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      NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal plans to invest in BKFC as he praises ‘toughest athletes in the world’

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      NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal plans to make a serious investment in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
      The former Los Angeles Lakers star was ringside for BKFC’s ‘KnuckleMania’ event last Friday, which saw former UFC star Paige VanZant make her promotional bow.

      Shaquille O’Neal intends to make a sizeable investment in the Bare Knuckle Fighting ChampionshipCredit: Getty

      Former UFC star Paige VanZant (right) made her BKFC debut last weekend – but lost to Britain Hart

      Shaq is a big fan of the promotion, so much so he intends to make a sizeable donation to it.
      During BKFC’s first event of the year, the four-time NBA Champion said: “These are the greatest, toughest athletes in the world.
      “The fact that they’re not using gloves makes them the toughest athletes in the world. I think this is the future of fighting.”
      According to BKFC founder Dave Feldman, O’Neal’s deal with the promotion is all but finalised.

      He said: “Now we’ve got one of the most sought-after sports figures in the entire world.
      “Who doesn’t know Shaq? And now he’s going to be part of this company and it’s going to make a lot for people want to be part of the company.”
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      O’Neal made his presence at KnuckleMania known by climbing into the ring and presenting the bantamweight title to Dat Nguyen after the penultimate fight of the evening.

      He said: “It was a great event. Because they don’t want to use the gloves, they’re fighting like a fight should be had.”
      KnuckleMania has headlined by a women’s featherweight bout between VanZant and Britain Hart.
      VanZant, 26, suffered a shock loss to the professional boxer, who gave the former UFC strawweight a rude welcome to the sport courtesy of a unanimous decision victory.
      Defeat to Hart was VanZant’s fourth in her last five fights, but the former Dancing with the Stars contestant has no intention of calling time on her days as a professional fighter.

      Paige VanZant came up short in her BKFC debut against Britain HartCredit: GETTY

      She wrote on Instagram: “The greatest test of courage on Earth is to bear our defeat without losing heart.
      “Last night I told my husband I didn’t want to fight any more but as soon as the words left my lips I knew that wasn’t true.
      “I’m a fighter. This is what I live for. Losers quit when they fail, winners fail until they succeed. That fight last night was a good learning experience for me.
      “The timing and distance took a little bit to figure out but I felt my last round was my best round and I’m going to build off of that!
      “I’m thankful to fight for the best team in the world and we are going to go back and fix our mistakes.
      “Thank you to Britain for competing last night and congrats on victory! I’m also confident we will cross paths again.”

      Devastating moment bare knuckle boxer Kaleb Harris face-plant KO’s opponent Johnavan Vistante at BKFC 7 More

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      Josh Warrington vs Mauricio Lara: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and undercard for fight at Wembley Arena

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      JOSH WARRINGTON is back in action as the former IBF world featherweight champion goes up against Mauricio Lara.
      The Leeds-born star has been out of the ring since October 2019, when he saw off French challenger Sofiane Takoucht.

      Warrington is eyeing up big title fights later in 2021Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He vacated his IBF world crown in January and was originally slated to face WBA champion Can Xu, but that bout fell through.
      Lara is just 22-years-old and the Mexican is talented, coming in with a pro record of 21-2.

      The Leeds Warrior vacated his IBF belt back in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
      When is Warrington vs Lara?
      The featherweight clash over 12 rounds will be held on Saturday, February 13.
      It will take place at Wembley Arena, although sadly no fans can be in attendance.
      Expect the main event around 10pm, with the undercard starting at 7pm.
      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch every upper-cut, jab and hook live on Sky Sports throughout the evening.
      Coverage on Sky Sports Action will begin at 7pm, with Sky Sports Main Event joining from 8.30pm.

      If you want to stream, Sky customers can download the Sky Go app on their mobile, tablet, PC or games console.
      Non-subscribers can get a NOW TV pass from £9.99.

