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    I soiled my pants when young Mike Tyson took his top off in sparring session… no 17-year-old boy should look like that

    MIKE TYSON struck fear into the hearts of heavyweights for the best part of two decades.’Iron Mike’ burst onto the scene in the 1980s, making his professional debut in 1985 against Hector Mercedes.Mike Tyson is widely regarded as one of the best heavyweights of all timeCredit: GettyJoe Egan was shocked by Tyson’s physique as a teenagerCredit: Getty’Kid Dynamite’, as he was known back then, racked up an incredible 12 first-round KO finishes in a mere eight months to put the division’s old heads on notice.That incredible run of stoppages made Tyson’s future opponents fear for their safety before the opening bell rang.But he was an intimidating force long before he made his professional debut under the watchful eye of former mentor Cus D’Amato.Irish hardman and now-retired boxer Joe Egan learned first-hand of Tyson’s ferociousness when he sparred the boxing icon as a fresh-faced teenager.READ MORE IN SPORTAnd their wars in the gym live long in the memory.He told talkSPORT: “I’d left school when I was 14 years of age and I’d been on the doors of nightclubs at 15 years of age.”When I met Mike I was 17 and I had been fighting men so when I got the opportunity to spar another 17-year-old I was over the moon.”Mike was several months younger than me, he was shorter than me and he spoke with a bit of a lisp and I thought ‘I’m going to batter this kid’.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTyson was in ripped condition from such a young ageCredit: EPA”I really had the measure of him in my mind, he was so nice, he was fascinated with the history of Irish boxing so we got on great.”We walked and talked, we watched fight footage at the top of the house together and then we ran together the next morning.’Bully boy thug’ John Fury called out by fighter Mike Tyson once called ‘toughest white man on the planet’ Credit: The Sun”When we got to the gym, suddenly all these big powerhouses appeared, all of them very sombre because they knew what was coming.”They knew the beatings that were going to be dished out by this young heavyweight. I thought they’re all going to box together and then me and Mike are going to box together.”Egan knew he was in trouble when he got a glimpse of Tyson’s hulking frame, which most fully grown men would’ve envied.He continued: “We stripped off, shadow boxed, bandaged up and Cus said ‘glove up’. Then I saw Mike in the ring stripped to his waist.”The physique on the 17-year-old boy, the biceps, the triceps, the neck, the chest, the back.The physique on the 17-year-old boy, the biceps, the triceps, the neck, the chest, the back. I thought ‘there is no way a 17-year-old boy should look like that’.Joe Egan on Mike Tyson”I thought ‘there is no way a 17-year-old boy should look like that, that’s not the same boy I ran with this morning and met yesterday, that’s not the same boy I sat with on the mini bus, laughing and joking’.”Then Cus pointed to one of the big men to get in and spar, he was knocked spark out with one punch. I’m not ashamed to say it, but I ruined a good pair of underpants in that moment.”I s*** myself. Two more got in, two more got knocked out. I was number four, I got battered for three minutes, but I stayed on my feet.”I got out, a couple more got in, they lasted as long as they lasted, I got in again. I did six minutes with him that day and took six minutes of punishment.”Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles comparedONE is a notorious YouTuber-turned-boxer who has taken the sport by storm.
    The other terrorised all in the ring in the 1980s and 1990s, famously biting the ear off an opponent in one fight.
    Iron Mike has rebuilt his life after squandering a £300m fortune with a cannabis empire, and is a huge advocate of the drug.
    And as Paul has continued to rise up the ranks, he has splashed the cash on a fleet of amazing cars.
    Whereas Tyson had more money than sense until a £15m debt saw him part with his cherished car collection.
    Paul now lives in a plush mansion worth £13m in Puerto Rico, after escaping his hectic life in LA.
    But these days, Tyson lounges in his Vegas property he paid £2.5m for with wife Lakiha, who he married in 2009.
    Paul is not yet married but is smitten with his speed skater girlfriend  Jutta Leerdam.
    She will be by his side when her man puts his 9-1 boxing record on the line against two-time heavyweight champ Tyson on July 20.
    Read more: Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles compared, from The Problem Child’s £13m mansion to Iron Mike’s huge cannabis empire.

