Aurelia Butler

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    in Boxing

    Inside world of bare-knuckle MMA dubbed ‘most VIOLENT show’ where ‘skulls vibrate’ in brutal bouts made by ex-UFC star

    JORGE MASVIDAL is providing fans with the “most VIOLENT show” on Earth by mixing his two passions together. Masvidal became a cult hero during his UFC days and stands as the proud owner of the fastest knockout in octagon history. Ex-UFC stars Junior dos Santos and Fabricio Werdum in bare-knuckle MMACredit: Gamebred Bareknuckle 5MMA legend Jorge Masvidal promotes the boutsCredit: Gamebred Bareknuckle 5Werdum left brutally marked upCredit: Gamebred Bareknuckle 5But nearly 20 years before rendering Ben Askren unconscious in five seconds with a flying knee, the American was a feared street fighter. He shot to underground fame on YouTube brawling on the streets of Miami for $500 at a time after being recruited by viral sensation Kimbo Slice. So when Masvidal launched Gamebred Fighting Championship in 2021, he married together his two loves to produce sweet violence. He introduced bare-knuckle MMA, where fighters compete without gloves on in the cage, which returns on Saturday streaming free on Kick. READ MORE IN MMAMasvidal, 37, told SunSport: “There’s more submissions, there’s more knockouts, there’s more cuts, it’s more violence. So it’s not everybody’s cup of tea.”But for the right type of person that wants to see two trained killers going at it with no gloves and see what would happen in real life this is it right here. “When we did Junior dos Santos’ fight with Fabricio Werdum over a period of five hours we had a million views. “That just shows, like man, we’re heading down the right path. This is the right cup of tea for a lot of people are we’re going to keep pushing this product that nobody has. Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“And on March 2nd, I bring you the world’s most violent show, Junior dos Santos versus Alan Belcher for the heavyweight title.” Masvidal says bare-knuckle MMA bouts have a brutal 80 per cent stoppage ratio. Jorge Masvidal insists making amends with Jake Paul will not stand in way of mega-fight after confirming boxing switch He added: “People are just going to sleep, sleep from ground and pound. “Because they get hit with that bare-knuckle fist and they’re on that mat and they don’t get to absorb it. “It’s all on their skull freakin’ vibrating. Those are pretty gnarly. Some submissions and obviously a lot of blood. “You’ll see a guy with a submission and as he’s squeezing he’s pouring blood and this guy’s pouring blood and it’s just a bloodbath. “That’s definitely something you don’t see as much with the padded gloves. But the knockouts when they do happen are just violent.” Masvidal credits much of his career to Slice but what would the street fighting king think of bare-knuckle MMA? “He’d be sitting there ringside with me handing out belts, having a good old time just promoting fights and finding the future talent,” Masvidal replied.  Masvidal says bare-knuckle MMA bouts have an 80% stoppage ratioHe called it the ‘most violent show’Masvidal admits ‘it’s not everybody’s cup of tea’Bare-knuckle MMA launched in 2021“I always give a big shout out to Kimbo because he allowed me to come onto his platform back then when he was a rockstar on YouTube, getting millions of views. “Nobody knew me and he asked me, ‘Hey, do you want to come fight on my platform?’ He opened that door for me as a mixed martial artist and pro fighter to just build a platform.” Masvidal emotionally announced his retirement from MMA last April in his home of Miami following defeat to Gilbert Burns. But surrounding himself immersing himself in promoting fights has done nothing to itch the scratch that has plagued him since hanging up his gloves. And now Masvidal has confirmed he is coming back this year – but not in the MMA cage. He said:“Does a dog miss a bone, brother? Hell yeah, every mother f***ing day. “I’m coming back to do boxing this year, that’s definitely maybe something the UK didn’t know too much about. READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m definitely going to be doing boxing this year.” Masvidal intends to come out of retirement for a boxing switchCredit: Getty More

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    I went 15 years as world champ without any spotlight… but now I’m the highest-paid female fighter thanks to Jake Paul