      Full undercard
      Josh Warrington vs Mauricio Lara (featherweight)
      Leigh Woods vs Reece Mould (British featherweight title)
      Zelfa Barrett vs Kiko Martinez (IBF inter-continental super-featherweight title)
      Dalton Smith vs Ishmael Ellis (super lightweight)
      Ivan Price vs Zahis Hussain (featherweight)
      Ibhrahim Nadim vs Jonny Phillips (featherweight)
      What they said
      Warrington: “It’s disappointing we couldn’t have the IBF title on the line, but I can’t let those decisions stand in the way of me going down in British boxing history by facing the very best in the division.
      “I’ve always dreamt about winning the Ring belt, for me it leaves no doubt who the king of the division is.

      “Right now, my mind and focus is on Lara for February 13 and then I’m looking to pick up that beautiful red and blue belt.”
      Lara: “I will win the fight with my effort.
      “It is my second international fight, in the first I went to Argentina to win by knocking out in eight rounds.
      “He is the champion, that’s something that he is, I take nothing away from him. He does not scare me or anything. We have worked hard.
      “I am in my best moment both personally and on a sporting level. I have noticed that I am growing in my career. I’ve had tough opponents”.
      Fight odds
      Warrington to win – 1/25
      Draw – 25/1
      Lara shock victory – 9/1
      *All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Conor McGregor’s team-mate claims Jake Paul fight ‘would be very dangerous’ for YouTuber as UFC ace may ‘lose control’

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      CONOR McGREGOR’S team-mate warned the UFC legend might ‘lose control’ if he fought Jake Paul and make it ‘very dangerous’ for the YouTuber.
      Social media sensation Paul, 2-0 as a boxer, has tirelessly chased a boxing match with former UFC champion McGregor.

      Frans Mlambo pictured with Conor McGregorCredit: Instagram / @thenotoriousmma

      YouTuber Jake Paul has two knockout wins to his nameCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He even claimed to have a $50million cheque waiting to go, as he also directed insults to the Irishman’s fiancee Dee Devlin.
      McGregor’s training partner Frans Mlambo doubts any amount of money could convince the superstar into facing Paul.
      But if he did, the internet phenomenon has been told if the foul-mouthed tirades continue, he will be made to pay for his words.
      Mlambo told SunSport: “I thought the whole thing was ridiculous.

      “Conor would try and make an example out of him. Conor is rich and all but he’s still one of the boys and he doesn’t take s***.
      “He’s obviously grown now, he’s a father and a family man but maybe he’s staying out of the whole thing for everybody’s safety.
      “He’d lose control if he went into those situations.

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      “If the fight actually happened and Jake Paul was talking all this garbage leading up to it, it would be very dangerous Conor in that ring.
      “It would make a load of other people a load of money and that’s why people will be pushing for it, but it is something that should not happen.”
      Paul, 24, has two knockout wins to his name, but only against internet rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and ex-NBA player Nate Robinson.
      He fights former UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 36, next on April 17, after goading McGregor by changing his offer to just $10,000.
      The Dublin southpaw, 32, made his ring debut in 2017, losing to all-time great Floyd Mayweather, 43, banking around £100m in doing so.
      But Mlambo is not confident any sum could entice aspiring billionaire McGregor into fighting viral vlogger Paul and entertaining the antics that comes with it.

      Conor McGregor pictured before his UFC comeback

      Jake Paul pictured after a sparring sessionCredit: Instagram / @danieltoretto
      He said: “For 50million I’d fight anybody, it would literally never not make sense, I’d fight Goliath.
      “But Conor’s in a total different position that $50m might not be worth the effort, the rigamarole of going through the WWE-entertainment style leading up to the fight.
      “I feel like if he went into the Jake Paul thing he might be looking at it as more of a show more than anything else.
      “It might not even be worth the money to him, just my view knowing what I know about Conor.”
      Mlambo, a Bellator featherweight, would prefer to see his sparring partner rematch Dustin Poirier immediately.
      McGregor was knocked out by Poirier at UFC 257, just under seven years after doing the same to the American.
      The pair are now tied at one apiece and already talking up a trilogy.

      Conor McGregor was beaten by Dustin Poirier at UFC 257Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Conor McGregor is eyeing a trilogy against Dustin PoirierCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It has also forced McGregor to shelve his proposed mega-money boxing return against 42-year-old Manny Pacquiao.
      But Mlambo has backed his Straight Blast Gym gym-mate to bounce back in the UFC before entertaining a switch to the ring again.
      He explained: “The Manny Pacquiao fight is an entertaining one and I’m sure it would make more money than any UFC one.
      “So in that may I’d go for it but the loss to Poirier would be eating at Conor and I reckon he’d be trying to get into the octagon straight away to mend that.