    Despite never getting the better of Tyson in sparring, Egan has fond memories of their time together.”He said: “I never got the better of him, he battered me many times, made me cry so many times.”But it was an honour and privilege to share the ring with him because of what he went on and achieved.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTyson 57, will be back in action on July 20 when he throws down with Jake Paul in a controversial crossover clash.Egan, meanwhile, has been itching to get in the ring with John Fury – the father of former WBC heavyweight champ Tyson.Mike Tyson’s controversial comeback Mike Tyson is BACK!
    Yes, boxing’s youngest heavyweight champ of all time – just 20 when he achieved the feat – is preparing to lace them up again.
    He faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on July 20 in Texas.
    The controversial clash – set for the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Dallas – has been scrutinised over the 30-year age gap.
    Tyson will be 58 by the time the fight for the ages comes around and nearly 20 years removed from his last professional contest.
    He was last seen in the ring in November 2020 for an exhibition with fellow legend Roy Jones Jr, which ended a draw after eight rounds.
    Paul is meanwhile 9-1 in the ring, losing only to Tommy Fury in 2023, and has won three times since.
    His fight with Tyson will also be a landmark first on Netflix, with over 250MILLION subscribers able to watch the bout. More

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    Jake Paul is ‘stealing money’ with Mike Tyson fight, says Floyd Mayweather as claims of replacement swirl

    JAKE PAUL has been accused of stealing boxing fans’ “money” ahead of his crossover clash with Mike Tyson.The YouTuber-turned-boxer will throw down with the former undisputed heavyweight champion in a controversial Texas tussle on July 20.Jake Paul throws down with boxing Mike Tyson on July 20Credit: RexThe fight has caused uproar among boxing fansCredit: GETTYFloyd Mayweather has accused Paul of stealing people’s money with his fightsCredit: GETTYThe latest chapter of the former Disney star’s boxing career has sparked outrage as he’ll be 31 YEARS Tyson’s junior come fight night.Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather is far from a fan of the youngest Paul brother but admits he can’t knock his hustle of taking on older fighters for boatloads of cash.The former five-weight world champion told Treasure Hustle: “What he’s doing is kinda cool.”If he can continue to steal money and they match him the way they match him, I can’t knock his hustle.READ MORE ON TYSON VS PAUL”If they can match him the way that they have been, more power to him.”There were fears the fight would be cancelled after Tyson suffered a health scare during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles last Sunday.Tyson’s ulcer flare-up prompted a slew of big-name fighters – including Ryan Garcia – to put themselves forward to replace him.And three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has sensationally claimed he’s already contracted to replace Tyson should he pull out of the bout.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCredit: The SunHe wrote on X: “I guess it was wise of Jake Paul to write me into the contract as Tyson’s backup, wasn’t it???”If Jake Paul realises he might be fighting ME in a month, HE may be the one having a heart attack.”Tyson’s mid-air emergencySonnen, 47, is set to make his professional boxing debut in a trilogy fight with former foe Anderson Silva on June 15.And Paul was quick to shut down suggestions he’s the backup for Tyson.Responding to Sonnen’s post, he wrote: “You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks/likes.”Nothing changed.”Tyson himself has downplayed suggestions he’ll withdraw from his Dallas dust-up with ‘The Problem Child’.He took to social media to say: “Now feeling 100% even though I don’t need to be to beat Jake Paul.”Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles comparedONE is a notorious YouTuber-turned-boxer who has taken the sport by storm.
    The other terrorised all in the ring in the 1980s and 1990s, famously biting the ear off an opponent in one fight.
    Iron Mike has rebuilt his life after squandering a £300m fortune with a cannabis empire, and is a huge advocate of the drug.
    And as Paul has continued to rise up the ranks, he has splashed the cash on a fleet of amazing cars.
    Whereas Tyson had more money than sense until a £15m debt saw him part with his cherished car collection.
    Paul now lives in a plush mansion worth £13m in Puerto Rico, after escaping his hectic life in LA.
    But these days, Tyson lounges in his Vegas property he paid £2.5m for with wife Lakiha, who he married in 2009.
    Paul is not yet married but is smitten with his speed skater girlfriend  Jutta Leerdam.
    She will be by his side when her man puts his 9-1 boxing record on the line against two-time heavyweight champ Tyson on July 20.
    Read more: Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles compared, from The Problem Child’s £13m mansion to Iron Mike’s huge cannabis empire. More

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    Jane Couch single-handedly changed boxing history – the Fleetwood Assassin deserves her place in the Hall of Fame

