Aurelia Butler

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    I will still become a world champion in three years I have all the tools and punching power to do it, says Jake Paul

    JAKE PAUL has vowed to become a world champion in just three years.The YouTuber-turned boxer refused to KO his lofty ambitions after suffering defeat to Tommy Fury in February.
    Jake Paul has vowed to become a world championCredit: @mostvaluablepromotions
    Jake Paul in training to fight Nate DiazCredit: instagram @jakepaul
    In fact, he insisted the first loss of his career only strengthened his goal to one day reach the pinnacle of the sport.
    Paul said: “My realistic ambition is becoming a world champion. And that hasn’t changed, I’ve only gained more conviction around it. 
    “With how I’m progressing and the work I’m putting in and the experience I’m getting under my belt, going up to ten rounds now, slowly making my way deeper and deeper into the sport and getting more and more experience. 
    “I have all the tools, the punching power, the strength, the cardio, the speed so really it’s just about the thousands and thousands and thousands of repetitions that I need to become a world champion. 
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    “But I’m sparring against them, working with them in the gym and that’s why I know that I can do it.” 
    Paul, 26, lost by split-decision to Fury, 24, in Saudi Arabia, and saw his chances of being ranked by the WBC at cruiserweight go up in smoke≥
    The American does not know what weight division he will look to try and win a world title but he believes it will come before his 30th birthday.
    Paul said: “I’ve only been doing this for three and a half years and at 26 years old. 
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    “So in three years from now, when I’m 29 in my athletic prime, I fully believe in my capabilities to be able to win a world championship.” 
    Paul snubbed a rematch with Fury to instead return over the weekend in Texas against ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, live on DAZN PPV.
    He still plans to avenge his only ever loss but the chance to finally settle his feud with Diaz, 38, proved too good to turn down.
    Paul explained: “Nate has a massive name, he’s a massive pay-per-view draw of the UFC times and to me that’s exciting. 
    “I haven’t yet fought a massive pay-per-view draw in the prime of their career while they’re still hot and active. 
    “So, to me that’s super exciting and there was that beef that was there and this online banter that was there back and forth that we’ve been trying to and wanting to fight for a long time. 
    “Then finally the stars aligned.” 

    Jake Paul facing off with Nate DiazCredit: @mostvaluablepromotions More

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    I’ve fought Tommy Fury and he doesn’t have the heart of a fighter, don’t be surprised if he crumbles against KSI

    TOMMY FURY has been accused of lacking the “heart of a fighter” which could lead to his demise against KSI. Fury, 24, is set to face YouTube, music and crossover boxing star KSI, 30, on October 14 in Manchester.
    Tommy Fury beat Anthony Taylor in 2021 and didn’t leave him impressedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    KSI fights Fury next, on October 14Credit: Getty
    It comes after he beat KSI’s arch enemy Jake Paul by split-decision in Saudi Arabia in February.
    But despite that victory, Fury’s former opponent Anthony Taylor – who he beat in 2021 – has hit out at the former Love Islander.
    Taylor, 34, told Neue Online Casinos: “This is a really, really close 50-50 match-up. Don’t be surprised if KSI knocks Tommy out.
    “We know Tommy can box a bit, but I can tell you from first hand experience, Tommy is like the lion in the wizard of Oz without a heart.
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    “If KSI can make him uncomfortable, and stick with for those early rounds, and then land his power shots, don’t be surprised if Tommy crumbles and never gets back up.
    “He doesn’t have the heart of a fighter.”

    Paul snubbed a rematch with Fury to instead return over the weekend against ex-UFC star Nate Diaz.
    And Taylor – who formerly sparred the prankster-turned prizefighter – warned Diaz of his brutal power.
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    He said: “I hear Jake Paul is looking superhuman in this camp, he’s training with killers and there’s no question he’s going to send Nate Diaz into retirement.
    “Respect to Diaz, he’s had a great career, but he’s not going to know what’s hit him when Jake detonates on his chin.
    “I’ve tasted Jake’s power and his right hand hits like a baseball bat.
    “Given Diaz’s age and how much smaller he is compared to Jake, I don’t see how Diaz can stand up to that kind of firepower.”
    Jake Paul facing off with Nate Diaz before their upcoming fightCredit: @mostvaluablepromotions More

