Latest news with #TonyBellew
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Martin Bakole and Ilunga Makabu: Brothers in boxing
Heavyweight contender Martin Bakole will take on another prospect in Efe Ajagba on the 3rd of May on the Canelo vs Scull undercard. The self-proclaimed 'most avoided' heavyweight will be looking to get back on track after a second-round knockout loss to Joseph Parker in February on two days' notice. But what many don't know is that Bakole's boxing inspiration is his older brother, Ilunga Makabu, the former WBC cruiserweight champion. Their difference in name has kept their relation relatively unknown throughout their careers, but who are the brothers and how did they both end up as elite level boxers? Who is Ilunga Makabu? Makabu's professional boxing record stands at 30-4 (26 knockouts). Born in Kananga, the capital of Kasai Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Makabu left home at the age of twenty and ended up in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was taken under the wing of the late famous trainer Nick Durandt who helped him turn professional in 2008. The 37-year-old still trains with Durandt's son, Damien. Makabu had an early set-back, losing his debut by first round TKO. He rebounded with a string of nineteen back-to-back victories, winning all but one by knockout and collecting the WBC Silver and International titles along the way. It was a trip to Merseyside for the biggest fight of Makabu's career – facing Liverpudlian boxing legend, Tony Bellew, for the vacant WBC cruiserweight belt at Goodison Park in 2016. A loss by third-round knockout after dropping Bellew in the first sent the Congolese knockout artist back to the drawing board. A fight in Kinshasa, billed as 'Rumble in the Jungle II', saw Makabu defeat Michal Cieslak over twelve rounds to claim the WBC cruiserweight title in 2020. He successfully defended his belt twice before losing it in a twelfth-round stoppage to current champion Badou Jack in 2023. The former champion would get a shot at reclaiming his cruiserweight throne later that year after Jack vacated his belt. The South African-based fighter lost by a third-round knockout to Noel Mikaelian and has since only fought once, in a fight held in Kinshasa. Martin Bakole: The not-so-little brother Standing at 6ft 6in and weighing more than 250lbs, it is hard to see anything little about Bakole. He currently holds a record of 21-2 (sixteen knockouts) and is based in Airdrie, Scotland, via The Congo and South Africa. Bakole credits his older brother as the reason he left home. Makabu called him and told him to come to South Africa and train with him – which led to him accompanying his brother to Liverpool for his world title fight against Tony Bellew. Citing that the heavyweight game in South Africa was not where he wanted it to be at that time, he decided the UK was the right place for him and asked if his promoter could find him a fight. "I went there, but boxing in South Africa is down at the moment in the heavyweights," Bakole told Queensberry Promotions. "I decided to come here because my brother was fighting Tony Bellew for the WBC world title, which he lost in 2016. I told him then that I wanted to stay because, for me, boxing is now here in the UK." After being sent to Scotland for sparring, Bakole met his current trainer Billy Nelson for the first time. The 31-year-old is now settled in Airdrie and has been training under Nelson since 2016. Their partnership has been a successful one, with Bakole winning sixteen of his eighteen fights whilst being based in Scotland. He most recently lost to Joseph Parker for the WBO interim heavyweight title. Bakole will now be hoping to reestablish himself in the heavyweight division, continuing his journey on the path first carved by his older brother. Their shared pursuit of boxing success - though often unrecognised as a family affair - has shaped two elite careers across different weight classes. Watch Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez's historic night in Riyadh against William Scull exclusively on DAZN PPV. The PPV cost is $59.99 US; £/€21.99 UK/IRE; $24.99 ROW. Check price in your country here. Watch on any device via the DAZN app, including Smart TV's, smartphones, tablets; streaming devices, games consoles and any device with a web browser.