    MAYBE AS I have ­daughters and grand-daughters, or perhaps it’s a generational aberration, but it’s no secret I’m not a lover of women boxing.Seeing girls in the ring being bruised, battered and bleeding isn’t something I enjoy watching.Jane Couch will become the first British woman in the Boxing Hall of FameCredit: AlamyShe is one of the most iconic fighters in British boxing historyCredit: GettyYet Jane Couch — who changed the face of British boxing for ever — has always had my admiration.The Lancashire lass, known as the Fleetwood Assassin, was a one-woman Suffragette movement — boxing’s equivalent of Emily Pankhurst, who at the beginning of the last century led the fight to get women the  vote.Ms Couch fought tigerishly in her long and bitter legal battle to get the British Boxing Board of Control to lift its ban on women being allowed to box in this country.She was so passionate and determined in her solo campaign for equal rights she would have gone to jail for her cause — like Pankhurst.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt was 26 years ago when Jane, now 55, eventually went before a tribunal, backed by the Equal Opportunities Commission, and won her case.She single-handedly altered the course of history and emancipated dozens of young women who yearned to take part professionally in the Noble Art.In November 1998 I was ringside at a sold-out Streatham nightclub to report on the BBBofC’s first and only licensed female boxer’s debut — she stopped German Simona ‘Demona’ Lukic in two rounds and a new career was born.They say pioneers are the ones who create a legacy that lasts beyond their lifetime. Today, the 90 women who hold licences owe Jane a deep debt of gratitude.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTo say Couch was a rough diamond is a giant understatement. In her youth she was Calamity Jane, a tearaway expelled from school and arrested countless times for a variety of offences but mainly for brawling in the street.Like so many unruly kids Jane found boxing, which taught her discipline and how to be considerate to others.Inside Ricky Hatton’s career comeback after he beats addiction and finds fame on reality TVCouch made it possible for women to box in BritainCredit: AlamyShe admits she’s on cloud nine ahead of her inductionCredit: GettyNext week Jane flies to America where in Canastota, New York, she will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame — the sport’s ultimate tribute and the first British woman to receive that honour.When we spoke this week, Jane said: “It’s a bit surreal really, I mean Ali and Frazier are in there.“I had 39 pro fights, won five world titles and received the MBE  but I think the Hall of Fame tops it all.“I was always a rebel — a bit of a warrior and stubborn. I just wanted to make a difference. I think I did that.”Being inducted alongside her will be two-time world champion Ricky ‘Hitman’ Hatton — arguably Manchester’s favourite son and one of our most exciting fighters ever.No British fighter had a bigger following than Ricky. Thousands of his fans were at the five fights he had in Las Vegas — and nobody deserves to be in the HOF more.An elated Ricky said: “It’s jaw-dropping. When it had sunk in, I was a bit teary-eyed — it’s something really special.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTo have two of our boxers being inducted into the HOF at the same time is unique.But with Couch and Hatton, Britain couldn’t have finer ambassadors to represent the home of boxing.Ricky Hatton will also be joining the Hall of FameCredit: GettyThe Hitman had one of the most loyal followings everCredit: Getty More

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    Ex-world boxing champion, 45, ready to replace Mike Tyson and fight Jake Paul ‘at any weight he wants’

    A FORMER world boxing champion has offered to step in to replace Mike Tyson and fight Jake Paul.It comes after Tyson experienced a medical emergency this week on his plane from Miami to LA.Tyson vs Paul could be under threat after Tyson’s recent health scareCredit: GettySakio Bika has offered to step inCredit: AFP – DDPThe incident saw paramedics rush to the plane once it landed.But Tyson emerged from the plane walking unaided and not looking too worse for wear.He had become dizzy and nauseous on the flight stemming from a stomach ulcer flare-up.The medical emergency caused immediate concerns that Paul vs Tyson would be off, particularly given the thirty year age gap between Paul, 27, and Tyson, 57.READ MORE ON SPORTBut a defiant Iron Mike posted on X on Tuesday he was: “Now feeling 100% even though I don’t need to be to beat Jake Paul.”Paul himself reacted angrily to rumours the fights would be cancelled on social media.He took to X to address rumours that the July 20 fight would be called off and said: “You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks/likes. Nothing changed #PaulTyson”But now a surprise contender has thrown his hat into the ring should Tyson prove to be too ill to fight.Most read in BoxingParamedics were called to Tyson’s plane but he walked away unaidedCredit: instagram @miketysonCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSakio Bika is a previous IBO super-middleweight champion and held the belt from 2008 until 2010.Bika, 45, has not fought since 2021 and that was after four years out.Everything we know about Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fightBut he said: “If Jake Paul is serious about fighting a former champion, look for someone a lot younger or active within the last decade. I can fight Jake Paul at any weight he wants.”Despite his former championship status, he hardly has the pull of Tyson.His most famous match saw him lose by unanimous decision to Joe Calzaghe in 2006.Born in Douala, Cameroon, Bika has fought as an Australian national since 2000.He has a 22-7-3 record. More

