Aurelia Butler

UFC legends Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal are set for a long-awaited next month, but there is a twist.Diaz and Masvidal, both 39, fought at UFC 244 back in 2019, with the latter coming out on top to win the BMF (Baddest Mother F****r) title.Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal are set for a rematch after the latter won at UFC 244Credit: Splash NewsDiaz has only had one boxing fight that saw him lose to Jake PaulCredit: GettyMany called for a rematch between the two lightweight foes and their prayers have finally been answered, however this will not be an MMA fight.Instead, the American bruisers will lock horns in a 10-round boxing bout.The two fighters have only ever boxed once professionally throughout their celebrated careers.Masvidal stepped inside a boxing ring back in 2005 when he beat Joseph Benjamin whereas Diaz lost to YouTuber Jake Paul last year.Read More on BoxingWhen does Diaz vs Masvidal take place?Masvidal and Diaz will now take place on Saturday, July 6 from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.The fight was originally set for June 1 but was moved to avoid a clash with UFC 302.The card kicks off from 11pm BST time with the main event expected to get underway from 5am BST/ midnight ET.Masvidal will meet his MMA rival in a boxing fight this summerCredit: The Mega AgencyHow can I watch?Masvidal vs Diaz is a pay-per-view event that will be shown on DAZN in the UK for £24.99.Most read in BoxingAnd of course you can follow all the live action at SunSport’s live blog coverage.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDiaz vs Masvidal undercardDaniel Jacobs is taking on Shane Mosely Jr in the co-main.Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal, 10 roundsDaniel Jacobs vs. Shane Mosley Jr., 10 roundsChris Avilla vs. Anthony Pettis, 6 roundsAmado Vargas vs. Sean Garcia, 8 roundsDevin Cushing vs. Manuel Correa, 8 roundsLuciano Ramos vs. Dan Hernandez, 4 roundsAlan Sanchez vs. Luis Lopez, 8 roundsSteven Dunn vs. Gabriel Costa, 4 roundsKen Lopez vs. Andres Martinez, 6 roundsJose Aguayo vs. Bryce Logan, 6 roundsUFC legend Jorge Masvidal ‘breaks fan’s leg’ with lethal kick that leaves recipient writhing in agony before running away More

DANNY QUARTERMAINE won a bloody and brutal war last Saturday – needing four stitches – but his superhero dad still joked he is a ‘p***y’.The 27-year-old super-featherweight was dropped in the opening round by James Chereji and left with a horribly cut and swollen eye.Danny Quartermaine celebrates victory alongside his dadBut he came through the trenches and rallied to win a unanimous decision – moving him to 12-0 – that impressed almost everyone apart from the main man.After his battle wounds were stitched up, 1st battalion paratrooper Quartermaine Snr took the hilarious chance to remind his fearless lad who the toughest man around the dinner table will always be.The Leamington Spa star laughed to SunSport: “I had two stitches in my eyebrow and two in my head and I looked at him and he looked back at me and said ‘p***y’.“But this is coming from a man who once had 22 stitches right across his forehead, so I have to take it and get on with it.READ MORE BOXING“But that mentality has always been in me. I was never pushed too hard to do anything. “I always understood how important it was to give my all, never give up and fight to win.“My dad never boxed, but he did a lot of martial arts and he was also a doorman for a long time, since the age of 16, going all over the country. “So I think that fighting mentality has always been there for him and it’s there for me now.”Most read in BoxingBoxing is full of some of the world’s toughest blokes but there is still the odd pretender playing the tough guy.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk proved they’re the real deal in their undisputed duel in May – only for attention-grabbing John Fury to blow his boy’s chance at immortality with laughable corner work.Tyson says Paris doesn’t know how much is in their bank accounts Thankfully Quartermaine knows his old man – who also bravely served and protected us in the Pathfinder Platoon – is far too honourable to pull a similar stunt.He told us: “You won’t ever see him jumping up and celebrating, never. For my dad it’s a case of ‘job done’.“He won’t go down the John Fury route, he’s far too quiet. He taught me to stay quiet and take everything in, then react if you have to.“Dad’s definitely not getting up and getting involved in anything, I am pretty sure he’s seen enough p***heads in his lifetime on doors to avoid all that. “I’d never find him in my corner talking over my coach, I’d more likely look over the ropes and see him throwing people out for free!”Role at Aston MartinDespite his father being a real-life James Bond, Quartermaine walked out on 007’s favourite supercar firm Aston Martin when they tried to cut into his training time.A steady 9-5 with one of the most glamorous motor companies on the planet was not enough to stop the proud Midlands lad trying to make himself a local legend and secure his family’s future.The handsome fighter explained: “I have been full time for almost three years now, thanks so much to my sponsors.“Before that I had all sorts of jobs, just to work around my training. People thought I was mad to leave Aston Martin, such a prestigious company, but they moved into shift work and that meant I had to leave because I have always known I want to be a boxer and everything else has to revolve around that.“I want to create a bit of a legacy. I would love in years to come, if someone says ‘Danny Quartermaine’ in a pub or gym, I would love someone to overhear and say ‘I remember him, I remember him being in a great fight and winning that title’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have just started making a living out of it now and I would love to be able to change the lives of the people around me with it too.”Danny Quartermaine is proudly sponsored by Scott Simpson, Jay RSD, Max Biddle, Steve Massey & The Hope, Simon Bennett and Barry Gueney, John Barrett, Ace Scaffolding, Laki, The Bulldog Pub and the K9 Club.  More

