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    Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz tale of the tape: How YouTube star and UFC icon compare ahead of huge boxing fight

    JAKE PAUL returns to settle a score with Nate Diaz in his next fight. The YouTube star is coming off the first defeat in his seven-bout prizefighting career, losing a split-decision to Tommy Fury in February.

    But Paul decided against invoking his rematch clause to instead welcome Diaz to the boxing ring on August 5 in Texas.
    The bad blood has been brewing and will come to a head in Dallas, as SunSport runs down how the rivals compare.
    Diaz, 37, spent 15 years in the UFC, becoming a beloved cult hero alongside his brother Nick, 39.
    He shot to fame following his March 2016 upset over Conor McGregor but went on to lose the thrilling rematch five months later.
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    A trilogy with McGregor, 34, has failed to materialise and Diaz walked out on the UFC last year when his contract expired.
    He crosses over to boxing with a storied 35 MMA bouts, winning 22 and losing 13, with 18 combined stoppages in the cage.
    Diaz is a jujitsu specialist with a boxing base, having sparred American legend Andre Ward during his prime.
    Paul, 26, meanwhile is still a relative novice, having only made his professional debut in 2020 following one exhibition win.
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    But during that three-year period, he racked up six wins, four by knockout, while facing three ex-MMA champions.
    Paul KO’d Ben Askren, 38, in April 2021, before twice beating former UFC welterweight champ Tyron Woodley, 40, that year.
    He outpointed Woodley and won the rematch by KO while a year later bettering UFC icon Anderson Silva, 47, over eight rounds.
    But when stepping up against a recognised boxer for the first time in Fury, 23, Paul was beaten on points in Saudi Arabia.
    He had the option for a rematch or a bitter grudge match against online rival KSI, 29, but Diaz was instead selected.
    Diaz was at Paul’s October 2022 win over Silva and their opposing teams clashed backstage.
    A war of words had ensued both before and after the incident, leading to an expected score-settling showdown.
    Jake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury on pointsCredit: GETTY
    Nate Diaz beat Tony Ferguson in his final UFC fightCredit: GETTY
    Paul is one inch taller than Diaz at 6ft 1in, and will take a natural size advanatage into the fight.
    He weighed a career-lowest (13st 1lb) before losing to Fury, having largely boxed at 190lb.
    Meanwhile, Diaz fought most of his UFC career in the 155lb lightweight division (11st).
    But he finished his career at 170lb (12st 1lb) as a welterweight, including his finale win against Tony Ferguson, 39.
    Paul will meet Diaz at a 185lb catchweight, over eight rounds.
    He has gone that distance three times before, against Woodley, Silva and Fury, losing just the once.
    Diaz, known for his conditioning, only went the full five-round UFC distance three times during his career.
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    And with only five KOs to his name, Paul will be the bigger puncher of the two.
    Diaz is by far the more experienced fighter, but Paul’s prior wins over MMA stars show it can matter little when the cage is swapped for the ring.
    Tyron Woodley was brutally knocked out by Jake Paul in their rematchCredit: Getty More

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    Oleksandr Usyk claims he could have KOd Anthony Joshua in either of their fights but reveals reason why he didn’t