    BOXING legend Amanda Serrano went a decade and a half flying under the radar – until Jake Paul put her on the map. Serrano was already a world champion in seven different divisions by the time she first met Paul in 2020. Amanda Serrano is a seven-weight boxing championCredit: PAJake Paul signed Serrano in 2021The YouTuber-turned boxer made his professional debut – beating online rival AnEsonGib in one round – on the same card as Serrano. And he was left stunned at the tiny paydays the Puerto Rican icon was making despite her accomplishments in the ring. In fact, even Serrano admits her nephews cared little about her career or boxing in general – until Paul and his brother Logan came along. Serrano, 35, told SunSport: “I used to hear his blogs going on in the room or his ‘Everyday Bro’ and I’m like, ‘Who is Everyday Bro?’ READ MORE IN BOXING“So I started watching the YouTube videos as well and that’s how I knew about Jake and Logan. “And when they told me he was going to fight, I tuned in I thought that was cool, let’s see how this goes.” Serrano in 2021 became the first fighter signed to Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. And along with business partner Nakisa Bidarian, they made the female fighting pioneer a millionaire and household boxing name. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSerrano said: “I’ve been in boxing going on 15 years and it took a young man like Jake Paul from a whole different avenue of entertainment to put a spotlight on me. “I struggled, by the time Jake signed me I was seven-division world champion, I was already an established fighter. EXCLUSIVE: Amanda Serrano urges women’s boxing stars to ‘fight for what they believe in’ with major rule change“But today I’m the highest-paid female fighter, selling out arenas, followed by many, many people and I’m just super honoured to be part of MVP, Jake Paul, Nakisa, who really changed my career.” Serrano in April 2022 lost a Fight of The Year contender with Ireland’s Katie Taylor in the famed Madison Square Garden in New York. She has since bounced back with four wins and claimed the undisputed crown at featherweight. But one of her biggest bouts has come outside the ring and that is the fight for equality. Serrano – who headlines on Saturday against Nina Meinke – has called on boxing chiefs to allow her to box 12 rounds of three minutes – as men do. Her last two opponents have agreed to step up from the usual ten rounds of two minutes and Serrano hopes more will do the same. READ MORE SUN STORIESShe said: “So far I’ve had two that took the fight with no problem and there’s many out there that are willing to do it and want to do it. “I’m hoping they can follow in my footsteps and put their footsteps and fight for what they believe in and make that choice.”Jake Paul with Serrano and opponent Nina MeinkeCredit: EPA More

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    I starred in hit TV series Euphoria but now I’m signed to Jake Paul and tipped to be boxing’s biggest star

