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    Chelsea and QPR legend turned pastor Gavin Peacock’s one-handed son Jake becomes a professional Muay Thai fighter

    PREM legend Gavin Peacock has found a third calling raising incredible battling boys.
    Last Friday pro kickboxer son Jake, defying all the odds already after being born without his right hand, helped his wife endure a mammoth 50-HOUR birth.

    Former footballer Gavin Peacock with his professional Muay Thai boxer son JakeCredit: KO MEDIA.

    Jake was born without his right handCredit: Bennie Palmore and lion fight.

    Jake is an unconventional fighter who thinks outside the box to KO opponentsCredit: Bennie Palmore and lion fight.

    When SunSport called the ex-QPR and Chelsea ace – who swapped the pitch for the pulpit to become a Christian pastor – to arrange a chat about the 4-0 fighter in the family, Peacock beamed with pride before casually mentioning his first grandchild was 30 hours into his debut.
    Thankfully the home birth eventually had a wonderful ending and little Charlie Peacock was in full voice in the background of this week’s Zoom call.
    But then these Peacock boys are made of special stuff.
    Jake’s own 48-hour marathon birth came after a single grainy ultrasound failed to spot a thread of the amniotic sac inside mum Amanda had come loose and wrapped around his right limb, preventing it from growing completely in a 10,000-1 stroke of bad luck.

    But the fearless boy was thrown into swimming pools, football teams, karate dojos and world championships and now runs his own Calgary gym, named Dunamis after the Greek term for ‘power, force, or ability’.
    It sounds like the perfect grounding for a new parent and a real fighter.
    “My mum and dad have always been fantastic,” the 27-year-old Muay Thai star and former social worker said.
    “They didn’t know I was going to be born with one hand so it came as a huge shock to them but they never babied me, they never stopped me from trying things.

    “I grew up just working things out for myself and I haven’t found any limits yet.”
    Little Charlie chose to enter the world on February 12 at the exact time daddy should have been having his fifth pro fight in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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    Gavin Peacock starred for Chelsea in the 1990sCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    And it would have been his first bout broadcast on the UFC Fight Pass network that reaches 174 countries, with close to 250,000 subscribers.
    Travel restrictions meant he was facing a 900 mile drive, over 15 hours, before fate struck him down with an injury.
    It was fortunate for wife Christa to not be left alone and lucky perhaps for his opponent as Jake has turned his supposed disability into a brutal advantage.
    “I can’t throw all the conventional shots,” he told SunSport. “So I do things differently, my range in a fight is usually different to my opponents.
    “I use my legs a lot to get me in on the inside and when I get in range, I can do damage with my right arm, I can use it like a jab or like an elbow and when I connect I hit hard.
    “Using my brain is what has helped me as a fighter and as a trainer as well.
    “Because I was born with one hand, I think outside the box a lot and that usually means I can help people overcome some of the things they are struggling with.”

    Kickboxer Jake missed a fight to help his wife through a 50-hour labourCredit: Bennie Palmore and lion fight.

    Jake’s prowess as an athlete and impressiveness as a person have been passed down through the genes.
    Before dad swapped the Prem for the pulpit as a Christian pastor, his father Keith became a Charlton legend with over 500 appearances.
    The sink-or-swim ruthlessness of professional football seems at odds with Christianity’s virtues of charity and compassion.
    But hearing Gavin explain he and his wife’s tough-love approach to Jake and his sister Ava is to learn how the two can be perfectly entwined.
    Gavin said: “Jake was the first baby in our family for 20-odd years and he came out a fighter.

    I saw that half of his arm was missing, which took me from the highest high to the ground moving beneath me.”
    Gavin Peacock

    “We needed forceps and the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck twice and then I saw that half of his arm was missing, which took me from the highest high to the ground moving beneath me.
    “We decided to never mollycoddle our children, because life is full of hardships and suffering and if you shield your child from that then they will crumble at their first experience of it away from your protection.
    “We let Jake get on with things and he learned everything his own way.
    “One day I watched him fight a boy who was bigger and better than him, Jake knew he was going to get a pasting but he never stopped trying.
    “I told him on the way home that that fight had shown me more about his courage and commitment than any of his previous victories and I knew then he would be OK.”

