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

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      UFC president Dana White has revealed his plans to stage a fight with Floyd Mayweather collapsed because ‘the world imploded.’
      Last February, White announced he had a handshake agreement with the former four-weight world champion over a return to the ring.

      UFC president Dana White had a handshake agreement with Floyd Mayweather over a return to the ringCredit: Splash News

      Dana White says his talks with Floyd Mayweather collapsed because ‘the world imploded’Credit: Splash News

      But the coronavirus pandemic laid waste to his plans to promote the Money man’s latest comeback.
      He told ESPN: “The world imploded after we were talking about doing some things together.”
      After playing a significant role in Conor McGregor’s multi-million-pound showdown with Mayweather in August 2017, White had hoped to make serious inroads into the boxing world.
      Those plans to take Zuffa Boxing to the next level, however, have seemingly been shelved.

      He added: “I’m just focused on running my business right now.”
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      White’s latest comments on a potential venture into boxing echo those he made late last year.
      He told TSN: “Never did I say that I was doing anything.

      “But I’ve been looking and kicking the tires of boxing for the last couple of years.
      “The reason you’ve never seen me do anything is because that’s how screwed up and broken it is. That’s what a mess it is. Yeah, I’m not doing anything anytime soon.”

      How Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul compare ahead of their fight

      White further aired his frustration with the state of boxing when asked about Mayweather’s upcoming exhibition fight with YouTube star Logan Paul.
      He told The Nelk Boys: “When people ask me, ‘What’s the state of boxing right now?’ That’s where it’s at.
      “Didn’t that kid get beat up by the (expletive) video game kid from England, and now he’s going to fight Floyd Mayweather?”
      When pressed for his thoughts on the fight by TSN, the UFC chief said: “The thing has been such a spiral, nose dive for so long, and what they haven’t done, is they haven’t done got any of that young generation, any of that younger crowd.
      “But it’d be crazy to say that these type of fights haven’t been popular anyway.
      “We were just talking the other day about the Tonya Harding fight when she fought, these celebrity fights that they were doing. I think people are always going to be interested in that type of stuff.”
      Mayweather’s showdown with Paul will take place on February 20 at a location that has yet to have been announced.

      Floyd Mayweather continues training career as he guides US Olympian Richardson Hitchins ahead of Logan Paul fight More

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      UFC star Conor McGregor given green light to fight for world title in BOXING if he beats one ranked WBC contender

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      CONOR McGREGOR would be given the green light to fight for a world title in BOXING as long as he defeats a ranked WBC contender.
      McGregor made his lucrative ring debut in 2017, losing to Floyd Mayweather in ten rounds

      Conor McGregor during his boxing debut with Floyd Mayweather Credit: Rex Features

      Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor pictured in 2017 next to the WBC’s ‘Money’ belt Credit: AP:Associated Press

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      The WBC helped sanction the crossover spectacle, even putting up a ‘Money’ belt for the occasion.
      But with McGregor last year revealing that he envisions winning a title for real in boxing, he has been handed hope of achieving his audacious goal.
      All the Irishman has to do is claim a victory over a contender rated in the top 15 by the WBC, as the sanctioning body will take into account his prior accolades in the UFC.

      WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “I would say, he needs to face and defeat a ranked fighter, then he would be eligible to be ranked and to compete for a title.
      “Because, we have plenty of examples of Muay Thai fighters, who turn professional in international boxing, and they are eligible to fight for the title.
      “We also have amateur superstars like Vasiliy Lomachenko, they come into professional boxing and fight for the title and it’s proven it works.”
      Masterful Ukrainian Lomachenko – who left the amateurs with a 396-1 record – won the WBO belt in only his second pro bout.

      And the WBC have a long history of Thai Boxing champions switching over to the sweet science with great success, like Samart Payakaroon who reigned in both sports.