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    Somalia SUSPENDS athletics boss after ‘sprinter’ goes viral for snail-paced 100m

    SOMALIA has suspended an athletics boss after a sprinter went viral for her snail-paced 100 metre dash.Nasra Abukar Ali, 20, plodded to the finish in a time of 21.81 seconds a long way behind her rivals at the World University Games in China on Tuesday.
    Somalia has suspended a sports chief after an athlete finished way behind competitorsCredit: CCTV
    The runner took almost twice as long to complete a 100m sprint as the winnerCredit: CCTV
    Winner Gabriela Mourao, from Brazil, ran the same distance in nearly half that time.
    And an investigation by the Somali Ministry of Youth and Sport has since revealed Ali is “not a sports person, nor a runner.”
    A sports body known as the Somali University Sports Association has also been found to not exist.
    And the chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation, Khadijo Adan Dahir, has been suspended for “nepotism” – while also being accused of “abusing her power while defaming the name of Somalia.”
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    It did not address reports on social media that Dahir was Ali’s aunt.
    Ali’s incredibly slow sprint went viral around the world this week, with the athlete clearly out of her depth alongside competitors from other countries.
    As others charged over the finish line, Ali was still trotting along at a snail’s pace, with TV cameras struggling to pick her up.
    Some spectators branded it the “slowest-ever” 100m sprint.
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    One said: “Despite our sister’s efforts, apparently she is not skilled at this task. The people behind this shame must be held accountable.”
    Another declared: “Did they just pick a random person to go? Could have at least taken someone fit.”
    One noted: “There’s no effort here. She should’ve saved herself by saying no.”

    Another added: “This is the most nepotism I’ve seen in years.”
    The Somali Athletics Federation will now open an investigation into how Ali was selected.
    The connection between her and suspended chairwoman Dahir is still unknown.
    But Sports Minister Mohammed Barre Mohamud apologised to fellow Somalis for the embarrassing spectacle.
    He said: “What happened yesterday was not representation of the Somali people… we apologise to the Somali family.” More

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    Inside Jake Paul’s training camp for huge Nate Diaz fight as YouTuber reveals he’s in the ‘best shape of my life’

    JAKE PAUL has shared a host of photos from his training camp ahead of his fight with Nate Diaz on Saturday night.The YouTuber, 26, is looking to bounce back from his first professional defeat – which came against Love Island star Tommy Fury in February.
    Jake Paul has been working away in his training campCredit: instagram @jakepaul
    He has been sparring ahead of the Nate Diaz clashCredit: instagram @jakepaul
    Paul claims he is in the ‘best shape’ he has ever been inCredit: instagram @jakepaul
    Paul is looking to bounce back from his first pro defeat at the hands of Tommy FuryCredit: instagram @jakepaul
    Paul also shared some pictures of him relaxing during campCredit: instagram @jakepaul
    He is taking on UFC legend Diaz, 38, who will make his boxing debut in Dallas this weekend.
    And Paul has claimed he is in the “best shape of my life” as he prepares for the “biggest moment of my life”.
    The 6-1 boxer posted several images of him in training camp, from sparring shots to him relaxing in the pool and chilling with friends.
    And he added a lengthy message which read: “We’re just days away from the biggest moment of my life and I’m sitting here on the couch reflecting on these photos and thankful for the best camp of my life.
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    “We created so many amazing memories and trained harder than ever before.
    “I’m in the best shape of my life, the best headspace I’ve ever been in, and have never been this focused.
    “This Saturday will be war and I’m prepared to die for victory.
    “I’ve been in the gym every single day since losing and this Saturday I’ll show the world how to come back from a loss like a f***ing warrior.
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    Paul is set for his eighth professional fightCredit: instagram @jakepaul
    Diaz will make his professional boxing debut on Saturday nightCredit: AP
    “You only lose once you quit BOYYY!!
    “And on Saturday I will show the world that sometimes a loss puts you on the path you were supposed to be on. #PaulDiaz.”
    Paul takes on Diaz two months before his YouTube rival KSI faces Fury at the AO Arena in Manchester on October 14.
    Paul’s loss to Fury has pushed back a clash with KSI – a bout that would attract widespread attention online.
    But the American internet sensation insists he is not bothered about losing to Fury.
    He said: “It’s interesting that a loss can give you more conviction on what it is that you’re supposed to be doing and what you’re here to do. 
    “It can actually reset you on a proper path and that’s exactly what it did for me.
    “Now I’m feeling better than ever, stronger than ever, in the best shape of my life, best team around me and I couldn’t be happier.
    “That’s why I thank Tommy, I thank Tommy for winning. It put my life in the direction that it was supposed to be before and that is such a priceless thing.”
    Paul made his name as a YouTuber but has now turned his hand to pro boxingCredit: instagram @jakepaul More