      “Since there’s a loss, it wouldn’t even be a distraction it just wouldn’t make sense to do the Pacquiao fight right now.
      “Think of the promotion, it would be known he’s going in to fight one of the biggest boxers on the planet and he’s coming off a bad loss.
      “He should put the Manny Pacquiao thing on pause right now, go back into the cage, take out a few lads and then we can talk about that.”

      Tyson Fury breaks down Conor McGregor’s defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 and agrees he lost due to ‘inactivity’ More

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      Deontay Wilder has ‘completely lost his mind’ after ‘bizarre’ claims against ex-trainer Mark Breland, says Eddie Hearn

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      DEONTAY WILDER has ‘lost his mind’, according to top boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
      The deposed WBC heavyweight champ gave an interview recently where he accused former trainer Mark Breland of ‘spiking his water’.

      Deontay Wilder has accused his sacked former coach Mark Breland of ‘spiking his water’Credit: Richard Pelham – The Sun

      Wilder claims it contributed to his sensational KO defeat to Tyson Fury last year.
      Breland, who had 39 fights as a pro winning 35, described that as a ‘ludicrous allegation’ and ‘outlandish and ridiculous’ in a length statement posted on Instagram.
      Wilder has also claimed his ‘suit was too heavy’ on the ringwalk and accused Fury’s team of tampering with his gloves.
      Now Hearn, who is in talks to thrash out a deal for his fighter Anthony Joshua to fight Fury this year, has expressed his shock at Wilder’s accusations.

      Speaking to iFL TV the Matchroom boss said: “It was so bizarre. He’s completely lost his mind. Completely lost his mind.
      “When you start talking about yourself in the third person — ‘Let me tell you what kings do’ — what are you talking about? Kings?
      “’Yeah because I’m a king’, you’re not king, mate. You got beat. You could become king, but you’re not at the moment.
      “He’s like: ‘The reason Mark Breland’s doing this, and I thought this all along, he’s actually jealous of me,’ so what he threw the towel in and he spiked your drink because he was jealous of you?”

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      Eddie Hearn could not believe what he was hearing from Deontay WilderCredit: PA:Press Association

      Hearn also revealed his anger at how Wilder’s wild accusations could tarnish ‘good boxing man’ Breland’s reputation.
      The promoter also isn’t sure where Wilder goes from here, and believes the 35-year-old might be happy just ‘relaxing at home’.
      He added: “Wilder just pops up on bizarre YouTube channels, have you noticed?
      “He’s not giving interviews to traditional media like major outlets, and he just pops up on some random thing.
      “Sounds like he’s sort of relaxing a little bit at home and just.. I couldn’t believe it when I listened to it. I couldn’t believe it.”
      In Breland’s statement he shared on social media, the 57-year-old sensationally labelled the deposed heavyweight champ ‘untrainable’.
      He also opened up on what life was like in Wilder’s training camp in what is sure to stoke the fires between the pair still further.
      In it the American claimed trainers were told not to talk to Wilder if he was ‘in a bad mood’.

      Mark Breland was fired by Wilder and blamed for his defeat to FuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Bob Arum says Tyson Fury will never fight Wilder again after glove tampering claims More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury ‘close’ to official announcement after contract exchanges, reveals promoter Eddie Hearn

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA and Tyson Fury are ‘close’ to an official announcement after contracts were exchanged, revealed Eddie Hearn.
      The two British superstars are on course to agreeing a historic undisputed title decider.

      Anthony Joshua pictured with his promoter Eddie HearnCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd

      Bob Arum pictured with heavyweight Tyson FuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      AJ’s promoter Hearn has already drafted paperwork over to Bob Arum, Fury’s backer in America.
      And with ‘minor requests’ being returned back, the super-fight has moved another step in the right direction.
      But Hearn warned as they close in on a deal, he will remain tight-lipped, but things are moving in the right direction.
      He told iFL TV: “To be honest with you I don’t really wanna talk about the fight because I keep saying the same thing, don’t I? ‘Two weeks, hopefully it’ll be done’.