    JAVON WALTON is being tipped as a name to remember in boxing – but some will already know exactly who that is. Walton had over 85 amateur bouts and several junior titles but he shot to fame with his role in Emmy-award winning HBO series Euphoria.Javon Walton has signed for Jake Paul and Most Valuable PromotionsWalton makes his pro debut under Paul’s MVPHe shot to fame starring in Emmy-award winning HBO series EuphoriaSo when the 17-year-old made the decision to turn professional, YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul snapped him right up. And Paul – who has spent the last six years going from prankster to prizefighter – believes he has boxing’s next big thing on his hands. Paul, 27, told SunSport: “He has everything it takes. And that’s the beauty of it. It’s up to him and bringing it into reality 1,000 per cent. “But I see it for him, he has the talent, he has the following already and he has Most Valuable Promotions, the name speaks for itself. READ MORE IN BOXING“He has people around him like Amanda Serrano, surrounded by GOATs since day one and being around events like this as part of his global debut, it doesn’t get any bigger or better than this. “I see no reason why with his family, his dad, the people in his life, Nakisa helping steer the ship that he can’t be the star of boxing.” Walton was first taken to the gym by his boxing-mad dad DJ at the age of just four. He said: “I really fell in love with it and I’ve been boxing ever since.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt the same time as competing up and down the country, Walton was also making a name for himself as an actor. He has also featured in Utopia, The Umbrella Academy, and 2022 film Samaritan alongside Rocky creator Sylvester Stallone. EXCLUSIVE: Jake Paul says ‘eight-figure’ fight offer to Tommy Fury has been ‘RESCINDED’ after rival refused to ‘f***ing listen’But now he is ready to let his hands do the talking on Saturday night in Puerto Rico, making his pro debut against Joshua Torres. Walton said: “However, people support me, they support me, I appreciate the support at the end of the day. “Of course, I’d like people to know more about my amateur background for sure but not everyone is going to know about that. “That’s what I’ve got to do Saturday night, I’ve gotta prove to everybody why I’m in the ring in the first place and show everybody that I’m really about this.” Walton already has over 5million Instagram followers and is following the same blueprint that has afforded his new promoter so many lucrative fights. Paul said: “This is the new model of how to become the biggest in the sport and it’s starting from day one, it’s having that audience and backing it up in the ring. “You look at some of the biggest modern stars, the youngest ones, it’s me, Ryan Garcia and that came from branding and marketing themselves. “I believe the biggest fighters from the next generation will have their own content, have their own pages, have their own audience from maybe other places, podcasts whatever it might be. Walton with MVP co-founders Nakisa Bidarian and Jake PaulWalton had over 85 amateur boutsHis dad DJ, left, first brought his son to the boxing gym aged four“And this is the new model and that’s why this is so exciting is that he already has the people and the eyeballs and now it’s just going to compound. “And it’s almost greater when people doubt him or don’t think he’s going to be able to rise to the top of the sport because that journey and that story is more fun to follow than someone who is just starting out and you don’t know their name and their 22-0.” Walton – whose last role was in true crime drama Under the Bridge – refused to close the door on his acting career despite boxing taking a front seat. He revealed: “I won’t say this is an end on the acting world at all or projects in the future. “But the priority right now is boxing and to accomplish everything I can accomplish right now in the boxing world.” Walton’s most high profile gig was the role of Ashtray through two series of the acclaimed Euphoria. He starred alongside Angus Cloud and the two become close friends on and off set. Sadly, Cloud passed away aged 25 last year following an accidental drug overdose but his life will live long in the memory for Walton. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe young boxer said: “He was a good friend to me. He was a super great guy on set. “I knew him for about six years because we got to build that chemistry on set and he’s definitely going to have a special place in my heart forever.” Angus Cloud with co-star WaltonCredit: @onwardwannaCloud sadly passed away in 2023Credit: @onwardwanna More

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    Sam Eggington vs Abass Baraou LIVE RESULTS: Latest from European title fight as Brit has eye CUT open in thrilling bout