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    Ricky Hatton aims to discover next rags-to-riches story in new boxing competition after kickstarting Tommy Fury’s career

    RICKY HATTON will pull no punches as he tries to help guide a British boxer to be the next toe-rag-to-riches story.The 44-year-old Manchester legend has signed up to manage his proud region in a new-format boxing competition called The Box Off, up against the likes of London, Birmingham and Leeds.
    Ricky Hatton is ready to find boxing’s next star on new TV show The Box OffCredit: Rex
    Hatton helped launch the career of Tommy FuryCredit: Getty
    The competition, backed by the British Boxing Board of Control and starting in September, aims to catapult prospects who have missed out on elite amateur success – or social media Insta-fame – into the mainstream mix.
    And Man City’s favourite former world champ – who made his name selling tickets pub-to-pub and winning fights soaked in blood – is the perfect man to push the new premise, especially after helping make Tommy Fury a millionaire and household name, with minimal boxing experience.
    “I quite enjoyed going pub-to-pub selling my tickets!”, the working-class hero laughed about his start in the business. “It was fine by me.
    “There was no social media or reality TV when I was around but I advised Tommy Fury to go on Love Island because I knew it would create a lot of opportunities for him, on top of being a talented boxer.
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    “I advised him to get on there to raise his profile, get him some early and easy money and open boxing doors and now it looks like the right move.
    “Even though I am old-school and I moan about the best not fighting the best, I hope I am not Victor Meldrew.
    “I am working on the show and we are trying to big people up, but if they are s*** I am telling them they are s***!”
    Hatton – now the father of a rising pro in Campbell – has repeatedly moved with the times, holding on to his traditional values but adding new-age skills along the way.
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    In an industry full of back-stabbing, bragging and bluster, he remains hilariously honest and unnervingly open at times.
    They are traits that made him a hero in and outside of the ropes and he hopes to impart some of his knowledge and experience on these young talents – as long as they don’t copy his trademark social media style.
    “People should get behind this because it’s pushing small-hall boxing,” he said.
    “These days it’s only usually pay-per-views that people promote, if it’s not a world title fight it doesn’t get a push.
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    “But there used to be great fights on television, midweek cards where real talent was unearthed. That’s what we are trying to do, we are trying to bring old-school boxing back.
    “It’s great having Olympians turn pro and win world titles – that’s brilliant – but there’s nothing better than seeing someone who has come from absolutely nothing reach the very top.
    “Because we didn’t have social media, in my time, it was all about the personal touch, which fans like.
    “My social media is a mix of me looking after myself and my mental health, looking after my fighters and my kids.
    “And then the other side of my posts are absolutely f***ing diabolical!  But it means fans know it’s authentic and coming from me.
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    “I was fortunate to box on big shows as a young fighter, but I still did the small hall shows and I know what it’s like when you’re just getting going. 
    “This can be an opportunity for fighters to catapult themselves onto something better.” More

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    I’m a Team GB star gunning for gold at Paris 2024 Olympics… just months after giving birth to son-turned-mascot

    ARTHUR MARCHANT might only be 14 months old but already he has established an important role at British Cycling for the Paris 2024 Olympics.His mum Katy, one of Britain’s leading riders and a medal contender next summer, joked: “He’s the unofficial team mascot. Everyone here absolutely loves him.
    Katy Marchant is dreaming of gold at Paris 2024Credit: Stella Pictures
    Son Archie is Team GB’s unofficial mascot at just 14 months oldCredit: Stella Pictures