      “I don’t wanna bore people, but I said to Bob, ‘I’m getting asked about it 20 times a day in interviews, what do you want me to say?’
      “So what I’ll tell you – and I don’t think we should go too deep into it – is we’ve sent the contract, we’ve had minor requests for changes which all seem a reasonable discussion.
      “And hopefully it shouldn’t be too long to go before an official announcement. Still some work to go, but we’re close.”
      The fight is set to promise, for the first time in heavyweight history, that all four WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO titles will be at stake.

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      Hearn added that June is now the targeted date but a venue is yet to be agreed.
      Amid coronavirus restrictions in the UK, the Battle of Britain looks destined for an away fixture, with the Middle East and Asia both mooted options.
      Hearn revealed he received a request from Arum to withhold information until they, alongside Fury’s UK promoter Frank Warren, can officially announce the fight as a done deal.
      He said: “Bob phoned me two nights ago, ‘Eddie, I think you should stop talking about Fury vs Joshua.
      “I said, ‘What do you mean?’
      “And he went, ‘Well, because you’re talking and then Frank’s gonna wanna talk and I’m gonna wanna say something. Let’s just go quiet until we sign the deal and all announce it together.’
      “I said, ‘Alright Bob.’ Bob phones me up and tells me what to do! I respect Bob, I don’t have to listen to Bob, but I respect Bob.
      “I listen, I digest the information – or the instruction sometimes – and decide what I’m gonna do.
      “And I agree.”

      Manny Pacquiao’s coach Justin fortune says Fury will defeat Joshua in anticipated fight More

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      How Floyd Mayweather secretly tipped a waitress $10,000 to undergo procedure to help her exercise

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER is well-known to enjoy the lavish lifestyle – but he is not shy of sharing his wealth.
      The boxing legend has his eyes on a comeback in 2021 over three years since his final victory over Conor McGregor cemented his legacy at 50-0.

      A heart-warming story about Floyd Mayweather helping a waitress transform her life has been revealedCredit: Instagram

      The boxing legend is worth around £510millionCredit: Instagram

      Mayweather, 43, has amassed a huge fortune during his iconic career and is allegedly worth £510million.
      But a story emerged showing the usual trash-talking fighter’s much kinder side after he secretly tipped a waitress $10,000 to undergo a procedure to help her exercise a decade ago.
      John Shahidi runs his own company which manages YouTube stars, and it was him who shared the tale on the Impaulsive podcast after meeting Mayweather in LA.
      After discussing how they can work together over a bite to eat, the former five-weight world champion asked the waitress what she would do if she had all the money in the world to improve her life. 

      She declared she would get rid of her credit card but also undergo a procedure to enable her to exercise better.
      Shahidi says Mayweather asked how much it would cost, to which she said between six and seven grand, leading to ‘Money’ placing a $10k tip at the bottom of the bill.
      The YouTube expert claims he told Mayweather to contact the media over his gesture.
      He also explained that the world should know that Mayweather often does this sort of thing.

      But the undefeated icon replied: “No! You are not to ever do that.
      “No-one can ever know that I ever do that. That’s for me, you and her to know.”
      It’s still unclear what Mayweather’s next move in the ring will be.
      The 50-0 fighter was due to face Logan Paul on February 20 but that bout now looks to be on hold.

      Floyd Mayweather says he’s coming back to Japan for ‘something big; at Tokyo Dome in 2021 More

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      How Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield compare – with combined age of 112 – as talks over £200m-plus fight in Dubai begin

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      MIKE TYSON and Evander Holyfield are set to renew their historic rivalry with talks progressing for a sensational rematch.
      SunSport were the first to reveal the pair – with combined age of 112 – are in the process of negotiating a £200million-plus bout in Dubai.

      Holyfield is already 2-0 up, thanks to his 1996 upset and Tyson’s disgraceful disqualification a year later, where he sunk his teeth into the Real Deal’s ear.
      But Iron Mike, 54, comes into the trilogy having fought as recently as November, when he marked his astonishing comeback.
      It inspired Holyfield, 58, to begin training for a return of his own, setting up a third fight with Tyson, 34-years in the making.
      And here’s how the heavyweight legends compare of late.