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gethin Jones says it was ‘best experience' as he says goodbye in emotional 'end of an era'
Gethin Jones says it was 'best experience' as he says goodbye in emotional 'end of an era' The former Blue Peter presenter shared an emotional post on social media after hosting the "End of an Era" ceremony for his favourite football team. Gethin Jones at hosted Everton's End of an Era ceremony alongside Tony Bellew. (Image: Gethin Jones (Instagram- @gethincjones) ) Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones shared a touching post on social media as had one of the best experiences whilst presenting Everton's "End of an Era" ceremony. On Sunday, May 18,he joined former world champion boxer Tony Bellew, as they hosted a special post-match ceremony as Everton's Senior Men's team said farewell and celebrated 133 years of Goodison Park. The team beat Southampton in the premier league match, and left the stadium for the last time on a high. He shared on Instagram: "What a history, what a day. Goodison Park, forever @everton."For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter He added: "On a personal note, one of the best experiences I've ever had… To compere the 'End of an Era' ceremony in front of 40,000 people, live on the telly. To chat to some of Everton's greats. The script kinda went out of the window, pure emotion everywhere. "End of an era for the men. Just the start for the women." Content cannot be displayed without consent Despite it being an end of an era for Everton's men's team, taking ownership of the park from the 2025/26 season will be Everton's women's team which is fronted by captain, Megan Finnigan. Article continues below She said: "To walk out at Goodison Park as our permanent home will be a real honour. It's where we belong — and we can't wait to create new memories there." Everton Women's manager Brian Sørensen, added : "Our players will now have a stage that matches their potential, our fans will have a place to build an even stronger matchday culture, and young girls across Merseyside will see that this is a club where dreams can grow and come true." Content cannot be displayed without consent Gethin was honoured to be part of the historic day, and when he had the call he told that he was " straight on with my mates on WhatsApp!" He said: "I was six or seven when I demanded my first shirt after we won the FA Cup in 1984, and, of course, winning the league and Cup Winners' Cup the next season. As a proud Welshman, I'm sure a lot of it had to do with Kevin Ratcliffe captaining the side, and big Nev in goal! "It's a proud history, unique, the oldest purpose-built football stadium in the world. It's tough to move on but I think every Everton fan wants the Club to be winning trophies, competing at the very top, and these days you need to move with the times." Article continues below One social media user said: "What a proud moment for you today being asked to present the coverage of the celebrations. The coverage on TNT Sports and Discovery+ this afternoon has been tremendous. " Another added: "You did amazing. Couldn't have signed off with a better host!"
The Independent
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Everton emotionally sign off from Goodison Park with Southampton win
Iliman Ndiaye scored the last goals at Goodison Park as Everton signed off 133 years of history with a fitting 2-0 win over an abject Southampton. Nottingham Forest's Horace Pike had the honour of being first on the scoresheet here in September 1892 – Fred Geary registered the Toffees' first in the 2-2 draw – but Senegal international Ndiaye had the final say. The 2,791st men's senior match at the ground was a celebration from beginning to end as fans said farewell to the old in anticipation of the new with the pending move to Bramley-Moore Dock. Everton 's women have been handed the keys for next season after new owners The Friedkin Group abandoned plans to demolish the first purpose-built football stadium in the country but this was the final time Goodison will be packed to the rafters. There were 39,201 inside but thousands more turned up with their blue smoke and pyrotechnics to mark the occasion, with pleas for any spares falling on deaf ears of those lucky few with a golden ticket – reportedly selling for over £1,000 on some resale sites. It resulted in disorganised scenes outside the ground, with the streets flooded hours before kick-off, creating a logjam which blocked roads and meant the planned team coach welcome was aborted. Unfortunately few supporters seemed to be aware of the fact, which led to more congestion problems – former world cruiserweight champion and Evertonian Tony Bellew had to beat a path through the crowd to escort one supporter in a wheelchair – and concerns from some they would not get to their seat in time. But everyone did make it and the volume at kick-off, which had been preceded by a parade around half the pitch by several club greats, was possibly the loudest it had ever been. Everton's club colours flew at half-mast above the Bullens Road Stand but inside the ground it was party time. The game was almost secondary to soaking up the historic surroundings and atmosphere for one last time but the action on the pitch did not disappoint. Beto was denied early on by Aaron Ramsdale, who was beaten after just six minutes when Ndiaye became only the second player to reach double figures this season with a casually-stroked shot from 20 yards beating the goalkeeper's right hand. Captain Seamus Coleman, the club's longest-serving player, started his first match since Boxing Day after injury but lasted just 18 minutes. He turns 37 in October and is one of 14 players out of contract but has been reassured by boss David Moyes that he will stay on next season. The same cannot be said for his replacement Ashley Young, three years his senior, who is not being retained. Beto had two goals disallowed for offside, the second from a header which came from a brilliant passage of one-touch football around the penalty area, before in added time Ndiaye sidestepped Ramsdale from Dwight McNeil's through-ball for his 11th of the season. The out-of-contract Abdoulaye Doucoure 's wave to the crowd when he was replaced by the on-loan Charly Alcaraz in the second half suggested he knows his future lies elsewhere, while in-demand centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite could also have made his last appearance for the club after limping off with a hamstring injury. In the closing stages all the old songs were belted out at full volume but there was no fairytale final goal in front of the Gwladys Street End.
