Boxer Sam Noakes still giving his pal a hand on building site just three weeks before fight with ex-world champ

BOXER Sam Noakes looks to build his way back to another world title shot by beating a former champion – just weeks after laying down his hard hat. Noakes was beaten by American star Abdullah Mason last August in a Saudi Arabia thriller for the WBO lightweight title. Sam Noakes still helps his friends out on site Credit: https://www.instagram.com/sam_noakess/ Denys Berinchyk during a Public Workout at Spitalfields on 26th August 2026 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The 29-year-old from Kent returned with a routine second round stoppage in May and now takes on Denys Berinchyk at London’s O2 Arena. Berinchyk is the former lightweight champ who has lost just once in his 20 bouts – to pound-for-pound talent Keyshawn Davis in February 2025. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Watch the latest SunSport video series So Noakes’ manager Francis Warren – son to legendary promoter Frank – admits he was slightly worried when he found out the former roofer was still on the building site three weeks ago. Warren told SunSport: “I said to him, ‘What are you doing? You’re not hammering?’ He goes, ‘No, no, I’m just carrying stuff about!’ “Boredom, I suppose, but a bit of a switch-off just from dieting and training. “And if he’s got a mate who needs a hand, he’ll go and give him a hand, because he’s that guy.” Everywhere Noakes goes, his older brother Sean – the 13-1 former English welterweight champ – will follow. But the brilliant duo are now BANNED from sparring each other – because things get too tasty. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The Home of Boxing in 2026 There's a massive year of boxing ahead! It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster year of action inside the boxing ring. The Gypsy King has beaten Mariusz Wach in his second fight of the year to set up a huge fight with Anthony Joshua And AJ did the same, knocking out Kristian Prenga in the second round of a thrilling encounter – the Brit was knocked down twice in the opening round. Now fans are looking forward to Moses Itauma’s return for his toughest fight yet against Filip Hrgovic in August. Here’s all the big fights coming up… August Sat 29 – Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic – DAZN September Sat 12 – Conor Benn vs Ryan Garcia – DAZN *If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue. Warren revealed: “They argue. I mean, when they go at each other, they do not hold back. “If one of them’s a bit out of camp and put a bit of timber on, they kill each other! They’re a good double act, those two.” Noakes is the feature attraction at London’s O2 Arena with Moses Itauma, 21, headlining for the IBF heavyweight title against Filip Hrgovic. Warren – who also manages Itauma – is still holding out for Noakes to rematch Mason, 22, or get a crack at one of the other 135lb title holders. The manager said: “He feels like he’s got a wrong to right there, and if Abdullah does move up, then he’ll be in a good position for a vacant title. “I speak to him regularly. I’ve got my remit as to what he’s asked me to do for the back end of his career, but he’s 30 next year. “He’s been at it for quite a while, and he’s been with us, with me, since the start. “It’s quite a nice journey to go from start to now next crack hopefully at a world title, and just make sure he’s financially secure and looked after.” Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic - all the info Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic face off for the IBF heavyweight world title Comment now