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    Jake Paul brutally warned he will be ‘knocked out cold’ by Mike Tyson as flyweight says YouTuber is ‘doing my head in’

    BRITISH boxer Nick Ball has backed Mike Tyson to knock Jake Paul “out cold” when the two face off in a blockbuster Netflix bout.Heavyweight legend Tyson, 57, is set to take on YouTuber Paul, 27, in a huge fight at the AT&T Stadium in July.Mike Tyson is set to face Jake Paul in JulyCredit: GettyNick Ball, who is set to face Raymond Ford this weekend, is convinced Tyson will winCredit: GettyIt will be Iron Mike’s first professional fight in 19 years, but flyweight Ball is convinced he can take the win.The 27-year-old told BoxingScene: “He [Paul] will be knocked out cold. He’s doing my head in.”I’ve watched loads of [Tyson] to be honest, I still do to this day. That’s what people have been saying, we’ve got similarities.”I like the way he fights. All his fights are exciting no matter who he’s in the ring with.Read More on Boxing”He’d treat them all the same and goes into every fight the same. It’s no messing. That’s what I like about him. No messing. No wasting time. Straight to business.”Due to his age, Tyson will have to pass brain and heart tests to be eligible to fight.The boxing icon suffered a medical emergency on a flight earlier this week.However, he took to social media the following day to confirm that he is still okay to fight Paul.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCredit: The SunTyson wrote: “Now feeling 100 per cent even though I don’t need to be to beat Jake Paul.”The scheduled fight is set to take place on July 20 in Texas.Everything we know about Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fightIt will be streamed live on Netflix. More

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    Glamorous British athlete Lauryn Davey gives glimpse into life behind the scenes as fans hail ‘track princess’

    LAURYN DAVEY has given fans a glimpse into her life away from the track with a new Instagram post.The heptathlete has been ramping up her preparations for a busy summer of athletics.Lauryn hinted at a career change as she posed with a microphoneCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe also posed on the running trackCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyAnd took a selfie at a football stadiumCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyLauryn Davey, https://www.instagram.com/p/C7eunJoIAPL/Credit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe dubbed the busy period “May madness” as she posted about her life away from the track on Instagram.Among the photos shared with her 33.7k followers was a glimpse into a potential career change when she hangs up her spikes – as she posed with a commentary microphone.She also shared action shots from her track career as well as a photo from a music festival.Another photo saw her don medical scrubs as she continues to work towards gaining a medical degree.READ MORE ON ATHLETICSOne fan wrote: “track princess 👸🏼” as her followers heaped praise on her in the comment section.Another wrote: “You are my idol 🙌💕”A third commented: “Gorgeous photos 😍😍”A fourth wrote: “You’re unreal 😍”Most read in AthleticsShe also shared images from a music festivalCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyAnd a selfie from her medical studyCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyAnd a fifth asked: “Are you going to Paris?”Britain’s full list of Team GB athletes has not been released yet.Glamorous British athlete Lauryn Davey shows off her incredible figure as she works on her fitness for new seasonBut inevitably, Katarina Johnson-Thompson will be Team GB’s first-choice women’s heptathlete.Davey will still be hoping to make the cut.Davey competes in the heptathlonCredit: instagram @laurynlouisedaveyLauryn studies at Swansea UniversityCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe has over 30,000 followers onlineCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe is a medical studentCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyBut in her spare time she enjoys paddleboardingCredit: INSTAGRAM @laurynlouisedaveyLauryn often shares holiday snaps with her followersCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyLauryn likes to travel and always keeps fans updated with her travailsCredit: instagram @laurynlouisedavey More

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    Meet the controversial UFC cult hero claiming to replace Mike Tyson in Jake Paul fight who was targeted by death threats

