Boxing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Boxing champ ready to fight Jake Paul for his world title… but warns it could end in brain injury for YouTuber 

      by

      BOXING world champion Noel Mikaelian is ready to put his title on the line against Jake Paul – but warned it could comes with consequences.Paul is only four years into his 9-1 career but remains adamant he will not only challenge for but win a championship belt by 2025. WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian opened the door to fighting Jake PaulCredit: Instagram @noelmikaelianJake Paul says he will be a world boxing champ by 2025Credit: GettyMikaelian – who holds the WBC title in Paul’s chosen cruiserweight division – is 27–2 and won the strap last year. He has taken note of Paul’s lofty aspirations – but warned of the dangers that would come with it. “It could be dangerous, of course. He can get knocked out, it can happen to any fighter,” Mikaelian, 33, told SunSport. “But he doesn’t have the experience to obviously fight somebody like me or any other champion in the cruiserweight division or Canelo or something.“That would be like, I don’t wanna say suicide, but it will be it could be dangerous. “Boxing is a dangerous sport, an average 15 people die a year from boxing matches.“So many concussions, brain injuries. So boxing is definitely a dangerous sport and it could be dangerous for anyone.”Paul’s only loss in the ring came against Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023 but he has won three times since.Most read in BoxingThat included stoppage wins against little-known opposition in Andre August, 35, and Ryan Bourland, 36. But it did little to boost Paul’s chances of getting in place for a world title shot – which would start by getting a top 15 world ranking. I was there for Jake Paul’s sparring session with Mike Perry and here is why their fight will not last long Paul, 27, now returns over the weekend against former UFC star-turned-bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 32.In the lead-up to the fight, he has continued to boast of plans to challenge for a cruiserweight title next year. And Mikaelian is ready to grant Paul’s wish – on a few conditions. “I watched him against Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia last year and I expected much more,” he said. “I thought he would bring a bigger crowd and that would be much more of a star. But it wasn’t as huge as I thought.“But looking forward to next year, if he wants to fight for a world championship, it will be quite difficult. He has to first beat somebody in the top 15 to get ranked.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And then – he’s gotta give me that Hawk Tuah and spit on that thing – then I’d do a voluntary defence against him.“I would play around with him and enjoy it and it would be very lucrative for me too. So I would embrace that if he wants to fight for a title.” More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Former British boxing champ Scott Fitzgerald wanted by police on suspicion of ‘wounding with intent’

      by

      FORMER British boxing champion Scott Fitzgerald is wanted by police on suspicion of “wounding with intent”.Preston Police have issued an appeal to locate Fitzgerald and warned members of the public not to approach him.Scott Fitzgerald is a former-super welterweight championCredit: GettyPolice released a photo of the former champion boxerCredit: X/ PrestonPolicePreston Police wrote on X: “Have you seen Scott Fitzgerald?”Fitzgerald, 32, is wanted for wounding with intent. He is 5ft 9in tall, of stocky build, and has short, dark brown, wavy hair. “Fitzgerald has connections to Preston.”They added: “If you see Fitzgerald, please do not approach him, and call 999.READ MORE IN BOXING”For non-immediate sightings of Fitzgerald, or if you have any information that could help us, please call 101 or email 363@lancashire.police.uk”Fitzgerald had been planning a boxing comeback after being found not guilty of rape in February 2024.He had pleaded his innocence since he was first arrested in 2020.A jury at Preston Crown Court took less than two hours to reach a unanimous not-guilty verdict.Most read in BoxingFitzegerald said outside court: “It’s been four years of hell. But my focus now is getting back in the ring – possibly as early as May.”I’ve been in the gym training for the past three months and I’m just so glad this is over.Scott Fitzgerald turned pro after winning Commonwealth goldCredit: Getty”It’s been horrible with this hanging over me. I always knew I was innocent and the truth would finally come out.”Now I just need to get my boxing licence back and get down to some hard work.”Fitzgerald was jailed last year after flooring a man outside a pub with a single punch.Victim Leevi Francis suffered a broken jaw and a cut below his eyebrow after being knocked unconscious outside the Grand Junction in Preston.Fitzgerald was jailed for 46 weeks after he pleaded guilty to GBH on the first day of his trial.The promising amateur won welterweight gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.He turned pro in 2015 and won his first title four years later as he beat Anthony Fowler to land the WBA International super-welterweight belt.Fitzgerald took the British super-welterweight strap by beating Ted Cheeseman in 2019.His last fight was a win over Gregory Trenel in 2021 which took his record to 15-0 with 10 KOs.The boxer started off well in the pro ranksCredit: ReutersFitzgerald spent 12 days at the Sporting Chance clinic to try and overcome an addiction to gambling and alcohol in 2020. He said at the time: “I’m a compulsive gambler and I’m an alcoholic.“I could tell you 500 stories that got me into this position.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s been something that has been out of my control for a good few years.”I’ve blown money and wasted time. I finally decided to do something about it.” More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua opponent Robert Helenius banned for TWO YEARS after positive drugs test following defeat to Brit