      Conor McGregor revealed he wants to win a world title in boxing

      Conor McGregor sparring ahead of his UFC return

      With McGregor’s history as the UFC’s top attraction, as well as 19 knockouts in his 22 wins, the southpaw would be equally entitled to a shot at the famous green and gold WBC belt.
      Sulaiman said: “If he is to start boxing and proves with victories in boxing then he should certainly be given the opportunity to fight for a world title.
      “We, in the WBC, consider the amateur career as one of the criteria for rankings.
      “And, for example Muay Thai, in Thailand, we consider that career also when they enter into boxing.
      “So, Conor has a mixed martial arts resume, so if he comes into boxing and wins a fight against a ranked fighter, he would be eligible to be ranked.
      “This is not a rookie entering the sport, he has a long history of combat sports, so it’s a different scenario of what it used to be in the past.”
      McGregor, 32, won early rounds against Mayweather, 43, before tiring as the 50-0 icon took over down the stretch.

      Conor McGregor was beaten in ten rounds by Floyd Mayweather Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman with Floyd Mayweather Credit: Reuters
      Despite defeat, it has not stopped him from calling for a rematch, and even entering talks to face Manny Pacquiao, 42, in the future.
      For now, though, McGregor is focussing on his octagon return, as he rematches Dustin Poirier, 31, on January 23.
      But Sulaiman believes the former two-weight UFC champion has the tools necessary to reach the pinnacle of boxing – but has to prove it against a worthy contender first.
      He said: “What we saw with Mayweather was of course different with the times, the rounds, it is not the same to fight five rounds to then go 12 rounds.
      “But he has ability, he has power, he has status as a fighter.
      “But, to compete and become a world champion in the WBC, he would need to fight in boxing and by merit be ranked. Then, he would be in the position to challenge.
      “I don’t know what weight category he would be, but definitely he would need to get a decisive win against a quality opponent to be considered to be ranked.”

      Owen Roddy says people don’t punch like Conor McGregor ahead of Poirier fight More

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      Conor McGregor’s manager says Floyd Mayweather ‘knows he would lose’ in a rematch against UFC star or Manny Pacquiao

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      CONOR McGREGOR’S manager said Floyd Mayweather ‘knows he would lose’ against the UFC star and Manny Pacquiao so will avoid a rematch.
      Mayweather finally ended five years worth of talking in 2015 as he outpointed Pacquiao in the most lucrative fight of all time.

      Floyd Mayweather beat UFC star Conor McGregor in 2017 Credit: AFP or licensors

      Manny Pacquiao was beaten by Floyd Mayweather in 2015 Credit: AFP – Getty

      He then fought McGregor two years later and after winning in ten rounds announced his retirement.
      Despite hanging up the gloves, Mayweather returned in 2018 for an exhibition in Tokyo, and wiped out featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in one round.
      And he faces YouTuber Logan Paul in February, in his most daring pay-per-view spectacle of all.
      Audi Attar – who manages McGregor and Pacquiao – poked fun at Mayweather’s mismatch with Paul and claimed the 50-0 legend will swerve his superstar clients.

      Attar told  Dubai Eye 103.8 Sport: “I do believe Conor vs Floyd again, he beats him. I don’t think Floyd ever takes it.
      “Floyd’s taking YouTubers for a paycheck right now. Floyd could take Manny Pacquiao in a rematch, you don’t see him taking that fight.
      “Floyd could take Conor McGregor for a rematch, you don’t see him taking that fight.

      Conor McGregor with manager Audi Attar Credit: Instagram @audieattar

      Audi Attar pictured with Manny Pacquiao

      “But he’ll take a Logan Paul. He’ll take the young Japanese fighter he fought previously.

      “I think that’s what he’s going to do, Floyd knows he would lose if he took on either Manny Pacquiao or Conor McGregor.”
      McGregor, 32, made his boxing debut against Mayweather, 43, and since defeat has called for a rematch.
      But his return to the ring will likely be against Pacquiao, 42, after their manager Attar confirmed the pair are on course to box this year.
      He said: “I definitely believe it’s inevitable for 2021. Both fighters want it, that’s the key.
      “You can’t make something happen or orchestrate it or choreograph it – which is the buzzword of this interview – you can’t fake that.
      “If one side wants it and the other doesn’t, it’s not going to happen. But when both fighters want that fight to happen, why wouldn’t it happen?
      “If the fans want to see it – that almost guarantees that it’s going to happen, right? As there’s enough interest to develop something there.”