    University-educated Jake does not even consider his missing hand a disability and will never let it define him in or outside the ring.
    But his father is immensely proud of the message he is modestly sending with his fighting spirit.
    “Jake wants people to talk about him as a really good fighter, not ‘the fighter with one hand.” the ex-Newcastle and Chelsea midfielder said.
    “But the fact is that he has one hand and that does make it even more amazing.
    “I know Jake has inspired a lot of people and he has inspired me in my life.
    “He does not like to make a big deal out of it but we are all so proud of him.”
    Jake Peacock has a multi-fight deal with Lion Fight promotions, home of Thai boxing’s finest fighters.

    Meet ‘killer’ Usman Nurmagomedov who is a Muay Thai expert and is better than UFC champ cousin Khabib More

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    Conor McGregor is ‘OWNED’ by UFC boss Dana White, taunts Jake Paul as he eyes Nate Diaz fight in 2022

    JAKE PAUL reckons a fight with Conor McGregor will likely never happen because the Irishman ‘owned’ by UFC president Dana White.
    The YouTuber aggressively pursued a boxing match with the MMA superstar after his viral KO of Nate Robinson last November.

    Jake Paul aggressively pursued a boxing match with Conor McGregor after KO’ing Nate Robinson last NovemberCredit: AP

    But the YouTuber doesn’t believe UFC president Dana White will allow The Notorious to fight himCredit: Getty

    But the former Disney star has now turned his attention to facing McGregor’s rival Nate Diaz following the Irishman’s defeat to Dustin Poirier last month at UFC 257.
    The 23-year-old reckons a showdown with Diaz is more likely, telling MMA Junkie: “I think Nate will probably happen first Conor is owned by Dana White.
    “Nate only has two more fights in the UFC, so he can do them and then go for free.”Then, Nate Diaz vs Jake Paul will happen in 2022.”
    Paul, the brother of fellow YouTuber Logan, is currently gearing up for a boxing match with former UFC welterweight Ben Askren.

    The younger Paul brother is eager to face some big names after taking on Funky, saying: “We’ll see what happens after the fight.
    “Floyd Mayweather caught my eye last week.
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    “I still think there’s the McGregor fight, and Nate Diaz said he’s wiling to fight me. We’ll see what happens.”

    Paul is brimming with confidence ahead of his showdown with Askren – which will be his third professional fight – and reckons the former ONE Championship and Bellator welterweight champion won’t lay a glove on him.
    He told ESPN: “Go Google Ben Askren’s striking. Hahaha.
    “It’s not going to go that long, it’s not going to go that long.

    Jake Paul is gearing up to face former UFC welterweight Ben AskrenCredit: Getty – Contributor

    “I don’t even think he’ll hit me. I haven’t been hit one time in the face in my past two fights.
    “So I haven’t even been punched as pro boxer one time. Nate Robinson landed one body shot in a clinch.
    “I don’t think Ben Askren will even hit me. That’s my prediction.”
    Paul is 2-0 as a professional boxer having registered stoppage wins over fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib and ex-NBA star Robinson, who he brutally knocked out on the undercard of Mike Tyson’s exhibition with Roy Jones Jr.

    Jake Paul says Conor McGregor ‘doesn’t have that hunger anymore’ and says UFC star is ‘way easier’ than Floyd Mayweather More

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    Deontay Wilder’s axed coach feared Bronze Bomber could have had ‘brain issues’ during Tyson Fury loss

    DEONTAY WILDER could’ve been dealing with ‘brain issues’ during his stunning loss to Tyson Fury, his former coach Mark Breland believes.
    The American’s reign as WBC heavyweight champion came to an emphatic end last February at the hands of The Gypsy King, who put on a career-best performance to record a seventh-round TKO victory.