    SAM EGGINGTON goes for gold once again as he squares up with Abass Baraou for the European title – and the action is unfolding RIGHT NOW!The Brit can win the EBU strap in a second weight division should he come out triumphant at the top of the Telford bill.But Eggington is in trouble as Baraou’s heavy punch has cut his eye open.
    Start time: approximately 10pm GMT
    FREE live stream: My5
    TV channel: Channel 5
    Follow all the action from Telford with our live blog below…Baraou wins MD
    The judges score the Telford bout: 114-114, 117-111 and 117-112.
    One terrible card.
    Two fine ones.
    Well done Abass Baraou.
    Copy linkCopiedGlove story
    Abass Baraou and Sam Eggington stop punching each other and hug.
    Eggington grins like a Cheshire cat under a ginger beard.
    Such a good boxing match that Eggington just could not control, thanks to Baraou’s freshness and enthusiasm.
    Expecting a UD for Baraou and a knighthood for The Egg.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R12
    Bullish Baraou keeps trading in the pocket, even though he is coasting on the cards.
    Eggington is still scything away at the German but he has not put a dent in the visitor.
    Baraou is too tough and technical, too hungry and driven.
    The Egg is a cult hero but this European title has slipped out of his grasp.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R11
    A couple of times now Eggington has looked broken and beat but he has rallied and returned fire.
    Eggington only looks happy in the darkest trenches, putting out fires and swinging for a life saver.
    The engine on the Smethwick man is scary. But Baraou is just too fresh and well formed.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R11
    In trademark style, Eggingtom tries to up the pace and the ante.
    But Baraou is seasoned and skillful and spiteful.
    The Egg is in trouble, shipping shots. The referee is taking a close look.
    But then the Brit somehow hits back. What a man Eggington is.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R10
    Eggington’s corner do good work with his gashed eye.
    But Baraou is so technically sound and disciplined he seems unlikely to blow it.
    Baraou doesn’t have a mark on his face while the Egg’s is slowly swelling up into a pink pillow.
    Eggington needs a Hail Mary miracle punch now.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R10
    Eggington’s trainer Jon Pegg tells his charge: “You were winning that round and threw it away by being a f***ing idiot”.
    he’s not wrong, replays show the Brummie sruck his head up and laughed after getting clipped by the first right hand.
    Eggington in trouble now, a nasty gash looking almost as bad as the scorecards.
    A bloody mess.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R9
    A short left hook from the Brummie lands but does not hurt Baraou.
    Eggington turns his man on the ropes and slashes at him further.
    But Baraou roars back with a dozen right hands and hacks cuts into Eggington’s eyes.
    A horrible turn for Eggington. Baraou has snatched certain victory from the jaws of a likely decision.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R8
    Excellent combination from Baraou ends with an uppercut and hook that wobble Eggington’s head back and sideways.
    The Brummie is jabbing well and controlling the pace but Baraou’s punches have been more precise and eyecatching.
    The contest feels like it’s slipping away now, with the German maybe 6-2 up.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R7
    Another tight and close round but probably another one Baraou can claim because of his footwork and superior style.
    Eggington’s Mexican-like pressure hasn’t been in top gear tonight so Bararou has been able to nick minutes and rounds by looking good.
    It still feels like the Egg needs to crack one big shot to turn the tide.
    It’s probably 5-2 now.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R6
    Baraou probably nicked the fifth but he is having a rest now.
    A bit morea action from the Egg and he could take this one on the scorecards.
    Baraou’s bouncing and gliding around the edge look nice but he’s miles out of range and almost showboating.
    The Egg keeps piling on the pressure but is not getting too much success.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R5
    Thrilling end to the fifth as both men land head shots.
    Eggington even scores to the Baraou body.
    Eggington might have a small cut opening on the outside corner of his left eye,
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R5
    Baraou is mean at the start of the fifth, backing Eggington into a corner and slashing at him.
    Egg is happy in the pocket and firing back but one flush shot could end it early.
    Eggington edges out of the neutral corner and chips back at the travelling favourite.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R4
    Eggington has jabbed and pressured his way back into the contest as Baraou takes a round off.
    Baraou has not been hurt or buzzed but Eggington has touched him enough to make that 2-2.
    We need to see Baraou’s tough German chin checked by an Eggington bomb.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R3
    Baraou lands a thudding right hand that costs Eggington his gumshield and probably the round.
    The German is starting to show his amateur skills while the Egg is relying on his never-say-die grit.
    It feels like 2-1 to Baraou now but Eggington might have just taken Baraou’s best right hand and brushed it off.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R3
    Baraou’s foot and head movement are a level above but the Egg has seen it all before.
    The Englishman takes the bout eyebrow-to-eyebrow and calls for an exchange of hooks and uppercuts.
    Baraou and all of his amateur pedigree want this at distance, with skill and style. But the Savage is here for a battle.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R2
    The Egg takes takes a couple too many straight shots but is not hurt.
    Baraou is more menacing in this round, but Eggington slips and blocks a host of efforts.
    Baraou should have bagged that one with the judges.
    It feels like 1-1 after the opening two.
    Copy linkCopiedEggington vs Baraou R1
    Both super-welters jab to head and body, Eggington towers over the German.
    Baraou does some good work at close quarters, with The Savage pinned back on the ropes.
    But Eggington tucks up smartly and boxes his way out of danger.
    Eggington connects with a right hook right on the bell that might have won him the round.
    Copy linkCopiedBrotherly glove
    Daniel Eggington is currently traversing the Rio Negro, across three dangerous South American countries, so Sam wants him to get his props.
    He told us: “He makes what I do look like an absolute doddle, people should be writing articles and watching documentaries about him, not me.
    “People even rave about the bloke off Eastenders – Grant Mitchell – going to dangerous foreign countries, but he travels with about 15 bodyguards and a TV crew, while my brother is out there with a laptop and a drone.
    “Right now I am getting ready for 12 rounds on Channel 5, he is spending three months traversing the Rio Negro, through uncharted parts of Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela, that’s proper actual danger.”
    Copy linkCopiedRound trip
    Sam Eggington preferred to celebrate brother Daniel’s brave adventures rather than his own.
    When SunSport asked him about his globetrotting brother, he explained: “I find it weird that people want to interview me about doing a sport millions of people around the world do every day, when my brother is doing something that only a few people in history have ever done.
    “I’m in a great gym, I box on TV, people cheer me on and I get paid for it. My brother goes to the deepest darkest places left on earth, living with tribes, risking his life because he loves animals and adventure.
    “Barring a couple of great sponsors – who help keep his family at home almost calm – he does it at all his own cost.”
    Copy linkCopiedKelly wins
    Referee Kevin Parker scores the seesaw thriller 57-55.
    That was a magnificent example of boxing and bravery, great matchmaking too.
    Brilliant boxing and a great win for the Birmingham boy.
    Copy linkCopiedKelly down – R6
    The doctor is checking all the cuts and swelling around Lutic but he has been passed to continue.
    Lutic is switching from southpaw to orthodox and getting clipped in both stances.
    Kelly is enjoying it now, he’s landing plenty but now he’s down, stunned by a haymaker. The Englishman beats the count. Stunning stuff.
    It was a left hook that rocked Kelly down to his socks.
    Copy linkCopiedLutic down – R5
    A Kelly body blow drops Lutic down to the canvas.
    Lutic seems finished but brilliantly climbs up right on 9.
    Kelly steams back in and targets the trunk again but Lutic tucks up and survives the onslaught.
    Final round starting now, with kickboxer Lutic needing a miracle to win.
    Copy linkCopiedKelly vs Lutic – R5
    Lutic is slinging the kitchen sink at the Englishman and asking his head, body and heart a string of questions.
    Kelly is not shying away and showing a lot more than he did in his loss to Hamzah Sheeraz.
    Lutic traps Kelly on the ropes and unloads. Kelly looks shellshocked. The referee appears close to stepping in and stopping it.
    Copy linkCopiedKelly vs Lutic – R3
    Ryan Kelly must have expected a little step-up fight, a chance to showcase his skills.
    Instead he has been dragged into the trenches.
    Lutic is a tough and proud man, swinging for the rafters.
    Fans are being treated to a brilliant battle.
    Copy linkCopied More

