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    Francis Ngannou’s amazing rise from borrowing money as MMA champ to making millions in boxing and eyeing property empire

    FRANCIS NGANNOU went from borrowing money as the MMA champion of the world to earning millions in the boxing ring. The heroic Cameroonian – who emigrated from Africa to Europe over the course of a year on foot – put his cage career on hold in 2023. Francis Ngannou emigrated from Cameroon for a better lifeHis life changed after switching from MMA to boxingCredit: ReutersNgannou has made millions from his boxing boutsHe walked out on the UFC as their heavyweight champion to pursue a his lifelong ambition of boxing. At the time, he had beaten Ciryl Gane in January 2022 but had no plans to re-sign with the UFC. He made only £450,000 for the bout and revealed he borrowed £150,000 from friend and former UFC champ Kamaru Usman. But after two boxing bouts – against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua – he is believed to have earned over £10MILLION. READ MORE IN MMAAnd Ngannou told SunSport: “Yes, there was a day that I have to borrow money from Kamaru Usman, I might not have to borrow the same amount today.”But I can still borrow because my project gets bigger and bigger. So things are changing as a person I’m growing.”Life is moving, I have different perspective in life. My ambition grows, you know. I set no limit for myself. The sky is my limit.”Ngannou revealed he leant the money from Usman to focus on his fledging property empire. Most read in BoxingNgannou with friend and former UFC champion Kamaru UsmanCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Personal things, investment, having a house, building a house. I love houses, I love real estate.”I come from a family that we never owned any house. We never had a house. Francis Ngannou’s first fight since tragic death of his son Kobe announced with MMA star to take on giant 6ft 8in rival”Then my first thing was to build houses in different city and then maybe buy one wherever I’m living make some investment. “Think of my future. Think of a potential retirement plan or in case things don’t work out.”I’m doing a job that I have no guarantee, no insurance. I have no guarantee of the future of tomorrow, everything can stop right now.”So yes, you think about that. When you think about that, you need to plan things out at least, like for 1,2,3 years or more in case s*** happens. “So you have something you have some time to reset and start back. I think that’s what every single combat sports athlete should do.”Ngannou left Cameroon when he was 26 for a better life, having began working in the sand mines from the age of just TEN. It took him 14 months to go from his hometown of Batie to eventually France, where his journey as a fighter began. Now, he is a former world champion with two huge paydays in the bank – but there was once a time when securing food to eat was his biggest problem. He said: “There were days that when I wake up my only worry, my only concern was what I was going to eat that day. There were days like that in my life. Ngannou used to work in the sand mines in Cameroon and often visits backCredit: @francisngannouNgannou left Africa for Europe on footCredit: @francisngannouIt took him a year to emigrateCredit: @francisngannou”Basically growing up there were days that going to school, I worry because I didn’t have a pen to take notes or because I didn’t have a note, because my school tuition hasn’t been paid.”So life evolved, doesn’t mean he was that bad day. I think it was just a process. “Because at the end of the day, life is mostly a journey that you have to understand, enjoy the journey is not a destination.”Because, if you set a destination and then you get to destination, then what’s happened? It’s the trusting the process.”Ngannou, 38, sensationally dropped Fury, 36, on his boxing debut only to lose a controversial decision. He then remained in boxing but was knocked out by Joshua, 34, in two rounds in March. Now, he returns to the cage for the first time in over two years to face 6ft 8in Brazilian Renan Ferreira, 34, in his Professional Fighters League debut. And he welcomes the familiar feeling of strapping on the tiny 4oz MMA gloves and stepping foot back in the cage. He said: “I would say the transition was going from MMA to boxing not to from boxing to MMA, because that’s not the transition.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been doing MMA my entire career. I mean, both are definitely two different trainings which MMA has their own complexity. “But, I’m more used to the complexity of MMA.” Ngannou facing off with Renan Ferreira More

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    Liam Cameron tells ‘spoiled’ Ben Whittaker to RETIRE if he ducks rematch as boxer claims ‘he pulled ME over the ropes’