EDDIE HEARN has given his thoughts on Anthony Joshua’s recent shift to a chilling mentality.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion has showcased a shift in personality over the last two years.Anthony Joshua has been incredibly vocal over the last two yearsCredit: GETTYThe once-reserved AJ hasn’t been mincing his words as of lateCredit: GETTYEddie Hearn claims the change in mentality has come about as AJ no longer gives a “f**k”Credit: REUTERSAJ has been more vocal with his opinions on the sport and hasn’t been afraid to aim verbal jabs – and threats – his opponents’ way as of late.His change in mentality hasn’t gone unnoticed by boxing fans, many of whom have been wondering what’s prompted the shift.The change, according to long-time promoter Hearn, is the result of AJ not giving a “f**k anymore” having twice climbed the heavyweight mountain.The Matchroom Boxing chief told Sports Boom: “He’s always had that edge. But I think he’s a lot less guarded now.READ MORE ON AJ“When he won the Olympics, he came through that GB school which can be very corporate and that’s been amazing for the sport.“He’s been an ambassador for it, increased interest in it again and increased participation among kids at [the] grassroots level.“But now he thinks ‘I’ve done my job. I don’t give a f–k anymore.’ “Now, if you put it on him, he wants to take your head off.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“People say they love this new AJ, it’s not a new AJ in terms of his edge.“He’s always been real. But I do think it’s a new AJ in terms of his confidence.”Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois nearly come to blows as AJ tells rival ‘don’t disrespect me’Joshua, 35, showed his fiery side in a recent sitdown face-off with upcoming opponent Daniel Dubois.After ‘Triple D’ challenged him to an early domestic dust-up, Joshua hit back: “I’ll throw this f***ing chair across your face.”Don’t disrespect me. Don’t disrespect me. Daniel, don’t disrespect me.”Dubois fired back: “You can’t intimidate me. Who do you think you are?”Joshua calmly stood up and before warning Dubois: “Daniel, don’t disrespect me because I’ll put this chair around your f***ing face.”I don’t take disrespect lightly, Dan.”Dan, I don’t take disrespect lightly you know. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Don’t sit on the table telling me we can go now and do all of this and that and try call me out.”Security quickly stepped in to make sure the pair didn’t prematurely trade blows and potentially scupper their Wembley war.Anthony Joshua throws down with Daniel Dubois in SeptemberCredit: PA More

MIKE TYSON has left Jake Paul “p****d” for his behaviour after pulling out of their fight. The boxing great was due to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in a controversial clash on July 20 in Texas. Mike Tyson with Nakisa Bidarian and Jake PaulCredit: AFPBut Tyson was forced to withdraw after suffering an ulcer flare up while flying from Miami to Los Angeles. The bout – scrutinised amid the 30-year age gap – has since been rescheduled to November 15. Tyson is on the mend and due to return to training – but after living the high life recently it has left Paul less than impressed. Paul’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian said on The MMA Hour: “He’s doing great and Jake is p***d because he sees in Europe, living life, doing appearances, celebrating his birthday and he’s like, ‘I thought he was injured, what’s going on?’ READ MORE IN boxing “I talked to team Tyson yesterday and they said he’s back, not doing boxing training but doing strength and conditioning and he feels great.”Tyson, 58, retired in 2005 but did return 15 years later for an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr, 55, that ended in a draw after eight rounds.Paul is meanwhile 9-1 in the ring with his only loss coming to Tommy Fury, 25, in 2023. He will now face former UFC star-turned-bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 32, on July 20. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut as things stand, Paul, 27, is still slated to face Tyson as Bidarian defended the fight for the ages. He said: “Anyone can get an ulcer, or an injury. “Mike Tyson and Jake Paul make sense because of the age, from my perspective. Mike Tyson cries with laughter as Jake Paul is embarrassed during lie detector test about result of Netflix megafight”If Mike was in his early 30s, given Jake’s experience, there’s no sense to that fight. Age is the equalising factor. “When you look at Mike Tyson at age 27, he was 40-1. Jake Paul is 27, he’s 9-1.”Jake Paul’s been a professional for four years, at that point, Mike Tyson was a professional for 14 years. “What makes it exciting and real is there’s a chance that either guy can lose. “If you ask the vast majority of the public, everyone thinks that Mike Tyson is gonna knock out Jake Paul. “I think as long as he has a clean bill of health, which he did, and he 100 per cent will if we move forward with November 15, then of course that fight should happen.” More