    Tyson Fury ended Deontay Wilder’s reign as WBC heavyweight champion last FebruaryCredit: Getty

    Deontay Wilder’s left ear was gushing with blood during his defeat to Tyson FuryCredit: AFP

    An aggressive Fury battered Wilder from pillar to post, so much so the American started bleeding from inside his left ear.
    And Breland reckons the blood that came out of the Olympian’s auricle could’ve been the sign of a serious issue.
    He told World Boxing News: “At that fight, just as many others, we had no cutman because Deontay won’t need it.
    “So I’m not a doctor, but I know blood coming out of your ears and dazed eyes could be a brain issue.”

    Former WBA welterweight champion Breland was axed by Wilder for mercifully throwing in the towel but has no regrets over his decision.
    He added: “Power comes from your legs, and his legs were gone! – So I decided to stop the fight, and I’d do it all again.
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    Mark Breland (L) has no regrets about throwing in the towelCredit: Getty
    “I have a son Deontay’s age. I’m not looking to see him go out on his shield. I hope we all stay safe. There are so many bigger issues in the world!”

    Since booting Breland out of his camp, Wilder has accused the 57-year-old of spiking his drink before the fight – an allegation which has been vehemently denied.
    He said: “Anyone who knows a tiny bit about boxing knows there are tests before and after a fight. So that’s the end of that ludicrous allegation!
    “And then there are the gloves. To that, I say that’s the one time I’m glad Jay [Deas, co-manager] treated me like I didn’t matter.
    “So he does all the head trainer aspects, the witness for the hand wrapping, the press interviews, everything where a camera is involved – except hand wraps.
    “I’m the one responsible for that. I’m not sure if [Deas] knows. In all those years, I can’t recall seeing him do it.

    “Now this chapter of my life/book (in the process of being written) has come to an end. Above all, I won’t be talking about it anymore!
    “To the ones who know me, I don’t need to say anything. To the ones who don’t, I’m not trying to defend such ridiculous, outlandish allegations.”
    Breland launched a scathing attack on Wilder earlier this month, claiming the Olympic bronze medallist’s career in boxing is over.
    Wilder has been left saddened by his former coach’s comments, saying: “It’s crazy, bro, it’s crazy.
    “Because I had this man around me for so long. Do you know what I’m saying? I had him around my family, around my kids – I fed this dude.

    Mark Breland’s decision to throw in the towel cost him his coaching role with Deontay WilderCredit: Getty

    “Even when many people thought I outgrew him, many wanted me to fire him but I kept him on board. To hear all these things that he’s saying is crazy.
    “It’s like, I was the one who fed you, bro. I was the one who kept you around. He should’ve been gone a long time ago.
    “But because of the love that I have – to continue to give you a job and all of that. Even after the fact of all his medical issues that he’s personally going on with himself, I still kept him around.
    “For him to betray me and say crazy stuff, man, you know, it is a little hurtful.”

    Deontay Wilder vows to ‘clean out’ heavyweight division by facing Joshua and Ruiz Jr More

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    UFC star Conor McGregor taunts Floyd Mayweather over bank balance as boxer misses out on Forbes 2020 sports rich list

    CONOR MCGREGOR has reignited his feud with Floyd Mayweather by mocking the boxer’s bank balance.
    Mayweather’s financial worth has dwindled since he retired from boxing following his tenth-round TKO victory over the UFC’s poster boy.

    Conor McGregor has reignited his war of words with Floyd MayweatherCredit: Getty

    Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather locked horns with one another in August 2017Credit: Getty

    The Money man, whose net worth is believed to be a whopping £510million, was the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2018 but hasn’t featured in the top-ten since.
    McGregor revelled in Mayweather’s absence from the list, which he also graced in 2018, on Friday afternoon, writing on Instagram: “Happy birthday Floyd!
    “We miss you on the Forbes.”
    McGregor has yet to feature in the top-ten since his multi-million-pound showdown with the former four-weight world champion.

    But The Notorious, whose net worth said to be just over £104m, plans to top it in the near future.
    He said: “I’m already a very wealthy man and it is only going to go up, make no mistake about it.
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    Forbes’ latest highest-paid athletes list
    “This year I have aspirations of being the number one highest-paid athlete on the Forbes list.”