    LIAM CAMERON has warned Ben Whittaker he’ll have to “RETIRE” if he ducks a rematch with him.The former Commonwealth middleweight champ gave the undefeated Olympian the stiffest test of his career last weekend before a freak fifth-round tumble over the ropes saw their clash end in a draw.Liam Cameron gave Ben Whittaker the stiffest test of his career last weekendCredit: REUTERSThe fight ended in the fifth round after both fighters tumbled over the ropesCredit: GETTYCameron insists Whittaker has no choice but to give him an immediate rematchCredit: GETTYWhittaker, 26, was taken out of the arena in a wheelchair after claiming to have been injured in the WWE-esque top-rope tumble.But Cameron and his team have questioned the validity of Whittaker’s alleged injury, especially after hearing that he’d punched a wall backstage.And the Sheffield slugger believes the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist is now at a major career crossroads.The 33-year-old said: “To be fair, he shouldn’t take it because it’s going to end his career. But, he’s got to take it.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”Honestly, he’s in a no-win situation. Because if he doesn’t take the rematch, he has to retire. “If he does take the rematch his career is over.”If he were in control of the fight, he should take the rematch. “If he doesn’t take the rematch it just shows he wasn’t in control of the fight and he is worried and wants a way out.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLiam Cameron reckons Ben Whittaker deliberately pulled him over the ropesCredit: REUTERSThere was no trademark showboating from Whittaker as he did his best to avoid the heavy leather being thrown from Cameron.”No one gives me enough credit,” he said. “I made him not showboat and I made him tired. Brit champion Ben Whittaker hauled away by security after ‘smashing fan’s phone’ hours after fight ends in bizarre farce”That’s my game plan and he walked straight into it.”Whittaker has not publicly addressed his injury, although his team have come out and claimed he suffered a sprained ankle.But Cameron isn’t buying what his rival and his team are selling, insisting: “He wasn’t injured.”Real fighters carry on. We’ve seen wars over the years. I got up in the same situation as Ben.'”Whittaker was 100 per cent looking for a way out. Everyone says it. “He pulled me and grabbed me, sending us flying over the ropes. “No one ever does that in boxing.”Liam Cameron believes Ben Whittaker took an easy way out of their Saudi showdownCredit: GETTYA crestfallen Cameron continued: “I thought I won the fight. I felt like I was robbed.”Even when other people were tallying the scorecards, they thought I won too.”There are only a few people from Wolverhampton that thought he won.”It’s bad because I wanted those belts. But, it could have been even worse.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They could have totally robbed me and not given me a decision at the end of the fight.”I am just happy that situation wasn’t as bad as it could have been.” More

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    Watch Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson Netflix trailer ahead of blockbuster fight as fans ask ‘is this real or a joke?

