’ve had to pull out of the show.

‘To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement,’

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Strictly Come Dancing was plunged into turmoil last night as one of its biggest stars was forced to quit after sustaining a serious injury while training

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Former Love Island contestant Dani Dyer , 29, was left ‘heartbroken’ as she had to pull out of the dance competition after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals

It was revealed during Saturday’s launch show – which was recorded before her fall – that the reality star would be partnered with pro Nikita Kuzmin, 27.

She was set to dance a quickstep in the first of the live shows against her fellow celebrities this Saturday.

‘I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on,’ Ms Dyer added.

Just days ago, the mother-of-three said: ‘I’m absolutely petrified about dancing live.’

The second blow to bosses comes weeks after Mr Nairn’s exit.

The Game Of Thrones star, 49, said: ‘With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing. I was truly looking forward to the journey, and I’m deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor.

‘Thank you all for your support and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense.’

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Dani confirmed the news after the Daily Mail broke the story and said: ‘I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle’

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Her withdrawal adds yet more pressure to Strictly bosses – actor Kristian Nairn quit the series for medical reasons just last month

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And his replacement, Emmerdale star Lewis Cope, has been criticised by fans for his extensive dance experience

And his replacement, Emmerdale star Lewis Cope, has been criticised by fans for his extensive dance experience.

The actor has starred in the West End’s Billy Elliot and even made the final of Sky’s Got To Dance series in 2013 aged 18.

However, Mr Cope’s Strictly partner, Katya Jones, insists his background is actually a ‘hindrance’.

She told the Radio Times: ‘I think everyone’s aware that Lewis can move and I’m looking forward to turning him into a ballroom dancer. But unlearning habits is harder than blank-canvas learning.’

In reply to the criticism, Mr Cope also said: ‘I haven’t worn a pair of tap shoes in17 years.’

Meanwhile, The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner – who is paired with Strictly pro Amy Dowden – has also been hit by scandal after he last week admitted cheating on his wife Sinead just weeks after their wedding in 2022.

He claimed the affair was a ‘moment of madness’ that saw him almost ‘ruin his life’.

It was not clear last night whether the BBC plans to replace Ms Dyer ahead of this weekend’s first live shows.

Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, hailed the injured star. She wrote: ‘Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start.

‘Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete… We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.’

In 2019’s competition, fellow reality star Jamie Laing was forced to pull out after injuring himself in the week before the first live show.

His last-minute replacement, Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, went on to lift the glitterball trophy with dance partner Oti Mabuse.

Mauricio Sulaiman defends Canelo Alvarez: “How easy it is to abandon the one who loses”

The president of the WBC praised Canelo Alvarez’s greatness in boxing.

Mauricio Sulaiman.AP Photo/John Locher

 

Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council, defended Saul Alvarez after his defeat at the hands of Terence Crwaford on Saturday, September 13 in Las Vegas. He was blunt towards all those who are now constantly criticizing the Mexican boxer for his third defeat in his professional career.

What did Mauricio Sulaiman say to defend Canelo Alvarez from criticism for his defeat to Terence Crawford?

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Terence Crawford crashed Canelo Alvarez’ press conference to give his belts back

Sulaiman compared the occasions when Alvarez also lost to Dmitry Bivol and Floyd Mayweather:

“It’s to be expected. When Canelo has lost, it was against (Floyd) Mayweather, against (Dmitry) Bivol, a bigger boxer, and now against Crawford, a great champion, those who have been detractors are having a field day with criticism,” he said.

“But the nice thing has been to see the manifestation of support from personalities, from Saul’s friends, uploading their photo and encouraging, because how easy it is to be with the champion and how easy it is to abandon the loser.”

“It’s so easy to be with the champion and so easy to abandon the loser.”

Mauricio Sulaimán, presidente del CMB.

And he added: “I had a few words with Saul up in the ring and afterwards. He has done so much that he deserves all the recognition.”

This is how the WBC president made clear the greatness and history that the Mexican has marked in world boxing.

“All the greats have lost, he is a great of boxing, a great of history whether he gets in the ring again or not, whether he wins or not the championship again, his place is already guaranteed as one of the greats of boxing.”

“Canelo Alvarez had a setback,” says Mauricio Sulaiman

For Sulaiman, Canelo only had a setback in his career with last weekend’s fight and now he must concentrate on his two commitments in 2026.

“Three defeats in 20 years, 14 years as world champion, 21 champions he has defeated, his three defeats to hall of famers”, “So there is a lot to analyse if you want to have a positive perspective, and there is nothing to analyse if you want to be negative and crush someone who had a setback”.

TERENCE CRAWFORD has been stripped of his WBA title just two weeks after beating Canelo Alvarez for the super middleweight crown.

Crawford beat Alvarez with a unanimous points victory earlier this month in Las Vegas.

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Terence Crawford has been stripped of his WBA title just two weeks after beating Canelo AlvarezCredit: AP

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Abass Baraou is now the new world championCredit: Getty
However, because he informed the WBA that he does not intend to make a return to his original weight class, the 37-year-old has been stripped of his super welterweight title.

Interim title holder Abass Baraou was therefore promoted to full world champion.

The news was confirmed by Baraou’s promoter, Wasserman Boxing, on Sunday.

A statement on social media read: “Abass Baraou is full world champion.

“Seat at the top table confirmed for AB, who would you like to see him fight next?”

The German boxer earned the interim title with a win over Yoenis Tellez last month.

He managed a last-gasp knockdown with 10 seconds left on the clock on his way to a unanimous decision victory.

Baraou could now make his first defence against former champion Jermell Charlo.