    “Arthur came on our recent training camp and spent a lot of time at the track. When he saw the bikes go past, he started to clap.
    “I think he’s aware to some degree of what I do. Like every time he sees a bike, he now says: ‘Mama.’”
    As any parent would appreciate, Marchant faced a task to get Arthur to stay still for SunSport’s photoshoot launch to promote her inclusion in our SEINE-sational Seven Series for the next Olympics.
    She said: “It was quite hard to make a one-year-old cooperate. But I think he did alright. Everyone was jumping up and down, singing and dancing. It was entertaining.”
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    Arthur was born on June 8, 2022 – less than a year after his mum, 30, had crashed out of the Covid-affected Tokyo Olympics in the Keirin quarter-finals and placed sixth in the women’s sprint.
    It was on the flight home that a regretful Marchant – an Olympic bronze medallist from the Rio 2016 Games – felt she had “real unfinished business” within the sport.
    It is why, thanks to the support of the National Lottery, she has decided to combine parenting with pedalling for one more shot at the Olympics.
    Marchant said: “I just didn’t feel ready to give up. But I also didn’t want to completely put my life hold.
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    “My husband Rob and I got married in September 2021, four weeks after the Games. Then we found out I was pregnant.
    “The timing was perfect. I just thought this is the challenge that I need.
    “It was a year of carnage. We have two puppies as well. We were renovating a house. It was all systems go. But it was so worth it.”
    This weekend she will wear GB colours at major level for the first time since giving birth 14 months ago.
    Leeds-born Marchant rides the Keirin at the UCI World Cycling Championships in Glasgow and is a reserve for the women’s team sprint.
    This is the last big event before the Paris programme begins and Marchant knows she has to deliver – selectors will not pick her on sentimental grounds.
    Marchant is ready to make amends for Tokyo 2020Credit: Stella Pictures
    Marchant failed to land a medal at the last OlympicsCredit: Stella Pictures
    Training-wise, her numbers in training have been as impressive as ever, particularly her first-ever 100kg power-clean lift achieved in May.
    Her old heptathlon training partner, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, has been around in recent months to give advice about motherhood and elite sport.
    Mum-of-two Ennis-Hill, 37, famously won the world heptathlon title in Beijing in 2015 – and then Olympic silver in 2016 – not long after the birth of son Reggie.
    Marchant said: “It was nice to have the guidance of those people who’ve done it before me.
    “I literally trained right before having Arthur. I was in the gym the week before. I was on the (static) bike the day before.
    “I’m used to being in pain. My body is used to being tired.
    Marchant wants to improve on her bronze from Rio 2016Credit: Stella Pictures
    Son Arthur will be inspiring his mum all the way to victoryCredit: Stella Pictures
    “Around this time, I was like: ‘Should I be tired? Am I doing damage? Am I doing too much? How much should I push it?’
    “But Jess said to me, just listen to your body. If it feels like you can do it, then you should be doing it. And I’ve ridden that wave pretty much all the way through.
    “Ten years ago, when I first started cycling, I never for a second thought I’d have a family and continue my career.
    “You shouldn’t have to put family on hold for your career and vice versa. I’m a big believer you can do both.
    “I do hope people see my story and think actually it is possible.
    “At times I feel guilty that I’m away racing. I feel I should be at home. I’m just riding around in circles on a bike after all.
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    “But I’m in a really lucky position to be able to get named in the team so soon after having Arthur.
    “I’m only here because I believe my performances can be better and good enough to get on that Paris team.”
    *National Lottery players raise more than £30million a week for good causes including vital funding into sport — from grassroots to elite. Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk #MakeAmazingHappen #ThanksToYou More

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    I’ve sparred Jake Paul and his right hand is like being hit with a baseball bat, Nate Diaz won’t be able to take it