    NETFLIX released the trailer for the blockbuster boxing fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul.Heavyweight legend Tyson, 58, and YouTuber Paul, 27, are scheduled to face off on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.Netflix released the trailer for the blockbuster fight between Jake Paul and Mike TysonCredit: YouTube/NetflixThe fight has caused controversy with some claiming Paul is looking for cloutCredit: YouTube/NetflixTyson returns to the ring at almost 60 years old after retiring in 2005Credit: YouTube/NetflixBut some fans are still looking forward for Tyson vs PaulCredit: YouTube/NetflixThe match will be streamed on Netflix, who shared the epic trailer that presented the two fighters with clips from their previous bouts.It also included the boxing competitors posing in the ring and putting together an intense face-off in a fighting stance.The narrator said: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. There’s never been a night this big. This is no ordinary fight.”This is Jake ‘El Gallo’ Paul, the disruptor, vs Mike Tyson, The Baddest Man on the Planet.Read More on Boxing”This is the fight the world’s been waiting for. What happens next? Only one way to know…”The upcoming fight has caused controversy with many claiming Paul is looking for clout against an almost 60-year-old Tyson, who retired almost 20 years ago.Some of those fans took to the comments’ section to voice their disapproval.One fan commented: “Is this real or a joke?”Most read in BoxingAnother commented: “I forgot about this fight tbh.”A third wrote: “All this just for it to end in a draw…. Crazy.”What’s happened’ say fans as they fear Jake Paul is ‘going to get slept’ by Mike Tyson after seeing training footageThis fan said: “That’s crazy.”And that one posted: “Lol Cringe!”But there are also those who are looking forward to next month’s fight.And a great number of them are rooting for Tyson to knock Paul out in the main event.One fan commented: “Mike Tyson is about to eat Jake Paul for breakfast.”Another wrote: “One more month until Mike Tyson annihilates Jake Paul.”A third said: “Mike Tyson is gonna kick his a*s.. No one messes with Iron Mike.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis one posted: “Mikes fastest KO yet!”And that one stated: “Jake wins Round 2 TKO!”Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles comparedONE is a notorious YouTuber-turned-boxer who has taken the sport by storm.The other terrorised all in the ring in the 1980s and 1990s, famously biting the ear off an opponent in one fight.Iron Mike has rebuilt his life after squandering a £300m fortune with a cannabis empire, and is a huge advocate of the drug.And as Paul has continued to rise up the ranks, he has splashed the cash on a fleet of amazing cars.Whereas Tyson had more money than sense until a £15m debt saw him part with his cherished car collection.Paul now lives in a plush mansion worth £13m in Puerto Rico, after escaping his hectic life in LA.But these days, Tyson lounges in his Vegas property he paid £2.5m for with wife Lakiha, who he married in 2009. Paul is not yet married but is smitten with his speed skater girlfriend  Jutta Leerdam. She will be by his side when her man puts his 9-1 boxing record on the line against two-time heavyweight champ Tyson on July 20.Read more: Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles compared, from The Problem Child’s £13m mansion to Iron Mike’s huge cannabis empire.Mike Tyson’s controversial comeback Mike Tyson is BACK!Yes, boxing’s youngest heavyweight champ of all time – just 20 when he achieved the feat – is preparing to lace them up again. He faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on July 20 in Texas.The controversial clash – set for the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Dallas – has been scrutinised over the 30-year age gap.Tyson will be 58 by the time the fight for the ages comes around and nearly 20 years removed from his last professional contest.He was last seen in the ring in November 2020 for an exhibition with fellow legend Roy Jones Jr, which ended a draw after eight rounds. Paul is meanwhile 9-1 in the ring, losing only to Tommy Fury in 2023, and has won three times since.His fight with Tyson will also be a landmark first on Netflix, with over 250MILLION subscribers able to watch the bout. More

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    Boxing legend Canelo Alvarez’s daughter slammed after showing off lion cub on social media

    CANELO ALVAREZ’S daughter has been slammed for showing off her pet lion cub on social media.Emily Alvarez, 19, is the eldest of boxing champ Alvarez’s four kids and is an aspiring show jumper.Canelo Alvarez’s daughter has shown off her pet lion cub on social mediaCredit: @emilyc.alvarez/NF/NewsXEmily is the eldest child of the Mexican superstar boxerCredit: @emilyc.alvarez/NF/NewsXShe is a star on social media, boasting over a million followers.But Emily appears to have landed in hot water after sharing images of her pet lion cub at the family home in Guadalajara, Mexico.The cute creature can be seen snuggling up to a fluffy lion toy while dozing in one picture.While another shows the lion cub being swaddled like a baby while being carried around.READ MORE IN BOXINGA further clip, captioned “Rough Love”, has the lion chewing on Emily’s thumb and hair.And media reports from Mexico claim Emily has come under fire from some social media users for having a wild pet in unnatural conditions.However, Mexican law states that it is not illegal to own exotic animals as pets — provided they are bred in captivity by an authorised breeder and are not endangered in the wild.Further wildlife regulations add the creatures must be kept privately with permits, while also living in safe and appropriate conditions.Most read in BoxingCanelo bursts into laughter as he’s interviewed by Champions League streaker after rude fan requestThe lion cub was snapped in several photosCredit: @emilyc.alvarez/NF/NewsXLocal media claims there was a backlash onlineCredit: @emilyc.alvarez/NF/NewsXBut a spokesperson for PETA US told SunSport: “Young animals, such as tiger and lion cubs, sold into the ‘exotic pet’ trade are usually torn away from their mothers when they’re just days or even hours old and subjected to extreme stress and often physical abuse.”Wild animals belong in their natural habitat, not in captivity to be used as props for social media clout. “PETA is ready to ‘step into the ring’ and help Emily Alvarez find a new home for the lion cub at an accredited sanctuary, where he or she can enjoy some semblance of a natural life.”A spokesperson for the RSPCA also told SunSport: “The RSPCA does not believe that wild cats such as lions should be kept as pets. They have extremely complex needs which cannot be met in a household. “Lions are wild animals that live in the African savannah, and hunt large prey such as gazelles and zebras. “They grow to be large, powerful animals and need secure enclosures in captivity with enough space and complexity so they can live as close as possible to how they would live in the wild.“Providing an environment that meets the needs of these large cats is likely to prove impossible in an average family home, whether it’s in Mexico or the UK. “The RSPCA believes that animals should only be kept in captivity if good welfare can be assured.”Meanwhile, Emily’s dad Alvarez — who is reportedly worth £250million — is eyeing up his next fight in the ring.Last month saw him extend his record to 62 wins from 66 fights with victory against Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas.The win saw Alvarez retain his WBA, WBC, WBO and ring super-middleweight belts.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he has since been tipped to go to light-heavyweight to fight undisputed ace Artur Beterbiev.Alvarez enjoys a somewhat flamboyant lifestyle himself, owning £10m-worth of luxury cars while also boasting a mega-mansion and a jet-set lifestyle. More