      Phil Sutcliffe says Conor McGregor is the Muhammad Ali of UFC More

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      Conor McGregor vs Manny Pacquiao in 2021 is ‘inevitable’ with ‘plan’ to face Filipino legend in next fight after UFC 257

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      CONOR McGREGOR boxing Manny Pacquiao in 2021 is ‘inevitable’ with the Irishman planning fight the Filipino legend after Dustin Poirier, according to the duo’s manager.
      McGregor makes his return to action on January 23, in a rematch with Poirier, who he beat in 2014.

      Manny Pacquiao could fight Conor McGregor in 2021 Credit: AP:Associated Press

      Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao both have the same management Credit: Rex Features

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      But before his UFC comeback was confirmed, the Irishman was in talks to face Pacquiao.
      Those plans will now be on ice until after UFC 257 on Fight Island, but manager Audi Attar, who represents both men, is confident the superstars will be in the ring with each other this year.
      Attar told Dubai Eye 103.8 Sport: “I definitely believe it’s inevitable for 2021.

      “Both fighters want it, that’s the key.
      “You can’t make something happen or orchestrate it or choreograph it – which is the buzzword of this interview – you can’t fake that.
      “If one side wants it and the other doesn’t, it’s not going to happen. But when both fighters want that fight to happen, why wouldn’t it happen?
      “If the fans want to see it – that almost guarantees that it’s going to happen, right? As there’s enough interest to develop something there.”

      McGregor, 32, announced via Twitter in September that he would be boxing Pacquiao, 42, in his next bout.

      Audi Attar pictured with Manny Pacquiao

      But after the UFC approached him to instead return to the cage and for a second fight with Poirier, 31, he turned his attention to MMA once more.
      Now, McGregor has the intention of resuming talks with eight-division champion PacMan once his business on Fight Island is completed.
      Attar said: “The UFC said, ‘Alright, let’s do that rematch’. We said, ‘OK, well let’s do that rematch first then, but then Manny will be the next fight’.
      “And that’s what both fighters want. So, that’s the plan.
      “We’ve been having amazing conversation with stakeholders across the world, including the Middle East.
      “We’ll see where it goes. I’d be shocked if it didn’t happen in 2021.”

      Owen Roddy says people don’t punch like Conor McGregor ahead of Poirier fight More

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      Ryan Garcia proved ‘big balls’ after getting up to stop Campbell and put fear into rivals, says top trainer Reynoso

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      RYAN GARCIA proved he has the balls to beat any of the lightweight division’s baddest boys – by climbing off the deck to KO Luke Campbell.
      The baby-faced 22-year-old took on Hull’s 33-year-old Olympic gold winner on January 2, in by far the biggest test of his career.

      Ryan Garcia was dropped for the first time in his career by a Luke Campbell left handCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The California wonderkid was clipped by a left hook in the second round and looked spark out, only to bounce back and cripple classy Campbell with a seventh-round body shot.
      And newly crowned trainer-of-the-year Eddy Reynoso says the grit his 8m-followers social media star showed should send shivers down the spines of rivals Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis and Teofimo Lopez.
      Reynoso, the mastermind behind Canelo Alvarez, told SunSport: “The way Ryan reacted, after he was dropped, really surprised me. It showed that Ryan has big balls and a lot of qualities.
      “The Ryan Garcia that I knew before that fight, I knew was very disciplined and very talented but you only see the capabilities and capacities of a fighter when they are in a crash situation, that is when you see the true character of a fighter. 

      “The best champions in the world, in history, are the ones who have done it in crash situations, when they have been knocked down or hurt and got up to win.
      “That is what we saw with Ryan Garcia and it made us very proud.
      “Before the Luke Campbell fight people were underestimating Ryan so after showing what he did,  I don’t think anyone ever will again.”

      Golden Boy Ryan Garcia proved he is much more than Instagram followers and potentialCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Undisputed champion Lopez and Garcia’s six-time amateur opponent Haney were both ringside for the Dallas clash and are interested in a 2021 bout.

      But ‘Tank’ Davis is the front runner and he even spoke to Garcia on Facetime last week, via Mike Tyson on his podcast.
      DAZN pundit Ricky Hatton said after the Texas tussle that Garcia should not be rushed into a mega-fight, before ironing out a few bad habits.
      But Reynoso insists Garcia’s terrifying power, that has stopped 18 of his 21 victims early, means he fears nobody in this talent-packed division.