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    I ate Uber Eats for 30 days to fill empty space after retiring… now I’m back for boxing switch, says Jorge Masvidal

    JORGE MASVIDAL binged on a month’s worth of takeaways before being convinced to end his retirement. Masvidal emotionally hung up his gloves last April in his home of Miami following defeat to Gilbert Burns. Jorge Masvidal is coming out of retirement to make a switch to boxingCredit: GettyThe next day – with his 20-year and 52-fight MMA career over – the American superstar was left feeling so empty he decided to fill up on fast food. Ahead of Gamebred bare-knuckle MMA, Masvidal told SunSport: “It wasn’t the best feeling when I woke up the next day. “It was like, ‘Damn I’m not retired, am I really retired? Guess I’m retired, Uber Eats!’ “Then I started ordering food and just eating to like fill this f***ing empty space and I did that for a while for like 20 or 30 days of waking up and feeling the same. READ MORE IN BOXING“It just wasn’t right, it definitely didn’t feel right being retired.” Masvidal, 37, was soon back to training and as luck would have it he was approached to make a switch to boxing. He said: “As that was happening a lot of other things were happening and this great deal fell on my lap to come back and be able to come back and box. “I got to straighten out a lot of things in my life at that time on a personal level as that was the only way I was going to be able to go forward on a professional level. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I got those things done and here I am, pushing forward.”Masivdal is still under contract with the UFC but looks to have their blessing to make a move into boxing. Jorge Masvidal boasts of having ‘world’s most violent’ sport as bare-knuckle MMA leaves fighters’ ‘skulls vibrating’ And despite making amends with YouTuber-turned 8-1 boxer Jake Paul, 27, it will not stand in the way of a mega-fight between them. Masvidal said: “Being friends with him or not, I mean that has nothing to do with us fighting. “I’ve got respect for him for all the things he’s doing in his life in terms of turning his life around, these personal conversations, that’s how I’ve grown respect for him. “How he told me how his life was going and how boxing switched it and changed it because of the discipline that sport demands and how he grew up in the media world and the Disney world, it was very different.“I respect that and it’s very commendable but it has nothing to do with us fighting. If the UFC allowed me to, I don’t have all these permissions yet to be calling out people. “But I’d fight anybody, I don’t have friends in this sport. I didn’t get into this sport to make friends, I got in this sport to provide for myself, my family and be number one.” Masvidal is looking to face a fellow crossover star as he prepares to swap the cage for the ring. He said: “I would like to fight a couple of MMA guys, some YouTube influencers and get my feet wet in the traditional boxing way. “The same way that boxers do, they go get a gold medal and they come out and they fight ten guys that could never hurt them in the sport. “And that’s the same thing I want to do, I want to push myself as much as possible but within my MMA-boxing experience. READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m not going to go and fight a world champion off the rip, is what I’m saying.” Masvidal is back in trainingCredit: @gamebredfighter More

