JAKE PAUL and Ben Askren are on course to become boxing’s fifth most-viewed fight ever with 2million pay-per-views, Triller’s Hollywood backer said.
YouTube phenomenon Paul and retired UFC welterweight Askren are set to box on April 17, on social media app Triller’s ‘Fight Club’ PPV platform.

Jake Paul is set to fight ex-UFC star Ben AskrenCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Ben Askren and Jake Paul are projected to sell 2m PPVsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The brains behind the operation is Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of billion dollar film company Relativity Media, who have produced over 250 movies.
Kavanaugh entered the boxing business with a boom last November, bringing heavyweight icon Mike Tyson, 54, out of retirement.
And on the undercard, Paul, 24, became a viral sensation after knocking out ex-NBA point guard Nate Robinson, 36.
The nostalgia of Tyson’s first fight in 15 years and Paul’s army of fans helped the spectacle event sell 1.6m PPVs.

But Kavanaugh claimed he has the numbers to prove that Askren’s shot at the internet star will surpass those figures and smash at least 2m box office buys.
He told SunSport: “We run some analytics and statistics on our fights in terms of what we project it will do.
“I actually project this fight will be in the top five all-time pay-per-views, more than Tyson.
“A lot of variables go into our AI that’s running but what we look at is the social activity and the type of audience.

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

“In Jake’s case, you’ve got a guy that when you analyse the amount of interactivity that he’s getting socially on the content he posts, you basically know that he and that fight is already good for about 1.5m buys.
“Then, you take the fact that Askren brings an MMA audience with him that others don’t, meaning it’s a steeper audience.
“We haven’t announced our undercard yet but we have some pretty awesome fights on that card that will excite even the highest of boxing purists.
“Then you add on all the music talent like we had last time and we’re shooting it a whole different way.
“When you add each of those components we don’t see how we do under 2m buys.”
Paul made his professional boxing debut in 2020, having won an exhibition bout in England in 2018.
He quickly recorded two KOs in as many fights, firstly against online rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and then Robinson.
Paul has since emerged as one of the most polarising characters in boxing after just 12 months in the sport.

Ryan Kavanaugh with actor Channing TatumCredit: Getty Images
Despite not yet beating an opponent with fighting experience, he called out UFC pair Conor McGregor, 32, and Nate Diaz, 35.
With 20MILLION YouTube subscribers behind him, and PPV interest to back it up, the ex-vlogger has promised to become ‘the future of boxing’.
And Kavanaugh reckons if Paul can convince his masses of fans and followers to support his boxing career, he can be good to his word.
He said: “Boxing was not an under 30s sport it was an over 30s sport.
“So what I would say is that he might become the face of boxing, not because everyone in boxing says he’s the face of boxing, but he brings a whole other audience to boxing.
“When I say the ‘face’, if he brings a million people with him to the buys, a lot of them were not buyers of boxing before.”
Despite Paul’s promise as a PPV attraction, he is yet to test himself against a challenger with a background in fighting.
That will change in just under two months, when he faces Askren, who won titles in Bellator and ONE Championship before joining the UFC in 2019.

Jake Paul knocked out ex-NBA star Nate RobinsonCredit: AP:Associated Press

Ben Askren submitted Robbie Lawler at UFC 235 in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The American, who retired after three UFC fights, is not recognised for his striking skills and instead relied on wrestling and grappling.
But Askren, 36, is an experienced veteran and Kavanaugh argues Paul should be credited for his drastic step up in competition.
He explained: “There’s definitely a big question on whether he’s going to win.
“He’s going up against somebody considered to be one of the best fighters in the world.
“In boxing, I get you’re only as big as your last fight and so on and so forth, just like in Hollywood you’re only as good as your last movie, but I think it’s a bit different with Jake.
“Because here’s a guy that isn’t a traditionally trained fighter, it’s not his first career and he’s getting in the ring with a guy who is a traditionally trained fighter whose spent his life between wrestling and mixed martial arts.
“I think win or lose people will give Jake the credit for getting in the ring with someone who is that ferocious.”

Jake Paul is now 2-0 as a boxerCredit: Instagram @jakepaul

Jake Paul pictured after a training session More

FOOTBALL fans fumed at BT Sport’s “p*** poor” coverage of Manchester City vs Real Madrid after the start of extra-time was missed. The match resumed on TV just after the game got underway as adverts ran over.
Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City controls the ball duringCredit: Getty
In a thrilling game were viewers would not want to have missed a second, it is fair to say some where left very unhappy.
One tweeted: “@btsport missed the bloody KO because you overrun your adverts – p*** poor.”
Another added: “Nice work @btsportfootball no need to show the start of extra time. Just stick with the adverts, it’s fine.”
One posted: “BT Sport are too busy, showing adverts, to go back to the start of extra-time, on time. Well done, lads!”
.css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE IN FOOTBALL.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}TAXI FOR RON .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Ronaldo trains with Man Utd as he considers transfer exit a year after return
Another wrote: “Nice of BT Sport to interrupt the adverts for the football.”
Despite the gaffe, viewers got their money’s worth over the two Champions League semi-final ties.
Real Madrid launched an incredible fightback to beat Man City 6-5 on aggregate after extra-time.
As the game went into the 90th minute, even the most loyal of Real fans probably would have lost hope with their team 1-0 down on the night and 5-3 on aggregate.
.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
But thankfully for them, super-sub Rodrygo had not as he amazingly notched two goals in as many minutes.
It took the game into extra-time – when the cameras caught up – where only more drama waited.
Ruben Dias brought down Karim Benzema in the box and the Frenchman converted
Karim Benzema put Real Madrid into the Champions League final against LiverpoolCredit: AFP More