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA’S former rival Robert Helenius has been banned from boxing for two years due to a positive drugs test.The test came after AJ knocked out Helenius with a brutal right cross in the seventh round of their heavyweight fight in August 2023.Robert Helenius has been banned from boxing for two yearsCredit: GettyAfter he was knocked down by AJ at the O2 Arena last AugustCredit: GettyThe 40-year-old has now recorded a positive UKAD (UK Anti-Doping) test for clomifene.Helenius protested his innocence but has now been banned for two years after being unable to prove it.UKAD’s statement read: “Finnish Professional Boxer Robert Helenius has been banned from all World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport for two years.”Following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.read more boxing news”Mr Helenius was tested by UK Anti-Doping after his bout against Anthony Joshua at the London O2 Arena on 12 August 2023.”Analysis of his sample revealed the Presence of clomifene. Clomifene is a Specified Substance that is prohibited at all-times.””UKAD notified and charged Mr Helenius with ADRVs for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance and provisionally suspended him.”On being notified, Mr Helenius stated that the clomifene detected in his urine sample must have originated from his consumption of eggs and chicken meat.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”However, following a request by UKAD, Mr Helenius was unable to provide any evidence that the eggs and chicken meat he had consumed in advance of the bout originated from hens that had been administered clomifene.”He is entitled to credit for the time he spent provisionally suspended.I dropped Anthony Joshua in sparring – here’s my prediction for his fight against Francis NgannouTherefore his ban is deemed to have started on September 18 2023 and will end at midnight on September 17 2025.The Nordic Nightmare also tested positive for a banned “non-steroid substance” just days before his brutal knockout loss to AJ last year.Helenius, 39, was drafted in as a short-notice replacement following DillIan Whyte’s multiple failed drug tests. More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Luke Littler, 17, in line for shock boxing fight with fellow darts star touted as opponent

      by

      EDDIE HEARN is willing to give Luke Littler a boxing match – on one condition.The darts sensation shocked the world in May by revealing he wants to test himself in the ring.Luke Littler recently revealed he wants to dip his toes into the boxing worldCredit: REXLittler has called out TikTok sensation BeavoCredit: TIKTOKBoxing supremo Eddie Hearn is open to putting Littler in the ringCredit: ALAMYLittler, 17, revealed he has ambitions of fighting in KSI’s Misfits Boxing promotion, which has taken the influencer and Gen Z worlds by storm.Matchroom Boxing chief Hearn – whose dad Barry runs the PDC darts – was left stunned by Littler’s desire to enter the squared circle.But he’s willing to make his boxing dream come true, so long as he’s matched up against an easy opponent or a fellow darts player.He told DAZN: “Firstly Luke Littler is very important to us and the PDC [Professional Darts Corporation], can we make sure he doesn’t have a fight?READ MORE ON LITTLER”We don’t want any damaged hands or damaged fingers.”But if he’s going to have a fight can we please make it the easiest one possible.”Maybe we can find another darts player for him to have a go at.”He’s nice and young, so a lot of older guys he’ll have an edge on.Most read in Boxing”But can we just wait a little bit before we stick Luke into the Misfits please?”Littler shocked his growing fan base in May by calling out social media sensation Beavo.’Let’s make this happen’ – Luke Littler teases major career switch as he eyes boxing match with ‘loser’ TikTokerDuring an appearance on The MMA Hour, he said: “I’d love to [have a boxing match]. Why not? “I tried it like once or twice when I was younger.When pressed on a potential opponent, ‘The Nuke’ added: “It’s like a proper person, it’s not a darts player.”Do I like him? Nah. Beavo.”Littler then stuck the knife into Beavo, who rose to fame on TikTok by weirdly inhaling his food, by mocking his declining reach on the social media platform.”He’s fallen off,” Littler said of the 23-year-old.”He used to get millions of views but now he’s only getting 100k, 200k.”I don’t know what the turning point was, he just fell off.”Boxing will be far from Littler’s mind at this moment in time as he’s getting over a painful break-up.SunSport exclusively revealed the teenager has separated from former girlfriend Eloise Milburn, 21.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe pair called time on their ten-month relationship after they failed to make time for each other due to Littler’s whirlwind schedule.Littler was left devastated by the split, which no doubt will have been on his mind during his World Matchplay defeat to Michael van Gerwen earlier this week.Luke Litler and Eloise Milburn have gone their separate waysCredit: INSTAGRAM@LUKETHENUKELITTLERThe couple have gone their separate ways after ten months of datingCredit: THE SUN More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Mike Perry’s stunning rise from fighting in the streets to working as a weed whacker in prison and now boxing Jake Paul