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    Sam Gilley vs Jack McGann: Date, start time, live stream, TV channel for title fight following Louie Greene’s withdrawal

    SAM GILLEY is all set to put his Commonwealth title on the line against Jack McGann in London THIS weekend – but McGann wasn’t the initial challenger.Gilley, 30, had been preparing to renew his bitter rivalry with Louie Greene.Louie Greene has withdrawn from his fight against Sam GilleyCredit: GettyBut in devastating news for boxing fans, the Magic Man was forced to withdraw due to injury.However, in steps Liverpool’s McGann who has been granted the opportunity to fight at the top of the bill after originally being scheduled to box Ryan Maycock.McGann ironically bounced back from his defeat against Greene on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou with a TKO win vs Lukasz Barabasz in June.But the champ Gilley will be eager to prove why he has been signed by Queensberry Promotions – Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley are also under contract with them just to name a few.Read more on BoxingWhen is Sam Gilley vs Jack McGann?Sam Gilley vs Jack McGann will take place on Friday, October 18.The main card is expected to get underway from 7pm BST.York Hall is the chosen venue for this Commonwealth title clash and it can host approximately 1,200 spectators.What TV channel is Sam Gilley vs Jack McGann on can it be live streamed?Sam Gilley vs Jack McGann will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 3 in the UK.TNT Sports customers can stream the entire action on discovery+ via a compatible mobile or tablet device.Who is on the undercard?Sam Gilley vs Jack McGann; Commonwealth and British Super Welterweight titles (MAIN EVENT)Courtney Bennett v Nick Webb; British Southern Area Heavyweight titleTommy Fletcher v Milans VolkovsRoyston Barney Smith v Carlos RayoLloyd Farrington v Jesus LobetoSam King v Dmitri Protkunas More

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    Dan Azeez vs Lewis Edmondson: Date, fight start time, TV channel and live stream ahead of light-heavyweight title bout

    DAN AZEEZ returns to the ring on Saturday night as he looks to move back into major title contention.The Lewisham boxer takes on the undefeated Lewis Edmondson for the British light-heavyweight title.Dan Azeez lost the British light-heavyweight title to Joshua BuatsiCredit: GettyAzeez beat Hosea Burton in 2021 to claim the strap and successfully defended it twice before losing it to Joshua Buatsi in a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender back in February.Since losing the belt, the 35-year-old drew with Hrvoje Sep in a comeback fight at Selhurst Park in June.Now Azeez looks to reclaim the vacant title on the huge undercard of Adam Azim vs Ohara Davies.When is Dan Azeez vs Lewis Edmondson?Dan Azeez vs Lewis Edmondson will take place on Saturday, October 19.The fight will take place at approximately 8.30pm BST, but note that timings are subject to the length of other fights on the undercard.The main card is scheduled to start at 7pm BST.London’s Copper Box Arena will host.READ MORE IN BOXINGWhat TV channel is Dan Azeez vs Lewis Edmondson on and can it be live streamed?Dan Azeez vs Lewis Edmondson will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix from 7pm, with coverage moving to Sky Sports Main Event from 8pm.Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action via the Sky Sports app or the NOW app/website.Who else is on the card?Adam Azim vs. Ohara Davies; Super-lightweight (MAIN EVENT)Anthony Yarde vs. TBA; Light-heavyweightDan Azeez vs. Lewis Edmonson for British light-heavyweight titleMichael McKinson vs. Tulani Mbenge for IBO welterweight titleJaemie TKV vs. Franklin IgnatiusFrancesca Hennessy vs. TBAShannon Courtenay vs. TBASam Hickey vs. TBA More