      Devin Haney was ringside for Garcia’s body shot KO of CampbellCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “He is only 22-years-old and he is learning a lot,” Reynoso said.
      “This is a division with fighters like Gervonta Davis, Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney and they are all around Ryan’s age.
      “He would fight anyone of them and I welcome them and will prepare Ryan for them like never before.
      “There are still things that we need to review, there are things that we need to improve but a kid with the power Ryan has will never rule himself out of a fight because, with that sort of power, he can beat anyone.”
      The Campbell win was Garcia’s fifth fight under the guidance of Reynoso and the Mexican trainer warns the 9st 9lbs weight class that his heavy-handed student is only getting more spiteful.

      King Ry wants the WBC world title under the guidance of Eddy Reynoso (far right)Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He said: “I have always known that Ryan is a very big puncher, he has the power of a welterweight really. 
      “You can develop power over time, with the right training, but what helps is executing your punches well. 
      “You need to make sure you are standing correctly, your technique must be right, these are some of the things that have helped Ryan improve his power since he has been with us and he will continue doing so.”

      Ryan Garcia calls out Devin Haney but says The Tank, Gervonta Davis, is first
      Watch Golden Boy Ryan Garcia on DAZN for £1.99pcm More

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      Tyson Fury insists athletes deserve ‘a million times more’ than what they get as he reveals brutal training regime

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      TYSON FURY argued athletes deserve ‘a million times more’ than what they get paid due to their brutal training regimes.
      The WBC heavyweight champion gave fans an inside look into his daily grind, which he has followed since childhood.

      Tyson Fury addressing fans on a run Credit: Instagram @gypsyking101

      What Fury, 32, revealed was a cold and lonely jog, all part of the job that goes unheralded.
      He said: “A little bit of behind the scenes.
      “People only see the glitz and the glamour of boxing on the night and all the entertainment.
      “But they don’t see the hard work which goes in. They don’t see the running in the rain, running in the snow and the cold.

      “They don’t see all the long nights and early mornings, on your own.
      “It’s just all a bit of a mirage. Any boxer, whatever they get, any athlete, they deserve a million times more.
      “Because, nobody knows, apart from other athletes, the work, the sacrifice, the dedication that goes in over the years.

      Tyson Fury pictured with his WBC and Ring Magazine belts Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      “From being 11/12-years-old, I’ve been doing the same stuff day in, day out, day in, day out.
      “Rain, sun, hail, snow – work. So, remember, never disrespect athletes because you don’t know what it takes to do it.”
      Since Fury transitioned from the amateurs into the pro ranks in 2008, he has gone 31-fights unbeaten.
      His rematch win over Deontay Wilder, 35, last February was his greatest payday yet, with the Brit understood to have banked around £19.4million.
      It set him up with a historic undisputed title decider with long-time rival Anthony Joshua, 31.
      The pair would become the first heavyweights ever to contest for all four of the world titles.
      And such is the magnitude, the proposed double header could be worth £500m.

      Tyson Fury is in talks to fight Anthony Joshua

      The pair would become the first heavyweights ever to contest for all four of the world titlesCredit: ©Mark Robinson More

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      UFC superstar Conor McGregor given green light to fight for world title in BOXING if he beats one ranked WBC contender

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      CONOR McGREGOR would be given the green light to fight for a world title in BOXING as long as he defeats a ranked WBC contender.
      McGregor made his lucrative ring debut in 2017, losing to Floyd Mayweather in ten rounds

      Conor McGregor during his boxing debut with Floyd Mayweather Credit: Rex Features

      Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor pictured in 2017 next to the WBC’s ‘Money’ belt Credit: AP:Associated Press

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      The WBC helped sanction the crossover spectacle, even putting up a ‘Money’ belt for the occasion.
      But with McGregor last year revealing that he envisions winning a title for real in boxing, he has been handed hope of achieving his audacious goal.
      All the Irishman has to do is claim a victory over a contender rated in the top 15 by the WBC, as the sanctioning body will take into account his prior accolades in the UFC.

      WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “I would say, he needs to face and defeat a ranked fighter, then he would be eligible to be ranked and to compete for a title.
      “Because, we have plenty of examples of Muay Thai fighters, who turn professional in international boxing, and they are eligible to fight for the title.
      “We also have amateur superstars like Vasiliy Lomachenko, they come into professional boxing and fight for the title and it’s proven it works.”
      Masterful Ukrainian Lomachenko – who left the amateurs with a 396-1 record – won the WBO belt in only his second pro bout.