    Last month, SunSport exclusively revealed negotiations over a billion-dollar rematch between the rivals had begun.
    But Mayweather, 43, is seemingly not strapped for cash as he recently bought his five-week-old grandson a Rolex.
    McGregor, 32, made his long-awaited return to the octagon last month in the main event of UFC 257, where he suffered a second-round TKO defeat to former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier.
    A trilogy fight between the former featherweight rivals in understood to be in the works for the summer.

    McGregor, the UFC’s first simultaneous two-weight champion, is itching to get back in the cage with The Diamond, recently writing on Instagram: “What a trilogy I now have on my hands. Exciting!
    “With a handle on the leg kicks I will get back to having fun in there. I was in second gear cruising this fight. Best condition I’ve ever been in.
    “After the wrestling and clinch exchanges, my shots still held their pop. First time for me with this so I am very encouraged to keep going.
    “It was the first time I did not use/nor need the stool between rounds also. I did need the stool after though that’s for sure.

    Conor McGregor will be looking to exact revenge on Dustin Poirier later this yearCredit: Getty

    “I am extremely happy I did not need to use the stool between rounds here anyway. Another first for me!
    “I am most certainly on the right path. Despite the loss I am on the correct path of evolution.”
    The Irishman added: “He added: “One a piece now with a trilogy bout for all the marbles! Wow! Exciting!
    “Not a trilogy I was expecting, nor the tactical affair I was anticipating, but I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t meant to be.
    “This is exactly how this was always meant to be! Buzzing!!”

    UFC chief Dana White claims plans for Floyd Mayweather fight in 2020 collapsed because ‘the world imploded’ More

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    Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury PPV price will NOT be staggering £40, insists Eddie Hearn after fan backlash

    EDDIE HEARN has assured boxing fans that they won’t have to pay through the nose to witness the £200m showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
    Talks are nearly finalised for a two-fight deal between the two Brits to determine the true king of the heavyweight division.

    Eddie Hearn has provided fans with a huge boost ahead of Anthony Joshua’s blockbuster unification fightCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd

    He will battle the Tyson Fury to determine the true heavyweight kingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Despite excitement building for the epic collision, fans were furious when a report by the Daily Mail claimed box office cost to view it could be £40.
    That would be £15 more than both superstars’ last fights – and it soon hit the headlines when talkSPORT presenter Simon Jordan blasted that potential fee.
    However, AJ’s promoter Hearn has moved to ease those fears after a furious backlash and claimed the PPV price will not be that high.
    The Matchroom chief told iFL TV: “I don’t know where these rumours come from.

    “Again, I haven’t had any discussions about the PPV price, I certainly don’t think it’ll be £40.
    “So, nothing’s been discussed, nothing’s been set.
    “I just started getting some tweets and some DMs going, ‘You’re a disgrace! £40 PPV.’ I was like, ‘Where’s that come from?’ No discussions.
    “I like Simon Jordan, but I don’t know where they got that from?”

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    He did admit that the price would probably be higher, although he vowed if that is the case then both he and Fury’s team would need to provide a mouthwatering undercard as well.
    He added: “If there is an increase in the PPV price – not £40, but I think there will be – then we need to provide a show that’s worthy of that.”
    Joshua currently stars on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in America, while Fury is tied with BT and US giants ESPN.
    Their opposing promoters and networks are set to come together, but the unification bout looks destined to go abroad.
    With coronavirus restrictions preventing fans from attending in Britain, organisers are in talks with several foreign destinations.

    Eddie Hearn says he discussed Tyson Fury’s recent weight gain with Anthony Joshua More

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    Josh Kelly vs David Avanesyan: How grudge match is finally taking place after FOUR years and in fourth attempt

    THE WINNER of David Avanesyan vs Josh Kelly on Saturday will have beaten a cruel two-year curse as well as a welterweight rival.
    The clash for the Russian’s European title was first booked for December… 2018!