The Independent
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Iliman Ndiaye stars as Everton sign off from Goodison Park with Southampton win
Iliman Ndiaye scored the last goals at Goodison Park as Everton signed off 133 years of history with a fitting 2-0 win over an abject Southampton. Nottingham Forest's Horace Pike had the honour of being first on the scoresheet here in September 1892 – Fred Geary registered the Toffees' first in the 2-2 draw – but Senegal international Ndiaye had the final say. The 2,791st men's senior match at the ground was a celebration from beginning to end as fans said farewell to the old in anticipation of the new with the pending move to Bramley-Moore Dock. Everton's women have been handed the keys for next season after new owners The Friedkin Group abandoned plans to demolish the first purpose-built football stadium in the country but this was the final time Goodison will be packed to the rafters. There were 39,201 inside but thousands more turned up with their blue smoke and pyrotechnics to mark the occasion, with pleas for any spares falling on deaf ears of those lucky few with a golden ticket – reportedly selling for over £1,000 on some resale sites. It resulted in disorganised scenes outside the ground, with the streets flooded hours before kick-off, creating a logjam which blocked roads and meant the planned team coach welcome was aborted. Unfortunately few supporters seemed to be aware of the fact, which led to more congestion problems – former world cruiserweight champion and Evertonian Tony Bellew had to beat a path through the crowd to escort one supporter in a wheelchair – and concerns from some they would not get to their seat in time. But everyone did make it and the volume at kick-off, which had been preceded by a parade around half the pitch by several club greats, was possibly the loudest it had ever been. Everton's club colours flew at half-mast above the Bullens Road Stand but inside the ground it was party time. The game was almost secondary to soaking up the historic surroundings and atmosphere for one last time but the action on the pitch did not disappoint. Beto was denied early on by Aaron Ramsdale, who was beaten after just six minutes when Ndiaye became only the second player to reach double figures this season with a casually-stroked shot from 20 yards beating the goalkeeper's right hand. Captain Seamus Coleman, the club's longest-serving player, started his first match since Boxing Day after injury but lasted just 18 minutes. He turns 37 in October and is one of 14 players out of contract but has been reassured by boss David Moyes that he will stay on next season. The same cannot be said for his replacement Ashley Young, three years his senior, who is not being retained. Beto had two goals disallowed for offside, the second from a header which came from a brilliant passage of one-touch football around the penalty area, before in added time Ndiaye sidestepped Ramsdale from Dwight McNeil's through-ball for his 11th of the season. The out-of-contract Abdoulaye Doucoure's wave to the crowd when he was replaced by the on-loan Charly Alcaraz in the second half suggested he knows his future lies elsewhere, while in-demand centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite could also have made his last appearance for the club after limping off with a hamstring injury. In the closing stages all the old songs were belted out at full volume but there was no fairytale final goal in front of the Gwladys Street End.
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Tony Bellew reveals personal 'heartbreak' over Everton's move from Goodison Park
Former boxer Tony Bellew has his season tickets for Everton's new stadium but he will still feel sad when men's team bid farewell to Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon Tony Bellew says it will break his heart that former Everton chairman Bill Kenwright is not around to witness his vision of the club's new stadium becoming reality. The former boxer knows bidding farewell to Goodison Park on Sunday will be a "sad day" in the Toffees' history but he is excited to begin next season in their shiny new arena having already had a preview look inside for a recent test event. Bellew and family have already snapped up their season tickets for Bramley Moore Dock and he says the financial reasons for moving are impossible to argue against. But that will not stop him from possibly shedding a tear after the weekend's meeting against Southampton. "It's very hard to say goodbye to Goodison Park. Personally for me, massively. But the flip side is it has to happen, it really has to because we can't get left behind," he said when promoting his BBC podcast series Hooligans. "Everton Football Club is too big of a club to be left behind. Everton were one of the founding six of the Premier League and if we don't move stadium we're going to be left way behind. We have to go. It's going to be a very sad time, a very sad day when we move. "But I've been in the (new) stadium. I know it was only a test event, an under-18s game, but we've got to go. It's one of them things where it's for the best of the club." Aside from being a regular at the ground since childhood, Bellew won the vacant WBC cruiserweight title against Ilunga Makabu at Goodison in May 2016. He also paraded his belts around the pitch at half-time of matches. He was close to former club chief Kenwright, who passed away in October 2023 aged 78. And the fact the past chairman will not be able to see their team run out at the new stadium saddens him. Bellew added: "What breaks my heart the most is that my friend Bill, the old chairman, is not going to be there to see it. That breaks my heart to be honest. "The new stadium is unbelievable. The chairman's vision has come to life. We've all got our season tickets, my family, and we can't wait to get in there. The test event was good. It felt like we were in the future, like we had been on fast forward. "We've been so used to watching Everton at Goodison Park with our obstructed views and whatever else, it felt insane to be in there. There were escalators in the ground taking us to floor. "That sounds silly and miniscule but when you've been going to the game as long as I have and watching the game the way I have, that felt crazy. We can't wait to get in there."