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    Major role Jake Paul’s stunning girlfriend is playing in his boxing career as he gushes over ‘inspiring’ speedskater

    JAKE PAUL has gushed over the influence his “inspiring” speedskater girlfriend Jutta Leerdam has had on his boxing career. The sporty super-couple went public with their relationship in April and have been almost inseparable ever since. Jutta Leerdam and Jake Paul have been together since AprilCredit: @juttaleerdamThe sporty power-couple are inseparableCredit: @jakepaulLeerdam is a Dutch speedskating starCredit: GettyShe has played a major role in Jake Paul’s boxing career of lateCredit: @juttaleerdamPaul is one of the highest-paid fighters in the world, banking £33MILLION alone in 2023. But more than just money, the YouTuber-turned boxer wants to defy all odds and become a world champion in the ring. And he is leaning on the advice of six-time speedskating champ Leerdam, 25, to help him do it. Paul told SunSport: “It’s a game-changer and I can fully focus on what I want to do with the support from here. READ MORE IN BOXING“She can give me mental advice and coaching, even physical performance advice and it’s just been such a game-changer. “She inspires me to be better and I’ve told her from day one like, ‘Hey, I want to be just like you, I want to be a world champion.’ “So she holds me to that standard.” Paul, 27, confirmed his new romance just months after suffering defeat for the first time, against Tommy Fury, 24, by split-decision in February last year. Most read in BoxingLeerdam is in Jake Paul’s cornerCredit: @juttaleerdamThe skater is a six-time champCredit: @juttaleerdamJake Paul is her biggest fanCredit: @juttaleerdamThe glam couple pose for a selfieCredit: @juttaleerdamThey enjoy the high lifeCredit: @juttaleerdamCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut for his two comeback wins, over ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, and pro boxer Andre August, 35, Dutch stunner Leerdam has been in his corner. And she will be cheering on once again when Paul makes his return to the ring on Saturday night in Puerto Rico. EXCLUSIVE: Jake Paul says ‘eight-figure’ fight offer to Tommy Fury has been ‘RESCINDED’ after rival refused to ‘f***ing listen’He faces 17-2 Ryan Bourland, 35, the most experienced opponent on his record as he looks to continue against seasoned boxing competition. Paul said: “I think people are starting to see the story unfold and getting to know the real me behind just the trolling and being a loudmouth and having fun. “At the end of the day, I was born to be an entertainer so that side of me is going to come out but there’s a different side to me and that’s to change this sport forever and make history and who’s a really hard worker and a very talented athlete. “I think people really underestimated from day one how talented I am as an athlete and how hard I work and that’s starting to come out. “And no matter what people are going to say, everyone respects hard work so I think people are really starting to see that and how serious I’m taking it fighting these guys. “And not just doing the big money fights, I’m going to do more of those of course, I’m seriously on the path to world champion.“And at first I think people thought I was just saying that to get clicks and stuff but they don’t know just how hard I really work.” Jake Paul facing off with Ryan BourlandCredit: @mostvaluablepromotions More

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    Pentathlete breaks down in floods of tears live on BBC at World Indoor Athletics Championship after devastating injury