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    Tyson Fury’s coach makes shock revelation about his camp for first Oleksandr Usyk fight ahead of mouthwatering rematch

    TYSON FURY’S coach Andy Lee has revealed that the Gypsy King could not spar as he prepared to face Oleksandr Usyk.Fury, 36, was outpointed by the Ukrainian in Riyadh on May 18.Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in MayCredit: AFPAndy Lee spoke about the first fight to talkSPORTThe pair had initially been set to do battle on February 17, but the original date was postponed after the Gypsy King sustained a cut in training.Speaking to talkSPORT, Lee revealed that Fury’s injury had major repercussions when it came to his subsequent fight camp.Assessing the bout, the 40-year-old said: “Tyson cruises up until round nine, and takes that punch.”He shows unbelievable bravery and courage to get through it.READ MORE IN SPORT”He sees through the next couple of rounds and then almost wins the last round or two. I thought it could have been a draw.”Fights are won and lost in the training and preparation. Because of the rearranged and rescheduled fight due to a cut, Tyson couldn’t spar in the camp.”On how the lack of sparring affected Fury’s performance, Lee went on: “The conditioning, sharpness and your ability to concentrate to stay ready and to sustain attacks.”In the meantime, it encouraged Usyk to come forward and gave him the emphasis to go forward to take it now because ‘I’m taking a break.’Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’ll be different because he’ll be able to spar.”Fury and Usyk are set to meet again in Riyadh on December 21.’Nobody has survived’, says Fury in fact about his career ahead of Usyk rematchThe Gypsy King last week warned his opponent that he is a master of rematches.He said, ahead of the console release of boxing video game Undisputed: “It’s given me a little bit of a lift.”Now I’ve got something really to return for. And here’s the interesting fact, in two decades, no one has ever survived the rematch with me.”Of all the rematches I’ve had, with John McDermott, the trilogies with Chisora, trilogy with Wilder and I’m going into a rematch for this.”I’ve stopped every one of them or knocked them. So yeah, I’m looking forward to the challenge.”Their first bout saw Usyk claim undisputed champion status.But in order to proceed with his lucrative Fury rematch, the Ukrainian was forced to vacate his IBF belt, since claimed by Daniel Dubois.Fury’s rematch recordJohn McDermott2009, points win2010, 9th-round stoppage winDeontay Wilder2018, draw2020, 7th-round stoppage win2021, 11th-round stoppage winDerek Chisora2011, points win2014, 10th-round stoppage win2022, 10th-round stoppage win More

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    Anthony Yarde next fight: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, full card as light-heavyweight star returns to action

    ANTHONY YARDE is back in action this weekend as he returns to the boxing ring for the first time since February. The 33-year-old light-heavyweight star is looking to challenge for world titles again but needs to build some much-needed momentum.Anthony Yarde was beaten by Artur Beterbiev in his last big fightCredit: GettyYarde’s last big fight was in January 2023, when he was stopped by now undisputed 175lbs champion Artur Beterbiev in a pulsating and competitive fight. And he also came up shot against Sergey Kovalev in 2019, losing by 11th-round KO. But now he’ll be looking to get back into the world title picture, with a potential rematch against Beterbiev likely to be on his mind. Yarde’s opponent is yet to be confirmed, however his return will take place on the Adam Azim vs Ohara Davies undercard this weekend. When is Anthony Yarde’s fight?Anthony Yarde’s return to action will take place this weekend on Saturday, October 19.The card is scheduled to start at 7pm BST/2pm ET.Yarde is expect to fight at around 9pm.Ring-walks for the main event between Azim and Davies will get underway at around 10pm BST/5pm ET.The Copper Box Arena in East London will play host.What TV channel is Anthony Yarde’s fight on and can it be live streamed?Anthony Yarde’s fight will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena.You can live stream all the action from the NOW TV and Sky Go apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Alternatively, SunSport will have round-by-round coverage on our live blog.Full cardAdam Azim vs. Ohara Davies – Super-lightweightAnthony Yarde vs. TBA – Light-heavyweightDan Azeez vs. Lewis Edmonson for British light-heavyweight titleMichael McKinson vs. Tulani Mbenge for IBO welterweigh titleShannon Courtenay vs. Catherine Tacone Ramos – Featherweight More