    JAKE PAUL’S punching power has been compared to getting hit with a baseball bat, in a stark warning to Nate Diaz. The YouTuber-turned-boxer returns to the ring over the weekend in Texas against ex-UFC star Diaz.
    Jake Paul with ex-sparring partner Anthony TaylorCredit: Instagram @anthony_prettyboy
    Nate Diaz fights Jake Paul nextCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    It will be Paul’s fourth MMA veteran opponent, having beaten Ben Askren, 39, Tyron Woodley, 41, and Anderson Silva, 48.
    Cage fighter and now influencer boxer Anthony Taylor, 34, sparred Paul, 26, in preparation for two of those bouts.
    And he warned of the brutal power the American has in his backhand, believing it will be too much for Diaz, 38, to handle.
    Taylor told Neue Online: “I hear Jake Paul is looking superhuman in this camp, he’s training with killers and there’s no question he’s going to send Nate Diaz into retirement.
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    “Respect to Diaz, he’s had a great career, but he’s not going to know what’s hit him when Jake detonates on his chin.
    “I’ve tasted Jake’s power and his right hand hits like a baseball bat.

    “Given Diaz’s age and how much smaller he is compared to Jake, I don’t see how Diaz can stand up to that kind of firepower.”
    Diaz walked out on the UFC to cross over to the boxing ring, leaving behind a trilogy decider with Conor McGregor, 34.
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    But Taylor wants to see Paul snatch the McGregor super-fight instead and send both MMA superstars into retirement.
    He said: “If he makes it out of the third round i’d be surprised. Don’t blink.
    “Once he’s knocked out Nate, what I’d like to see Jake do next is bring Conor McGregor into the ring at a catchweight.
    “Conor is a sharpshooter, so it will be more of a difficult fight than Nate, but I expect Jake to rag doll Conor around the ring once he’s found his range and timing.
    “Ending the careers of Conor and Nate back to back would be a hell of an achievement.”
    Jake Paul facing off with Nate DiazCredit: @mostvaluablepromotions More

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    I thank Tommy Fury for beating me, I couldn’t be happier and I feel stronger than ever, says Jake Paul

    JAKE PAUL has THANKED Tommy Fury for handing him his first loss. The YouTuber-turned boxer suffered a split-decision defeat to Fury in Saudi Arabia in February.
    Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul on pointsCredit: Getty
    But it sparked a complete overhaul in Paul’s camp as he revamped his team with new coaches and schedules.
    So when reflecting on the night he thought would never come, Paul is grateful for Fury beating him.
    He said: “It’s interesting that a loss can give you more conviction on what it is that you’re supposed to be doing and what you’re here to do. 
    “It can actually reset you on a proper path and that’s exactly what it did for me. 
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    “Now I’m feeling better than ever, stronger than ever, in the best shape of my life, best team around me and I couldn’t be happier. 
    “That’s why I thank Tommy, I thank Tommy for winning. It put my life in the direction that it was supposed to be before and that is such a priceless thing.”
    Paul, 26, snubbed an immediate rematch with Fury, 24, to instead return against Nate Diaz, this weekend in Texas live on DAZN PPV.
    The defeat in the Middle East proved a blockbuster success, with over 800,000 box office buys.
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    But Paul predicts his comeback bout against ex-UFC star Diaz, 38, will top those numbers despite losing his unbeaten record.
    He said: “After losing to Tommy I landed myself a bigger name and a bigger fight in terms of the ticket sales, the commercial pay-per-view.

    “Everything is pointing towards this being the biggest event ever and I didn’t think that would be possible after losing to Tommy. 
    “So it’s interesting, I guess you can’t predict these things but I guess the number one thing is if people want to still see my fight then I’ll still have big fights. 

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    “It’s really the fanbase that drives me, right. It’s like Deontay Wilder losing a couple of times to Tyson Fury but everyone still wants to see him fight. 
    “It all just depends and it’s really how you go out. If you’re going to get knocked out but if you lose a split-decision and it’s a war and it’s a good fight, it’s a lot easier to come back from that.” 
    Paul still plans to rematch Fury but insisted the opportunity to finally fight Diaz was too good to pass up on.
    He explained: “Nate has a massive name, he’s a massive pay-per-view draw of the UFC times and to me that’s exciting. 
    “I haven’t yet fought a massive pay-per-view draw in the prime of their career while they’re still hot and active. 
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    “So, to me that’s super exciting and there was that beef that was there and this online banter that was there back and forth that we’ve been trying to and wanting to fight for a long time. 
    “Then finally the stars aligned.”

    Jake Paul facing off with Nate DiazCredit: @mostvaluablepromotions More