      Mike Tyson sunk his teeth into Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997Credit: AFP – Getty
      Mike Tyson
      Tyson, the youngest heavyweight champion of all time aged just 20, retired in 2005 coming off consecutive dismal defeats.
      In retirement the celebrated puncher ballooned up in size and began to abuse drugs and alcohol.
      But Tyson revealed his life turned around when he ditched the substances after the success of his Hotboxin podcast, launched in 2017.
      After his wife made a comment about his weight in early 2020, it motivated the reformed Baddest Man on The Planet to start working out.

      Before long, he was being confronted with opportunities to fight again and last March Tyson confirmed plans to lace up the gloves again, 15 years since he walked away.
      He dramatically transformed his body and after a slight delay, Iron Mike boxed fellow icon Roy Jones Jr, 52, in an eight-round exhibition.
      Both veterans looked far from their best, but Tyson rolled back the clock somewhat with his aggressive style and ferocious body punching.
      It resulted in a draw, but Tyson confirmed right away he would fight again and vowed to improve in his next performance.
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      Mike Tyson pictured after his comeback fightCredit: USA TODAY Sports

      Evander Holyfield
      Holyfield, a former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion, only retired in 2011, having made his debut all the way back in 1984.
      His last fight was a stoppage win against Dane Brian Nielsen in Copenhagen.
      Afterwards, despite being 49, Holyfield called for a title shot against Wladimir or Vitali Klitschko, having faced neither before.
      But after failed attempts to land one last crack at the championship, the four-time heavyweight champ retired in 2014.
      It was reported in 2012 that Holyfield was struggling financially, having blown his £350m fortune.
      But up until 2019, he was still earning around £1m a year through personal appearances, and spent time guiding his son Evan’s career.
      Holyfield began posting training videos early last year, around the same time as Tyson, as he announced a comeback.
      He has also also called on the help of Wladimir Klitschko and Antonio Tarver as he prepares to fight for the first time in ten years.

      Evander Holyfield pictured ahead of his comebackCredit: @evanderholyfield

      Mike Tyson looks sharp and powerful as 54-year-old shows off brutal power preparing for £200m Evander Holyfield rematch More

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      Tyson Fury called out for rematch by Otto Wallin – who gave Brit scare with huge cut – as he prepares to fight Breazeale

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      TYSON FURY has been called out for a rematch by the man who left him needing FORTY-SEVEN stitches on his forehead.
      Otto Wallin is back in action on February 20 when he fights former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Brezeale.

      Otto Wallin took a bloodied Tyson Fury to points in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the Swede is hoping a star performance will put him back into world title contention himself – and a chance of a rematch against the Gypsy King.
      In September 2019 Fury took on Wallin in what many presumed was a ‘warm-up’ for the Deontay Wilder rematch.
      But Fury was taken all the way to points by the gritty 30-year-old and left with a horror gash above his eye from a head clash that required 47 stitches.
      Now Wallin fancies round two against the reigning WBC king.

      He told Sky Sports: “My dream is to fight and win the world title so for right now I just have to keep fighting and improving so when I get the shot I’ll be ready to grab it with both hands.
      “The Tyson Fury rematch is not my top priority but I truly hope I get another shot at him.
      “I just have to keep fighting and winning and show that I’m worthy of a rematch and when the time comes I’m ready to go in and beat him.”
      In the opposite corner on February 20 will be Breazeale – a man who has only lost to Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder in his career.

      Wallin is chasing a world title rematch against Fury down the lineCredit: Reuters

      Fury needed 47 stitches in a cut above his eyeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Meanwhile talks are continuing to set up the undisputed super-fight between Fury and Joshua.
      And Wallin is predicting his former opponent to triumph if the two Brits actually meet.
      The 21-1 boxer added: “They are the two best heavyweights in the world right now and we need that fight.
      “I’ve been watching AJ’s fight with Breazeale lately and AJ has got a great style and he’s got all the tools to beat Fury but I’m not sure how much AJ trusts himself.
      “I think Fury has a strong mind and good confidence and sometimes that’s more important than anything. That’s why I believe Fury would win.”

      Watch Tyson Fury train for Anthony Joshua fight as coach SugarHill Steward gives him tips to cancel out AJ’s attack More