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The 35-year-old is currently the WBA’s ‘champion in recess’ and will therefore be made a mandatory challenger.

However, Charlo is currently in talks to face Errol Spence Jr early next year.

Gervonta Davis Interrupts Presenter in Awkward Mix-Up over Jake Paul Fight Rule

The boxing star was surprised by a rule for his Netflix fight

Gervonta Davis interrupted the presenter in an awkward mix-up over the rules for his fight with Jake Paul.

Paul and Davis are scheduled to fight each other on November 13 in an exhibition fight that will be streamed globally to more than 300 million Netflix subscribers.

The fight has already been billed as one of their biggest sporting events, with a YouTuber-turned-boxer taking on a world champion. But the announcement of the rules for the fight brought confusion.

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Davis will need to move up 60 pounds for the contest after it was confirmed that the bout will have a 195-lb limit. That is far higher than the weight classes in which Davis has previously fought in.

In an awkward moment at the press conference, Davis cut across the presenter and said: “Y’all said it was 190…”

The interruption highlighted the strange terms for the exhibition boxing match.

Gervonta Davis. Image: Adam Hunger / Stringer via Getty

What are the other rules for the fight?

Paul’s business partner and co-founder Nakisa Bidarian elaborated on the rules.

He said: “There will be a victor because the fighters have agreed, and the commission has approved.

“[There will be] a maximum weight of 195 pounds for this exhibition. The fight will be contested over 10, three-minute rounds, and when Tank and Jake enter the squared circle to go to battle, they will be wearing 12-ounce gloves.

“Sitting ringside will be three commission-approved world-class professional judges that.”

The two men come into the contest on the back of very different recent fights. Paul impressed in June with unanimous victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, while Davis’s last fight in March ended in a draw with Lamont Roach.

Jake Paul. Image: Sarah Stier / Staff via Getty

How have boxing fans reacted?

The announcement of the rules for the fight has only added to the growing anticipation and scepticism among boxing fans. Many questioned how Davis will cope with the size difference.

On X, @HappyPunch wrote: “Jake Paul looking at Gervonta Davis like he’s a little kid in their first face off.”

@damienfarronMMA replied: “Am I crazy for not thinking he’s big enough to mitigate the skill difference.”

@Chrispurnell5 added: “They are not in the same weight class. So why is this a thing?”

Some fans were also critical of Davis’ choice of opponent.

@cartierfamilyZ wrote: “I don’t understand why Gervonta chose this fight over a rematch with Lamont Roach.”

But others people believe the decision is largely financial with the global attention and attention from Netflix.

“That’s the look of a man that cashed that check to take the L,” added @Og__Ty.

“They robbed him!” Eddie Hearn exploded after judges handed Terence Crawford a shocking decision win. Fans are furious, analysts stunned — was this one of boxing’s worst robberies ever? The truth behind the controversy will leave you speechless.

Boxing has never been short in the drama, but the last storm did not explode inside the strings, but after the most recent fight of Terence Crawford. When the judges declared Crawford the winner by decision, the reactions were not divided alone, they were explosive. Leading the position was the famous promoter Eddie Hearn, who delivered a scathing attack against the score, calling him “a robbery” and “a misfortune for sport.”

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A decision that surprised fans

The fight itself was closely disputed. Crawford was expected, known for his elegant counterprojor and ring intelligence, dominated. Instead, his opponent pressed the action, landed heavy combinations and seemed to overcome it in several critical rounds. Many observers and fans online believed that Crawford had been pushed to the limit, and possibly beaten.

But when the scoring cards were read, Crawford’s hand lifted. The sand built with confusion. Social networks exploded with indignation. And Eddie Hearn did not waste time expressing what many were already thinking.

Hearn’s furious response

“They stole it!” Hearn declared in an interview immediately after the fight. His words were acute, his burning tone. “How can you give those rounds to Crawford? His opponent was the one who landed the cleanest shots, the one who presses the fight. This is exactly the reason why fans are losing faith in boxing, decisions like this.”

Hearn went further, accusing the judges of being influenced by Crawford’s reputation as one of the kings of Libra by sport. “You can’t win rounds just because your name is Terence Crawford. Boxing doesn’t work that way, or at least it shouldn’t.”

A family problem in boxing

This was not the first time questionable to judge the robbery holders. From Gennady Golovkin’s first fight with Canelo Álvarez to the infamous loss of Manny Pacquiao against Timothy Bradley, sport has a history of controversies that emit shadows on exciting competitions. Every time, the uproar restarts the same debate: is boxing enough to guarantee a fair trial?

Hearn’s outburst took advantage of that frustration. “We work very hard to make these great fights, to give fans what they deserve,” he said. “And then everything is undermined by punctuation paintings that make no sense. Tonight, the wrong man received the victory, and everyone knows.”

The consequences

In the days that followed, the conversation has been relentless. Fans have dissected the fight around the round, publishing slow chamber clips and punch statistics to support their claims. Some insist that Crawford made enough with his precision and defense shots. Others argue that the challenger’s aggression should have influenced the judges.

Regardless of which secondary fans they take, one thing is undeniable: the controversy is sold. The reaction has only intensified the Crawford Care Center, while feeding the demands of a rematch that could generate even more interest than original combat.

The verdict

Whether you agree with Eddie Hearn or not, his words captured the emotions of millions of fans who left the fight feeling restless. Was it theft? Was the subjectivity of boxing simply? It may never be unanimous, but one thing is safe: this decision will be discussed in the coming years.

In boxing, each blow tells a story. This time, it was not the blows, but the punctuation paintings that wrote the final chapter, one that left the divided world, and Eddie Hearn shouted the words that many thought:

“They stole it!”