      by

      SITTING in a prison cell after a botched robbery – Mike Perry’s prospects in life looked bleak. But after serving his time and turning to a career in professional fighting, Perry has completed a complete life turnaround. Mike Perry has had a stunning life turnaroundCredit: Instagram / platinummikeperryHe went from prison to prizefighterCredit: Instagram / platinummikeperryHe is the face of bare-knuckle boxingCredit: Instagram / bareknucklefcThe American was raised in Michigan, were racial tensions were high in Perry’s predominantly black neighborhood. It meant Perry was brawling in the streets way before he was being paid to do so as a profession. “I’ve always been a fighter. Being born in Flint, Michigan, we got great fighters from that area,” Perry told SunSport. “And, I ain’t gonna front being a white boy, having to defend yourself, just hazing in school between the boys.“Guys were strong already and at a young age, I remember guys being 6ft tall with beards in middle school, dunking the basketball and that went around all the sports, football, basketball, boxing, wrestling.” Perry discovered his talent for throwing hands well before picking up prizefighting paydays. “I always just had a knack for physicality,” he said. “I was strong, I was short, I was low to the ground and it took me a long time to realise that I had those abilities. I didn’t know.Most read in Boxing“And then I’ve been coached a lot, had lots of different trainings in my life.“It’s just something that I’ve had in my back pocket and that if I get mad or angry, I can fight, I can fight out of anything.” Sadly, it did not take long for trouble to find Perry. In 2011, aged just 19, Perry and a pair of accomplices drove to a home with the intention of committing armed burglary. But it was botched as the homeowner was in – although police happened to be scoping the area and caught the trio red-handed.Perry was sentenced to two years house arrest and probation – but he was later jailed after violating his terms. He finished the rest of his sentence incarcerated – but it kickstarted the turnaround his life needed. “I did learn a lot from it,” he admitted. “It was like a strict boarding school and you’re in there with a bunch of other guys who can’t get their s*** together either and you got nothing in there but time to get your s*** together.” Perry would spend time in the jail house gym or doing his own makeshift workouts in his cell when he was not working. “I had a job, I went to two different jails without leaving jail,” he said.”They transferred me a couple of times and I worked in the kitchen at one, so I could eat more.“It’s like you worked for just for food, for extra food in there. And then at the other one, I worked road crew where we got to leave and I weed whacked.”When Perry was released he got a job at a UFC gym teaching kickboxing classes while having a few amateur MMA fights. He made his MMA debut in 2014 and in just two years and seven bouts he was signed by the UFC. “I started making jumps and leaps and in the pros and in a short amount of time,” he said.”I think two years, I had seven knockouts in under the third round.“I hadn’t even been to the third round and then I got to the UFC and knocked out a couple more.”It was like a strict boarding school and you’re in there with a bunch of other guys who can’t get their s*** together either and you got nothing in there but time to get your s*** together.Mike Perry on his prison time Perry would go on to become a cult hero in the UFC, beloved for his toughness and all-action style. He spent five years in the UFC before leaving in 2021 to find his true calling. Perry signed a deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and became the face of the brand thanks to his gritty style. He is 5-0 with exposed fists having knocked off some of MMA tops stars of recent years. And after years of callouts, Perry has finally landed his dream fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Paul, 27, was due to face Mike Tyson until the boxing icon, 58, withdrew amid a health scare. So Perry – three years after sparring Paul in Miami – finally gets his crack at the 9-1 social media sensation. And he promised that Paul will not hear the scheduled eighth and final round. “My prediction for the fight, I think I’m gonna get in there, I’m gonna showcase my skills,” he said. READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m probably gonna hit Jake pretty hard throughout the fight early on, second round, third round, fourth round.“And then I’m thinking I can stop him in the seventh. I’m looking to stop him, I’m looking to hit him hard with significant strikes and stop him before the end of the fight.” More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Meet Brit boxing’s best social media star who coached in the Maldives and has Snoop Dogg and Sugar Ray Leonard as fans