    Josh Kelly will finally be facing David Avanesyan at the fourth time of askingCredit: PA:Press Association

    Only for sickness, alleged conspiracies and coronavirus to push it into 2021.
    Kelly would have been the red-hot favourite for that original clash, the 2016 Olympian was 24-years-old with promoter Eddie Hearn purring about a bonafide world champion in the making.
    The Sunderland lad’s skills, daring to box with his hands down by his waist underlined with magnificent reflexes, were lighting up social media channels all over British boxing.
    But when the fight was cancelled just hours from the first bell, the first dark cloud over the prolonged feud came over.

    Kelly, now 26, and trainer Adam Booth said their man had been struck down with a bad virus.
    Avanesyan’s fearless manager Neil Marsh made a string of different accusations that have never been fully denied.
    Marsh claimed Booth approached him on the eve of the fight and threatened to pull out unless the 12-round championship battle was reduced to a 10-rounder.
    He wrote on Twitter at the time: “I’ve never in my life spoke badly of any fighter but trust me @JOSHPBK and @boxingbooth are complete bottle jobs.Their behaviour has been disgusting.”

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    Kelly faces Avanesyan for the European welterweight title at Wembley Arena on SaturdayCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd
    Despite being left well out-of-pocket for the wasted camp, Avanesyan took the disappointment in his stride and turned the tables.
    The Carl Greaves-trained gunslinger flew out to Bilbao to face Spain’s dangerous newly-crowned European champion Kerman Lejarraga.
    Lejarraga had beaten Englishman Bradley Skeete for the vacant title in April 2018 and then defended it by retiring the once brilliant Frankie Gavin in November.
    But unknown Avanesyan, 32, rolled into his backyard in March 2019 and gunned down ‘The Revolver’ inside nine rounds, from behind on the cards.
    He popped back six months later too and obliterated Lejarraga inside the opening round. 
    By March 2020, father-of-two Kelly had lost his status as the favourite after a couple of underwhelming performances against relatively limited opposition.
    All the showboating in the world could not help him look too good against Poland’s Przemyslaw Runowski in a unanimous win.
    And many had Kelly losing the July 2019 draw with Ray Robinson, on the New York undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz 1.

    This is how the fighters compare ahead of their fight this weekend

    Eventually the second attempt was arranged for March 2020 and it led to a brilliant press conference.
    Marsh unleashed a volley at Booth over his alleged actions around the first cancellation, calling him a “conman”.
    But we were never lucky enough to see those press conference fireworks translate into the ring.
    Sadly that showdown was the first one cancelled in the UK’s first Covid-19 lockdown that kyboshed the sport until the summer.
    The third bite of the ever-shrinking cherry came this January when the British Boxing Board of Control rightly moved in to halt the sport again after a worrying spike of infections.
    It’s now fourth time lucky for both brave men who will be absolutely desperate for the win – and to see the back of each other once and for all. More

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    Floyd Mayweather buys five-week-old grandson a diamond-encrusted ROLEX as doting, millionaire grandad splashes the cash

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER has wasted now time spoiling his new-born grandson rotten – after buying the five-week-old a diamond-encrusted ROLEX.
    Last month, Money’s daughter Yaya welcomed Kentrell Jr to the world along with rapper NBA Youngboy.

    Floyd Mayweather has bought his five-week-old grandson a diamond-encrusted RolexCredit: Instagram @moneyyaya

    Mayweather also recently took Kentrell Jr on his first trip on a private jetCredit: Instagram @moneyyaya

    And at just five weeks old, the infant is now the owner of a fully-iced watch and has even taken a ride on a private jet.
    The astonishing timepiece appears to be a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, with prices starting around £32,000.
    However, baby’s first watch appears to have been fully customised to have diamonds encrusted on the band as well as the circumference of the face, which could push the cost into six-figures.
    Tagging her dad in the post, Yaya took to Instagram to show off KJ’s new gold and diamond bit of bling.