JAKE PAUL celebrated the launch of his newest business by buying a custom-made £500,000 diamond chain. The YouTuber-turned-boxer brought out a line of men’s health care products including deodorants and body washes. Jake Paul wearing his custom-made W chainCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/Paul launched his men’s health care line called WCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/He purchased a £500k chain to celebrate the launchCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/The company W logo is centred in the chainCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/Paul has named the brand W and commemorated the release by purchasing a chain from Miami-based jeweller Vobara. The chain – with has the company W logo in the centre – is fitted with VS/VVS diamonds including 20, 50 and 80 pointers.According to TMZ, the pendant and Cuban link chain were made with 1,500 grams of 14k white gold and an insane 300 carats in diamonds.It is valued at $650,000 (£500,000) and took two months to make. READ MORE IN BOXINGPaul – believed to have made over £60MILLION from his boxing career – lives an extravagant lifestyle. He sold his mansion in Los Angeles to move to Puerto Rico – where he went onto buy a stunning pad worth £13m. Paul also has a huge car collection including two yellow Ferrari’s costing nearly £1m for the both. The American made his professional boxing debut in 2020 and has since amassed a record of 9-1. Most read in BoxingHis only defeat came to Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023 in a bout he claimed to have made $30m (£23.4m) for. And he was in line for an even bigger payday against Mike Tyson, 57, after signing to face the heavyweight legend on July 20. Jake Paul and Mike Perry Furiously Trade Insults In Wild Face-To-Face InterviewBut Tyson was forced to withdraw amid a health scare with the bout instead rescheduled to November 15. Former UFC star-turned-bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 32, instead stepped in to fight Paul in Florida. More

PRIZEFIGHTER boxing is back later this month with some exciting quarter-final match-ups in Japan. Barry Hearn founded the Prizefighter boxing series back in 2008 and the format ran until 2015 under the Matchroom banner. Kieron Conway will be in action against Ainiwaer YilixiatiBut now it’s back and this time the fights are heading to Osaka in Japan, with two Brits and an Irishman involved. Kieron Conway and Mark Dickinson are in action, as is Aaron McKenna on an exciting night of middleweight action. Every round will have a $100,000k (£79,000) knockout bonus shared between every fighter who earns a stoppage. The winner at the end of the tournament will receive a whopping $1million (£781,000) prize. When are the Prizefighter quarter-finals?The Prizefighter quarter-finals will take place on Monday, July 15. The event will be held at the Yamato Arena in Osaka, Japan. The card will get going from 9am BST, with the main event expected at around midday. What channel is it and can it be live streamed?Prizefighter will be shown live on DAZN in the UK as part of your subscription.You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £9.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.A flexible pass, worth £19.99-a-month, is also available, and you can cancel anytime.You can also pay £99.99 for the year up front, and this is the lowest cost option.The fight is available for live streaming on your mobile or tablet device from the DAZN app.You can also watch DAZN 1 HD on Sky channel 429.Prizefighter quarter-finals cardKuzuto Takesako vs. Mark Dickinson, 10 rounds – middleweightRiku Kunimoto vs. Eiki Kani, rematch, 10 rounds – middleweightKieron Conway vs. Ainiwaer Yilixiati, 10 rounds – middleweightAaron McKenna vs. Jeovanny Estela, 10 rounds – middleweight More