    CHAEL SONNEN’s claim he is Mike Tyson’s replacement to fight Jake Paul in just the latest controversy of his career.Tyson suffered a major health scare just a few weeks out from his showdown with the YouTuber.Chael Sonnen claims he could replace Mike Tyson to fight Jake PaulCredit: GettyIron Mike suffered a medical scare on a flight just weeks before the boutCredit: RexAnd that sparked chaos on social media with Sonnen trying to convince fans he was contracted to be the substitute if the boxing icon pulls out.Sonnen went from public enemy No1 to fans’ favourite over a 49-fight career.Considered one of the greatest talkers on the MMA mic, the American “Bad Guy” has transformed his charisma to a career in films and TV. But who is the self-proclaimed American Gangster? READ MORE IN MMASonnen started wrestling as young as nine and went on to become a champion at school and university level.By 19, Sonnen hung up his wrestling boots to focus on MMA with aspirations of making it to the UFC.And 22 fights later – spanning across Asia and America – Sonnen made his UFC debut in defeat to Renato Sobral in 2005. The grappler was in and out of different promotions until again returning to the UFC in 2009 – this time as an outspoken contender.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt the time, Anderson Silva was in the middle of his iconic reign at middleweight. And Sonnen needed to create some buzz around challenging the Brazilian – so he went after his beloved nation. Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul lifestyles compared Sonnen blasted Brazil before and after the announcement of his 2010 title challenge against Silva with a series of infamous insults. He once said: “Anderson is a fraud. He is a liar and he is a thief. “This guy is not from a bowing culture, you bow in Brazil, they hit you over the head and take your wallet out of your pocket.”Sonnen took it a step further when he dragged Silva’s wife Dayane into the trash talk. He ruthlessly said: “You tell Anderson Silva that I’m coming over and I’m kicking down his backdoor and patting his little lady on the a** and I’m telling her to make me a steak, medium-rare just how I like it.”The tense build-up produced one of the most anticipated fights in UFC history and the bout did not disappoint.Sonnen dominated the previously untouchable Silva for four rounds and was moments away from a shock victory. But with only seconds remaining until the final bell, the champion locked in a dramatic arm submission and turned the fight on its head. Sonnen was beaten with under two minutes to go and later opened up about getting death threats from Silva’s fans. He told The MMA Hour after the fight: “It got a little bit out of hand. The level of death threats got a little bit high.”I reached ten death threats, and I think number seven was actually serious. By the looks of his eyes, it looked like he’d stabbed somebody before.” Sonnen worked his way up to a rematch in 2012 but he was knocked out in round two. A year later and in his very next fight, he moved up to light-heavyweight to challenge all-time great Jon Jones. But following another build-up full of taunts and insults, Jones ended the argument in under a round with a brutal stoppage victory.Sonnen would never again hit the same heights of coming so close to dethroning Silva. Instead, his best highlights came on the mic but over time he turned into a cult hero among MMA fans. That is despite failing drug tests and brazenly admitting to his crimes. Sonnen was embroiled in several doping scandals during his career and in 2014 accepted a two-year suspension for FIVE drug failures.But instead of making up excuses or providing flimsy excuses, he has remained honest about using Performance Enhancing Drugs. Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles comparedONE is a notorious YouTuber-turned-boxer who has taken the sport by storm.
    The other terrorised all in the ring in the 1980s and 1990s, famously biting the ear off an opponent in one fight.
    Iron Mike has rebuilt his life after squandering a £300m fortune with a cannabis empire, and is a huge advocate of the drug.
    And as Paul has continued to rise up the ranks, he has splashed the cash on a fleet of amazing cars.
    Whereas Tyson had more money than sense until a £15m debt saw him part with his cherished car collection.
    Paul now lives in a plush mansion worth £13m in Puerto Rico, after escaping his hectic life in LA.
    But these days, Tyson lounges in his Vegas property he paid £2.5m for with wife Lakiha, who he married in 2009.
    Paul is not yet married but is smitten with his speed skater girlfriend  Jutta Leerdam.
    She will be by his side when her man puts his 9-1 boxing record on the line against two-time heavyweight champ Tyson on July 20.
    Read more: Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles compared, from The Problem Child’s £13m mansion to Iron Mike’s huge cannabis empire.