      by

      DAN MORLEY – British boxing’s best social media star – is back with a bang.The 28-year-old Epsom welterweight clocked up a modest 8-0 record on the small-hall circuit between 2018 and 2022, to little fanfare.Dan Morley launched his comeback with a perfect liver shot knockoutCredit: RexMorley is now hoping to get a British title shotCredit: Boxing TunesThe 28-year-old coached out in the MaldivesCredit: Instagram @danmorleyboxingHe coached Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown during his time thereCredit: Instagram @danmorley97And a disillusionment with the frustrating sport, combined with the covid pandemic that crippled it, put him on the sidelines for two years and bedridden at mum’s house.In that time though, the self-taught video whizz started creating brilliant boxing clips and biographies on some of history’s greatest boxers.This has earned follows and friendships from superstars from Sugar Ray Leonard, to Carl Froch and even Jackass legend Johnny Knoxville and music legend Snoop Dogg.Morley’s TikTok and Instagram accounts grew to over 500,000 followers and he was invited to teach the sport he loves in paradise hotels in Switzerland and the MaldivesRead more BoxingAnd on July 6 the newly empowered puncher won his comeback with a beautiful body shot in the opening round and he already has another September date secured as promoters who previously overlooked him now chase his signature.The entrepreneur sat down with SunSport to explain his rapid rise from the obscurity of his barber’s chair to his mum’s spare sickbed to a couple of star-studded profiles.“I started during Covid when my barber told me to start a TikTok account,” he told SunSport.“I couldn’t be a**ed with it at first but then I started doing a few about myself and my training but that stuff doesn’t stand out and nothing happened.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMorley also spent time coaching and training in SwitzerlandCredit: Instagram @danmorley97Morley is ready to cause a ripple in the boxing world after conquering social mediaCredit: Boxing TunesEpsom welterweight Dan Morley is a TikTok and Instagram whizzCredit: Rex“But then I caught Covid and was in bed at my mum’s and I asked her if she thought people would be interested in the Cuban style of boxing.“She said ‘probably not’ but I did it anyway and it got about 250,000 views and then the TikTok grew.Brit boxer Dan Morley delivers stunning liver shot KOBoxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard is one of Morley’s social media followersCredit: GettyMusic legend Snoop Dogg is also a big Morley fanCredit: Reuters“Since then a few crazy things have happened, like a friendship with Johnny Knoxville, which is mad, Sugar Ray Leonard follows the account and Carl Froch has sent me messages. It’s amazing and a big confidence booster.“When I was first boxing these big names weren’t paying attention and now they are, for my boxing knowledge.”Too many boxing promoters and broadcasters flogged themselves to the social-media-influencer world at the start of the digital craze and we have seen some thoroughly dismal acts and ‘fights’.Thankfully the sport now seems to be pulling away from the fame-desperate circus act it helped kickstart around 2018 when Watford showman KSI danced with American entertainer Logan Paul in Manchester.But it means a bonafide throwback fighter and boxing fan like Morley has been cautious about using the platforms to boost his well-deserved popularity.Morley’s mum told him nobody would watch his Cuban boxing clip – then 250,000 didCredit: RexHe explained: “I was cautious because it is not my nature to sell-out or make a spectacle of myself.“I had a plan to build my following but I had to do it in the right way, which would benefit me but also help people.“I am not very good on phones, my friends get the hump when I take two days to reply to a message.“I am no good at technology but I taught myself all that and learned how to edit up to four good videos a day.“I had to learn how to clip things probably, merge things together but also learn how to not rip anybody else’s footage off.“In my 18 months out I did over 2,000 posts so I put the work in and have hopefully deserved the following.”Morley teaches boxing in stunning spots in Switzerland and Maldives but can’t switch offCredit: RexMorley’s accounts are must-follow content for fellow boxing nerds, sports fans and even history buffs.And he hopes that the modern tools at his disposal help him teach Generation Z about the incredible and criminally underrated men who paved the way for glitz-and-glamour version of the sport we see today.“I have read every book I can find and I am a proper nerd about it,” he laughed.“I want people to know that Harry Greb lost ONCE in 100 fights and went 45-0 in one year – all while being BLIND in one eye.“Some of these feats are so amazing.“Henry Armstrong won 59 of 61 fights in three years – through SEVEN weight divisions.“People rave about Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson – and rightly so because they are amazing fighters – but it wrongly feels like people think they are the only boxers who ever walked the earth.”I was cautious because it is not my nature to sell-out or make a spectacle of myself.Dan MorleyMorley now has a following that some British world champions would be proud of – or even have their PR people pay for.The pugilism media pioneer has a podcast and book ideas and has been wisely used by Wasserman to present some of their Channel 5 shows.So why on earth is he back in the back in the gym, punishing and starving himself, sparring hundreds of unpaid rounds and risking his life?“I love boxing,” he said. “I took a break from it and that told me how much I love it.“I have goals that I want to achieve, the social media stuff is all-well-and-good but I have not fulfilled my potential.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I built my social media in a way that allows me to do it as a passion, it doesn’t feel like a cringey way of doing things.“I have the followers that I needed and now I love it.”MORLEY AND THE MALDIVESBy Kealan HughesBRIT boxer brushed shoulders with ex-England rugby stars Jason Robinson and Ben Cohen, as well as fitness guru Joe Wicks.Morley even trained members of the Qatar royal family and a then 15-year-old Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things fame on the Maldives island of Huvafen Fushi where he stayed in hotel rooms costing £60,000 a night.Time away from the spotlight gave Morley a much-needed break both physically and mentally and he got his love back for boxing, sharing his knowledge first-hand and online.He quickly began to build his fanbase and now boasts 400,000 fans across his social media platforms, including Snoop Dogg, Sugar Ray Leonard and Johnny Knoxville, who recently appeared on his podcast. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson, 58, asks ‘can I be honest?’ as he reveals real reason he is fighting 27-year-old Jake Paul