NATE DIAZ has claimed he was on the razz for a full MONTH before he threw down with Jake Paul.The former UFC superstar entered the professional boxing world last August to take on the YouTube and social media sensation.Nate entered the boxing world last August to take on Jake PaulCredit: REUTERSThe former UFC star was dropped by the YouTuber in the fifth round of their Texas tussleCredit: REUTERSDiaz claims to have gone on a “four-week bender” before the fightCredit: GETTYAnd like fellow MMA fighters, Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva before him, Diaz fell at the hands of The Problem Child.Diaz, 39, was dropped in the fifth round on his way to suffering a lacklustre decision defeat, which he claims was the result of him living his best life a month before fight night.He recently told ESPN: “I went on a four-week bender before the fight.“We trained hard for months on months and we were over it, me and my whole team.READ MORE ON NATE DIAZ”So I sat back and started kicking it. I was over training.”He added: “If it was a scary opponent, you wouldn’t allow yourself to do that.”But it was just easy to go to sleep at night fighting that guy.”But it was good that it happened like that because now it’s necessary to work out, get disciplined, and go back and whip his a**.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNate Diaz rematches former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal this weekendCredit: GETTY“I’m the weakest puncher, and you’re the one that wanted to fight 30lb over my original weight division?”You think I was just trying to sit there and just knock you out? Like throw as hard of punches as I can?Leaving my kids for training camp is tearing me apart but Nate Diaz will pay for it, says Jorge Masvidal ahead of fight”I was just getting through that fight because I was halfway to my potential that day.”Diaz also claims his performance was hindered by a niggling injury, saying: “I couldn’t even really throw a punch.”I was f***ed up. And for two, he was the easiest fight I ever had.”That was the longest fight at the heaviest weight class I ever had. Never got tired. Never got hurt. Nothing.“Even when I got knocked down, I think it was timing because it didn’t hurt, I got up like ‘You good?’ ‘Oh, I’m fine.’ I thought he was pretty weak himself.”Fan favourite Diaz returns to the ring early on Sunday morning for a rematch with rival Jorge Masvidal.Diaz suffered a third-round TKO defeat to ‘Gamebred’ in the inaugural BMF title fight at UFC 244 in November 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd preparations for the rematch have gone swimmingly in comparison to his last fight.When asked how his training camp has been, Diaz said: “A lot better than the last fight, that’s for damn sure!” More

JORGE Masvidal claimed “diva” and “coward” Conor McGregor would be “playing with his life” by accepting a fight against him. The two were once linked with what had the potential to be a blockbuster UFC pay-per-view grudge match.Jorge Masvidal fired a dig at Conor McGregorCredit: FanmioMcGregor pictured at Bellator DublinCredit: BellatorBut Masvidal, 39, insists McGregor, 35, would not take the fight back then and will not do so now. He told SunSport: “This fight has the potential to break all types of pay-per-view records and be massive. “But Conor wouldn’t accept this fight before he got extra bitch mode and extra diva mode.” McGregor was due to return in a 170-pound welterweight bout against Michael Chandler, 38, at UFC 303.It would have been his first bout for three years, last fighting in 2021 against Masvidal’s training partner Dustin Poirier, 35. But McGregor – for the first time in his UFC career – was forced to withdraw after suffering a toe injury.”He’s pulled out how many times out of his fight?” Masvidal asked. “How many times has this fight been rescheduled for one reason or another?Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“This is not the first time that this fight falls apart, I think it’s the second or third time.”So that’s the guy that he’s convinced that he could beat. You can’t get him the ring.Jorge Masvidal eyeing ‘insane’ fight which will ‘break all PPV records’ as UFC star draws up huge six-man boxing hitlist-“For a guy like me that he actually has legitimate fear deep down inside for, for my style, for the way that I fight, what I’ve done to Nate (Diaz), what I’ve done to opponents that he has fought as well but it didn’t go exactly his way.“He knows that I’ve got something special and that’s that f**king power and he knows that I’m gonna beat the f**k out of him standing up.“It’s gonna destroy his brand. I’m not gonna take him down and hold him down and he’s gonna be able to be like, ‘Oh if it would have been a stand up match….’“No, no, no, I’m gonna come right, get right in your face, put the pressure on you and break you and make you quit, similar how DP did your ass and he doesn’t need that for his ass again and his brand.“That’s why you’ll see he never mentions my name or anything like that though. “We’re the biggest fight they could possibly made because he knows it’s just a bad day for him in the office.”Masvidal now returns on Saturday to rematch Diaz, 39, in the boxing ring, five years on from his stoppage win in the UFC.Meanwhile, McGregor looks to reschedule his anticipated return as Masvidal fired one more brutal dig.He said: “Would I want that fight? Yeah, I wouldn’t mind, I just wouldn’t hold my breath on it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Because this coward, if they can’t even get him to fight Chandler with a f**king fractured pinky nail you think he’s gonna f**king fight me? Not a chance.“And he’s convinced he could beat Chandler, he knows, he knows if he gets in there with me, man, he’s playing with his fucking life, you know.”Nate Diaz and Masvidal ahead of their boxing rematchCredit: Ed Diller/Fanmio More