    Yaya captioned the snap: “KJ’s papa got him his first Rolex.”
    Mayweather’s extraordinarily generous gift is hardly out of character, though.
    The 50-0 boxing legend, 43, has an extravagant watch collection of his own, with one piece costing an eye-watering £13.8million by itself.
    In a recent interview, Money claimed: “Now if I go on vacation, my fault, when I go on paycation for 30 days, I take 30 watches with me.

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    Mayweather has at least 41 diamond-encrusted watches in his outrageous collectionCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather

    One of Mayweather’s watches – the Jacob and Co Tourbillon ‘Billionaire’ – is worth £13.8mCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather

    “But you know what, what’s crazy is this: If we add ten more days, I take ten more watches.
    “But then I say, ‘f*** it,’ if I want to bring out the one and only, then I bring out the watch that costs $18m (£13.8m).”
    Mayweather bought the show-stopping timepiece after his 50th career win, where he beat Conor McGregor in a money-spinning Las Vegas showdown.
    The American legend is believed to have pocketed around £300m for the win, spending a mere fraction on the Jacob & Co Tourbillon watch, dubbed ‘The Billionaire Watch’.
    Incredibly, Mayweather has 41 diamond-encrusting watches in his ever-growing collection.
    The watches are estimated to be valued at a combined total of £20m.
    Meanwhile, Mayweather’s return to the boxing ring has been delayed.
    Money was due to face YouTuber Logan Paul on February 20 in an exhibition spectacle.
    But it has since been backdated with a new date yet to be confirmed.

    Floyd Mayweather looks sharp and slick in training at 43 as unbeaten legend prepares to face YouTuber Logan Paul More

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    Ben Askren has no chance of beating Jake Paul, predicts MMA star Raush Manfio who sparred five rounds with YouTuber

    BEN ASKREN has no chance of being victorious in his showdown with Jake Paul, according Titan FC lightweight Raush Manfio.
    The former UFC welterweight is set to throw down with the YouTuber in a boxing match on April 17.

    Jake Paul (L) is gearing up to face former UFC star Ben Askren in a boxing matchCredit: Instagram @brutalbostwick

    Ben Askren’s chances of beating Jake Paul have been written off by manyCredit: Getty

    Askren’s chances of beating the former Disney star have been written off by many, with several fight fans predicting he’ll suffer a brutal knockout loss.
    And Manfio, who has been helping Paul prepare for his latest outing to the ring, only sees the fight going one way.
    The Brazilian told MMA Fighting: “I believe Ben Askren can take a punch, but Jake Paul has knockout power.
    “If Askren goes in there to trade hands, he’s going down. No doubt. He’s going down.

    “[Paul] has a powerful right hand, and he’s getting smarter in the ring, not getting scared or stuff like that, things you learn with time.
    “I’m a professional MMA fighter since 2011 and I get mature as time goes by, you understand the sport, but [Paul] has firepower and that’s crucial.
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    “In my opinion, what is Askren going to do? For him to win, only if he gets Jake Paul tired.

    “But how is he going to get him tired if he doesn’t have heavy hands? How is he going to hurt him? What is he going to do?
    “I can only see Jake Paul winning by knockout or points, Jake Paul is far superior. I can’t see one weapon [Askren] can use.
    “If he was like a Dan Henderson type of fighter with a powerful overhand, that would be a different conversation.
    “[Paul] has knockout power and cardio. Meanwhile, [Askren] might have a chin but doesn’t have firepower to drop him, so I don’t see how Askren wins this match.”

    Paul, 23, is brimming with confidence ahead of his meeting with the former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight king, so much so he reckons the MMA vet won’t lay a glove on him.
    He told ESPN: “Go Google Ben Askren’s striking. Hahaha. It’s not going to go that long, it’s not going to go that long.
    “I don’t even think he’ll hit me. I haven’t been hit one time in the face in my past two fights.
    “So I haven’t even been punched as pro boxer one time. Nate Robinson landed one body shot in a clinch.
    “I don’t think Ben Askren will even hit me. That’s my prediction.”

    Ben Askren’s wife trolls Jake Paul by calling his pick-up lines ‘weak’ after he slid into her DMs on Instagram More