      by

      MIKE TYSON reckons Jake Paul won’t lay a glove on him when they finally trade blows.The former undisputed heavyweight champion was due to throw down with the YouTuber-turned-boxer in a controversial crossover clash early on Sunday morning.Mike Tyson is set to throw down with Jake Paul on November 15Credit: AFPBoxing fans are wondering why ‘Iron Mike’, 58, has taken the dangerous fightCredit: GettyTyson admits he’s lacing up his gloves again because he’s addicted to tasting that winning feelingCredit: REUTERSBut their Texas tussle was postponed until November after Iron Mike suffered a medical emergency on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles.Boxing fans around the world feared for Tyson’s safety after the Netlfix fight was officially announced due to the 31-YEAR age gap between himself and Paul.All but three of Paul’s nine professional victories have come by way of brutal knockout, although Tyson is adamant the social media sensation won’t be adding him to his highlight reel.”Can I be honest?” Tyson asked his team while taking part in an interview with Esquire. “I don’t think he can hurt me.”READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONDespite not having fought professionally since his 2005 defeat to Kevin McBride, Tyson firmly believes he’s still got what it takes to teach The Problem Child a lesson or two.The International Boxing Hall of Famer later said of Paul: “He’s not going to hit me with the jab.”Tyson returned to the ring in November 2020 for a Covid clash with fellow boxing great Roy Jones Jr, which ended in a draw.His decision to return to the ring and put his health on the line against Paul has left many fight fans stunned.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTyson, 58, will be rewarded handsomely for the Dallas dust-up, although he insists it’s the addictive feeling of having his hand raised that’s lured him back to the ring.He admitted: “I’m a glory junkie. I love people thinking about me all day.Watch Jake Paul in training to fight Mike Perry”I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. It’s just who I am.“This is all I started fighting for—to get all this f***ing status.”I’m going to be chasing it for the rest of my life. I know that.”I’m never going to get what I want, because I’m one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough.”Tyson’s huge payday against Paul could go up in smoke this weekend as the YouTuber has opted to remain active and fight former UFC star Mike Perry.And Paul admits he’s taken a huge “risk” keeping himself busy against the ferocious “Platinum” Perry. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      I’m an ex-title challenger and sparring partner of Jake Paul’s – there’s three reasons he can become world champ one day