BEN WHITE says he would have tried to be the best gardener in the world if he had not gone into football.The England and Arsenal defender is known for not being 24/7 consumed by all aspects of the Beautiful Game.
Ben White admits he’d have been a gardener if he hadn’t become a footballerCredit: AP

Even though he could end up with a Premier League winners’ medal in the coming months – the Gunners are holding off the challenge of Manchester City with 12 matches left – the 25-year-old does not watch matches during his spare time.
Growing up on the Dorset coast in Poole, White admits there was a realistic chance he could have followed the green-fingered route of his dad Barry.
Instead of playing on lovely-manicured pitches each week, he could have been the one mowing them to perfection!
White said: “I’d probably be working with my dad if I wasn’t a footballer. He used to be a gardener.
READ MORE ON ARSENAL
“I think that’s why there was never any pressure on me growing up, because I would have been very happy with that.
“I went into football but it would have been no problem for me to do what my dad did.
“I never used to watch football much anyway. If it was on when I was a kid, after five minutes I’d get bored of it and go outside to play football.
“I didn’t really watch it, I’d much rather do it. Even now, I don’t watch football really.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
“I watch my own clips and my own footage to help me improve but I wouldn’t watch a game for fun.
“I’m obsessed with being the best I can be and being successful and that would have been in anything I did.
“I always want to do the most I can to be a success.
“So, if I had gone into gardening, it would have been the same.
“My profession just happens to also be a lot of people’s hobby. They look forward to every Saturday to watch the game and that’s great.
“But for me it’s about being on the pitches every day, trying to constantly be the best you can be. That’s the bit I really love.
“When I come into the training ground, it’s all about football – 100% focus. Then when I leave, I switch off from it.
“I don’t think my dad has ever said to me: ‘Shall we watch a game on TV?’ He absolutely isn’t interested in that, I don’t think he’s ever watched one on TV.” More

KEVIN DE BRUYNE (£6.4m) gave fair warning that he wasn’t fit enough to start against Newcastle on Saturday.What the brilliant Belgian failed to mention was that he intended to change the game with a mesmerising cameo off the bench.
Manchester City’s playmaker-in-chief scored within five minutes of his second-half introduction at St James Park as he passed the ball just inside the far post with pinpoint accuracy to level proceedings.
Then in stoppage time, he produced a trademark assist for Oscar Bobb’s (£1.8m) winner with the young Norwegian displaying neat footwork to take advantage of the chance created for him by the imperious De Bruyne.
What a playerCredit: Dream Team
Consequently, many Dream Team managers have transferred the world-class midfielder into their XIs ahead of Gameweek 21 – which doesn’t get underway until late next week because of the winter break.
Remember, you can reverse transfers any time before the deadline so there’s no downside to making an early move.
De Bruyne has been eased back in since recovering from injury with Pep Guardiola making a point to explain the potential perils of rushing him back too soon several times over in the last fortnight.
That being said, the 32-year-old has provided two assists and a goal in 54 minutes of playing time since his return to action so the temptation to start him in the FA Cup fourth round against Tottenham in eleven days’ time must be strong.
Gameweek 21 also includes City’s Premier League meeting with Burnley.
Even if the coaching staff don’t believe De Bruyne is capable of 180 minutes in six days at the end of this month, he’ll surely be assured a fair share of the action.
Most read in Football
And he’s shown in his last two outings that he doesn’t need much time to make a significant impact.
A match made in football heavenCredit: Getty
De Bruyne banked ten points at the Magpies’ expense and looks good another double-digit haul in Gameweek 21.
One benefit of recruiting him now is that he’s available for £6.4m, which is still a hefty price tag, but one likely to increase if he maintains his current form much longer.

Few players are able to change the landscape of Dream Team in such a short time as the Belgium international – his ownership has risen to 13.6% already.
De Bruyne is ever so close to breaking into the top ten most-selected midfielders despite the fact he’s yet to complete 90 minutes in 2023/24, such is the measure of his deserved reputation.
Officially, he’s scored 65 goals and provided 103 assists in the Premier League alone.
KDB or not to KDB? That is the question…

talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org More

CHELSEA will pocket £5million from Real Madrid due to a little-known clause in the deal to sign Eden Hazard despite the star RETIRING, according to reports. Hazard, 33, signed for the Spanish giants from the Blues in 2019 in a deal worth £130m.Chelsea will receive £5million after Real Madrid made the Champions League finalCredit: ReutersIt comes as part of the deal Madrid made to sign Eden Hazard in 2019Credit: GettyThe terms in the deal remain valid despite Hazard retiring in OctoberCredit: GettyThe deal saw Chelsea receive £88m up front, with various performance related clauses and add-ons included.The Belgian signed a five-year deal worth £20m a season with Los Blancos but struggled with injury throughout his time at the club.After playing just 54 LaLiga games for Madrid, Hazard saw his contract with the club terminated last summer.He then announced his retirement from football in October. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the terms of the deal between Chelsea and Madrid have remained valid, according to The Telegraph.And Carlo Ancelotti guiding Madrid to the Champions League final this season has seen another of these bonuses triggered. It means Chelsea, who recently sold their training ground and a hotel in intra-group deals to help them with Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, will gain a bonus £5m.Despite hanging up his pro boots, Hazard has shown he still has his incredible football ability.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFootage showed him skinning four players in training before impressing in a charity football match in Qatar.Hazard initially came through the ranks with Lille before joining Chelsea. Watch Eden Hazard ‘leave influencer for dead’ as ex-Chelsea star skins four players before scoring in charity matchAt Stamford Bridge he won two Premier League titles, two Europa League’s, the FA Cup and the League Cup while scoring 110 goals and adding 85 assists in 352 appearances. More