    A SPANISH pentathlete was left in tears after rupturing her Achilles tendon at the World Athletics Indoor Championships.Maria Vicente, a triple jump youth Olympic medallist, injured herself as she attempted a high jump in the morning session at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.Maria Vicente suffered a nasty-looking injury as she attempted a high humpCredit: ReutersShe burst into tears after hitting the matVicente appeared to damage her AchillesCredit: AFPShe was quickly attended to by medical staffCredit: ReutersThe Spaniard looked in agony as she was wheeled away on a stretcherCredit: ReutersThe 22-year-old laid on the crash mat in agony before being attended to by medical staff, concerned teammates and Spanish coaching members.Vicente had already cleared heights of 1.67 metres and 1.70 metres in the competition but when she tried to take on 1.73 metres, it all went horribly wrong.In clear distress, Vicente was stretchered away from the arena to a backstage medical room, and was later seen in a wheelchair.Tears continued to flow as she left the field of play and she put her hands on her head.READ MORE IN SPORTIt meant the end of her competition in the women’s pentathlon, which starts and ends on Friday.Depending on how bad the issue is, it could also mean she misses out on competing at the Paris Summer Olympics.Vicente finished 18th in the heptathlon with 6,117 points at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.It was a real blow for Vicente who had topped the leaderboard after the first event.Most read in AthleticsShe scored 1113 points for winning the second heat in the 60m hurdles, posting a top speed of 8.07 out of all 12 pentathletes.Katarina Johnson-Thompson is the reigning world heptathlon champion but she has decided against competing at the World Indoors this weekend.The Power Players: Celebrating Two Decades of Inspirational SportswomenA number of home-grown high-profile individuals have stayed away from the event even though it is being held on UK soil. More

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    in Boxing

    Jake Paul claims Tommy Fury snubbed eight-figure offer and deal is withdrawn as rival refused to ‘f***ing listen’

    JAKE PAUL has withdrawn his “eight-figure” fight offer to Tommy Fury after the Brit snubbed the deal. The YouTuber-turned boxer has been trying to negotiate a rematch with Fury after losing their blockbuster grudge match last year.Jake Paul has been in talks to rematch Tommy FuryCredit: GETTYBut Paul put a twist on the deal by tabling terms to first run it back in the boxing ring and then complete the trilogy in the MMA cage. The Problem Child’s side have insisted Fury could earn over £15MILLION for the two-fights spread across the two sports. But after failing to hear back it looks as though the deal is off the table.Paul told SunSport: “It’s an eight-figure deal for a boxing and an MMA fight – more money than he’s ever been offered – but he didn’t take it so the offer isn’t there anymore. READ MORE IN BOXING“Quite frankly, he’s going to realise how much he needs me over the next couple of months when he goes to fight someone again and he’s getting offered 75k. “And the offer is down now, the offer is rescinded first of all and it’s nowhere near that now. He had his opportunity and time to take that.” Paul, 27, claims he picked up around £24m after suffering a split-decision defeat in Saudi Arabia last February, while Fury, 24, was said to have made close to £4m.The American former Disney star bounced back with a points win over ex-UFC ace Nate Diaz and a knockout against pro boxer Andre August in his last bout. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPaul now returns on Saturday night in Puerto Rico against 17-2 Ryan Bourland, 35, the most experienced opponent of his career. Meanwhile Fury is coming off a controversial points victory over Paul’s arch rival KSI, 30, in October and had hand surgery soon after. EXCLUSIVE: Major role Jake Paul’s stunning girlfriend is playing in his career as he gushes over ‘inspiring’ speedskaterPaul has been in talks with Fury’s side since the backend of 2023 but is growing frustrated at the apparent wage demands. He said: “All of his doors that he can open in his career, they all lead to me. “I can do whatever I want, fight whoever I want and you’re going to see in the very near future. “I’m on a path to world champion and so if he wants to do it and he’s serious about it then he needs to be realistic around the financial side about it. “And there’s no one better in this game at business than me so when I’m telling him these things, he has to f***ing listen.” Fury’s team were contacted for comment. Tommy Fury controversially beat KSI on pointsCredit: GETTYJake Paul facing off with Ryan BourlandCredit: @MostVpromotions More