      by

      JAKE PAUL is armored with three key advantages that could take him to the top of boxing against all the odds.The social media sensation left behind a full-time career in vlogging on YouTube to try and dedicate his life to becoming a prizefighting star. Jake Paul during a sparring sessionAnd in the four years since his 2020 professional debut, Paul has become one of the highest-paid boxers in the world. But more than just money, the American is convinced he will one day hold a world championship belt – despite his lack of experience. Paul has been doing the right things, steadily upping his competition and ploughing millions into his training camps away from the cameras. His one loss in ten bouts came against Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023, and his opponents have switched from low-level boxers to MMA stars since.But behind the scenes, Paul is putting in the work and recruiting high-level sparring partners and coaches. For those reasons – along with being able to fight when he pleases – Paul is being tipped to make shock strides in the sport. Steve Geffrard is a 21-3 former light-heavyweight world champion who has been sparring with Paul this year. And Geffrard told SunSport: “He’s a late bloomer to the sport, but he takes it very, very seriously.Most read in Boxing”And on top of that, he has really good athletic ability. So he’s a great athlete. I think he has like three things about him that can really help him go far.“One; his work ethic, his great work ethic and then two; he has resources, so he can pay for the best trainers, best sparring, best strength conditioning.“He’s got physio guys that are with him 24/7, people working on his body, it’s good for longevity. And he can also fight whenever he wants. There’s world champions that can’t do that.” Paul, 27, last fought in March when he stopped 17-2 Ryan Bourland, 36. That is when Geffrard, 33, was first brought into Paul’s Puerto Rico training camp and was left impressed by the reformed prankster. He said: “I’ve been in camps with a lot of top champions and top fighters and stuff and I’ve been boxing my whole life.“I’ve seen people with less ability than him get up there and at least compete for a world title. “This is boxing, anything can happen. You can’t count anybody out.“He’s tough, he’s got good hand speed, good speed, the sky’s the limit for him we just have to see how far does he really want to take it.’He could seriously hurt one of those guys’“Because of the way he’s training, I think he does wanna go out there and compete for a regional belt and possibly a world title someday.“It’s gonna be tough. It’s not gonna be easy. But at least when he’s training, I see what his mindset is.“He’s not going into training just to be like, ‘OK, I’m an influencer boxer.’ “He’s training to try and compete against the best eventually even though he hasn’t really picked those types of opponents yet.“I think that’s truly what he wants to be. Because he’s spending all this money and sparring these guys that giving top quality work in the gym. He’s trying to get better.”Paul returns over the weekend against former UFC star and now bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 32. It was due to be against Mike Tyson until the heavyweight icon, 58, pulled out amid a health scare with the bout moved back to November 15. Perry will be Paul’s fifth opponent from an MMA background – a level of opposition Geffrard believes he has surpassed.Because of the way he’s training, I think he does wanna go out there and compete for a regional belt and possibly a world title someday.Jake Paul’s sparring partner Steve GeffrardHe said: “Jake has to kind of fight those types of people because of their names that’s what brings attraction.“But I think he’s past that level. I think he’s to the point where he could seriously hurt one of those guys.“That’s my opinion and that’s pretty much a compliment, giving him a compliment because I think he can now go on and step it up and start fighting some other boxers, legit boxers.“I’m not saying he can go and fight for a world title right away. But I think he’s good enough to where he doesn’t need to fight an old UFC fighter.“I think he’s improved that much more and he’s got good power. Even if you’re a very experienced fighter, you can’t really go in there and just sleep on him because he’s got enough power to hurt you.“You still gotta be – even though he doesn’t have as much experience – you still gotta be on your Ps and Qs. He’s a dog.” Geffrard was sparring Paul in the lead up to his return and does no expect Perry to see the scheduled eighth and final round. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe predicted: “I expect a knockout. “As long as he doesn’t go out there looking for it, I think it’ll come, maybe around four, maybe second-half of the fight.”Steve Geffrard with Jake Paul More