      And the WBC have a long history of Thai Boxing champions switching over to the sweet science with great success, like Samart Payakaroon who reigned in both sports.

      Conor McGregor revealed he wants to win a world title in boxing

      Conor McGregor sparring ahead of his UFC return

      With McGregor’s history as the UFC’s top attraction, as well as 19 knockouts in his 22 wins, the southpaw would be equally entitled to a shot at the famous green and gold WBC belt.
      Sulaiman said: “If he is to start boxing and proves with victories in boxing then he should certainly be given the opportunity to fight for a world title.
      “We, in the WBC, consider the amateur career as one of the criteria for rankings.
      “And, for example Muay Thai, in Thailand, we consider that career also when they enter into boxing.
      “So, Conor has a mixed martial arts resume, so if he comes into boxing and wins a fight against a ranked fighter, he would be eligible to be ranked.
      “This is not a rookie entering the sport, he has a long history of combat sports, so it’s a different scenario of what it used to be in the past.”
      McGregor, 32, won early rounds against Mayweather, 43, before tiring as the 50-0 icon took over down the stretch.

      Conor McGregor was beaten in ten rounds by Floyd Mayweather Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman with Floyd Mayweather Credit: Reuters
      Despite defeat, it has not stopped him from calling for a rematch, and even entering talks to face Manny Pacquiao, 42, in the future.
      For now, though, McGregor is focussing on his octagon return, as he rematches Dustin Poirier, 31, on January 23.
      But Sulaiman believes the former two-weight UFC champion has the tools necessary to reach the pinnacle of boxing – but has to prove it against a worthy contender first.
      He said: “What we saw with Mayweather was of course different with the times, the rounds, it is not the same to fight five rounds to then go 12 rounds.
      “But he has ability, he has power, he has status as a fighter.
      “But, to compete and become a world champion in the WBC, he would need to fight in boxing and by merit be ranked. Then, he would be in the position to challenge.
      “I don’t know what weight category he would be, but definitely he would need to get a decisive win against a quality opponent to be considered to be ranked.”

      Owen Roddy says people don’t punch like Conor McGregor ahead of Poirier fight More

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      Boxing to resume next month as BBBofC lift suspension with Josh Kelly vs David Avanesyan set to take place

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      BRITISH boxing lovers can get ready for their sport to return on Valentine’s weekend.
      The British Boxing Board of Control cancelled all bouts scheduled for January to help the NHS combat coronavirus.

      Josh Kelly, left, has moved a step closer to returning to actionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kelly and Avanesyan nearly got it on in 2018Credit: PA:Press Association

      Josh Kelly’s bid for the European welterweight title on January 30 was the only major casualty.
      And the BBBofC have now confirmed that mid-Feb, with Saturday the 13th looking the most attractive date, is the target for the action to restart.
      Board secretary Robert Smith said: “The British Boxing Board of Control will be resuming Boxing tournaments under its jurisdiction in the middle of February, dates and venues to be confirmed in due course.”
      Eddie Hearn made excellent use of the family garden last summer and the Marshall Arena at Stadium MK, thanks to a hotel being attached to the ground to help their strict COVID-19 protocols.

      Matchroom also visited Peterborough and Wembley Arena for Sky Sports events.
      And Frank Warren kept his BT Sport shows running behind-closed-doors at their Stratford studios and York Hall.
      As well rearranging Kelly vs David Avanesyan for a FOURTH time, Hearn has Dillian Whyte champing at the bit to return after his shock August loss to Alexander Povetkin.

      Eddie Hearn used his back garden to help fight fans through the Covid hellCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      And in-form Conor Benn wants to continue his impressive learning under Tony Sims ASAP.
      Warren will resume trying to secure Welsh middleweight Liam Williams an overdue WBO world title shot and rematching Lyndon Arthur and light-heavy rival Anthony Yarde.
      That is as well as pushing along the young careers of prospects like Hamzah Sheeraz and Dennis McCann.

      Oscar De La Hoya says he has been inspired by Mike Tyson to box again and wants to pick his brain More