    He told Jackass’ Steve-O: “I don’t know if anybody’s failed more drug tests than me. “But the other side is I don’t know if anybody’s gotten away with more drugs than me.“They got me over seven substances. But I was on at least 17. Those tests aren’t all that good.”Sonnen has taken his talents away from the cage with cameo roles in 2012 movie Here Comes the Boom and Grudge Match a year later. He played himself in both. Sonnen fought up until 2019 but retired at 42 following defeat to Lyoto Machida. He went on to work for Bellator as a commentator and pundit and has since kept his role after the merge with the Professional Fighters League.Sonnen and Silva’s first bout was also inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame – but their rivalry is not yet over. Despite becoming friends, they prepare to meet in a trilogy bout on June 15 in Brazil, this time in the boxing ring. So Sonnen raised eyebrows when he claimed to be the confirmed back-up for YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul’s bout with Iron Mike.Credit: The SunTyson suffered a health scare boarding a flight going from Miami to LA when he had an ulcer flare-up.It led to fears his controversial clash with Paul on July 20 in Texas was facing the KO.And Sonnen stoked up a fire when he posted: “I guess it was wise of Jake Paul to write me into the contract as Tyson’s backup, wasn’t it???”If Jake Paul realizes he might be fighting ME in a month, HE may be the one having a heart attack.” Despite Sonnen’s claim, fans knew better than to take it seriously before Paul quickly assured fans the fight was still on. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks and likes. Nothing changed.”Tyson, taking the chance to aim a dig, followed up with: “Now feeling 100 per cent even though I don’t need to be to beat Jake Paul.”Sonnen won 31 of his 49 MMA fightsCredit: GettyHe challenged for the UFC light-heavyweight and middleweight titlesCredit: GettyThe American lost to Anderson Silva in a UFC thrillerCredit: GettySonnen married Brittany in July 2013Credit: GettyThe controversial star appeared in two filmsCredit: Getty More

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    Unbeaten boxer who was forced to hide in basement while house got shot up now on track for title after fight on 5v5 card

    UNDEFEATED middleweight boxer Austin Williams has had some rise to get to where he is today.The 28-year-old fighter has gone from hiding from gunshots in his basement as a kid to earning a spot on this weekend’s Matchroom 5v5 card.Austin Williams had a harsh upbringing as a kidCredit: GettyWilliams, who boasts an 16-0 record since turning pro in 2019, faces Hamzah Sheeraz in Riyadh on Saturday.And as much as 16 wins from 16 in a five year period might seem like a breezy rise to the top, getting to this point has been anything but easy for the Milwaukee born star.Williams moved to Houston, Texas when he was just 10 but saw those early years in Wisconsin shape his life and his career as fighter.The star, nicknamed “Ammo”, previously recalled spending New Year’s Eve in his basement as a youngster as his house had been shot up that night. READ MORE IN BOXINGSpeaking to Ring TV in 2019, he said: “Milwaukee was a very tough place.”I’m happy about my beginnings because it gave me a different type of hunger. Knowing where I come from – it made me like to fight.”Williams carried that passion for fighting with him to Houston where he would take on gang members in one-on-one fights to build up his skills.He explained: “It was like I was a vigilante taking these guys out but in reality, I just really liked to fight. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWilliams is preparing to face off in Riyadh this weekend as part of the 5v5 cardCredit: GettyWilliams takes on Hamzah SheerazCredit: Getty”It was a win-win situation for me and it kept me out of gangs because I would do it solo.”Sometimes people would think it was out of anger but it definitely was because I loved the challenge of it. I loved the thrill of it. Matchroom Vs Queensberry 5 Vs 5 boxing face off “No other sport or anything could match that thrill that I got from it.”That should’ve told me and my parents right away that I should’ve done something like boxing but nobody in my family did it. “When I look back, it’s so crazy that I didn’t begin fighting at a young age because I really loved it.”I love the build-up; I love the nerves before the first punch is thrown and things of that nature.”There’s huge build up for Williams on the horizon as he faces losing his undefeated record against Sheeraz, who has also never been on the receiving end of a loss.Sheeraz has a 19-0 record himself and at least one fighter will be losing their perfect record come Saturday night.Williams, who only stepped into the ring for the first time at 19 years old, is now aiming for a world title.Should the six-foot southpaw get the better of Sheeraz then he will likely set up a fight for the WBC championship belt against the winner of Carlos Adames and Terrell Gausha.Speaking ahead of Saturday’s bout, Williams said: “One win away [from a world title fight].READ MORE SUN STORIES“I didn’t do boxing for popularity or money; I came in it for greatness, and to be one fight away from the middleweight championship of the world is everything.“I’ve been a middleweight since the beginning, I’ve been disciplined to stay there, and for this to be right there on the horizon is a dream come true.”Williams made his pro boxing debut back in 2019Credit: Getty More