    OLEKSANDR USYK has revealed he opted NOT to knock out Anthony Joshua in their back-to-back fights.The pound-for-pound king claimed and defended the unified heavyweight titles against AJ in their Tottenham tussle in September 2021 and their Saudi showdown last August.
    Oleksandr Usyk hurt Anthony Joshua in the final round of their Tottenham tussleCredit: AP
    The Ukranian did so again in the tenth round of their Saudi rematchCredit: GETTY
    Usyk didn’t want to hurt Joshua in front of his loved onesCredit: Reuters
    Undefeated Ukrainian Usyk hurt Joshua in the 12th round of their first clash and did so again in the tenth of their rematch – although he decided against shutting the Brit’s lights out.
    When asked why he didn’t go in for the kill, the slick southpaw asked: “Why are you so bloodthirsty?
    “There is victory, everything is fine. Why is it necessary for a person to fall?”
    Usyk, 36, didn’t want to put Joshua on the canvas in front of his loved ones – in particular his mum and dad.
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    He continued: “He has a mother and father. This is a big chunk of health if a person falls. I’m not for that.”
    Victory in his rematch with Joshua set Uysk up for a blockbuster undisputed heavyweight title fight with Tyson Fury.
    But the mouthwatering showdown collapsed last month after Team Usyk got tired of Fury moving goalposts after agreeing to a 70-30 split in favour of The Gypsy King.
    Usyk said: “I see that nothing is going on, he is trying to play us, and I said, ‘That’s all, bye.’
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    “He says, ’70/30, I am the king. It’s all thanks to me.’
    “I don’t respond to that. I understand that this is a mental game.
    “The king is the king. And the king does not need to shout that he is the king.”
    He added: “He is trying very hard to copy the great Muhammad Ali, but the copy is very bad.”
    Usyk is now on course to lock horns with the mandatory challenger for his WBA heavyweight title – Daniel Dubois – in the summer.
    He said of the fight: “I will go to Britain, I love it very much. My first big achievements were in Britain.
    “Then Anthony Joshua. I like this place, I like the fans, the people.” More

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    Anthony Joshua ‘in line to fight Deontay Wilder with Tyson Fury facing Oleksandr Usyk in stunning four-man tournament’

    BOXING could be braced for a stunning four-man heavyweight tournament in Saudi Arabia if shock rumours are to be believed. TalkSPORT’s outspoken sports pundit Simon Jordan claimed Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury would be involved.
    Anthony Joshua revealed he will not return until DecemberCredit: Instagram
    Deontay Wilder could fight Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    It would see AJ fight Wilder with Fury against Usyk, both in December, allowing the winners to meet in a final.
    It comes after Joshua revealed he would not be back in the ring until December, for a reason soon to be revealed.
    Jordan said: “There’s a lingering observation and, I suppose rumour, that’s seeded I think in some substance – that there is a series of fights being arranged in the Middle East that involve Fury, Usyk, Joshua and Wilder.
    “Three fights being made which is Fury vs Usyk, Wilder vs Joshua and the two winners of those fights meeting again in the Middle East for the ultimate showdown.
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    “That would align with the dynamic of the reasons why Anthony Joshua isn’t fighting until December.”
    Joshua, 33, beat Jermaine Franklin, 29, on points over 12 rounds in his return fight at the start of April.
    And Eddie Hearn wanted it to be the first of three as part of an active 2023 for AJ.
    But Joshua days later posted on Instagram: “My next fight is scheduled for December.
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    “Not ideal but everything is part of a bigger picture.”
    Wilder, 37, meanwhile has been out since October when he knocked out Robert Helenius in round one of his comeback bout.
    The American is now back training and was in talks for a crossover fight with ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou.
    Fury, 34, has also now been left without an opponent after his deal to unify all four belts with Usyk, 36, collapsed.
    Terms were scrapped amid a row over financials for a potential rematch, leaving both in the lurch.
    Usyk has since been ordered into a mandatory WBA title defence against Daniel Dubois, 25, with talks ongoing.
    But Fury is left to seal a return fight in the summer, which promoter Bob Arum revealed could be against Andy Ruiz Jr, 33.
    If all goes to plan, it would allow them to re-visit the undisputed decider with Usyk at the end of the year in the Middle East.
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    Jordan said: “The second part of this equation that I’m understanding is potentially in the offing is that Fury needs to fight.
    “He won’t have fought since December, he can’t be out for a year.”
    Tyson Fury facing off with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Reuters More

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    Liam Payne will NOT fight Tommy Fury as One Direction star and Love Island boxer face off for Soccer Aid

    LIAM PAYNE and Tommy Fury have confirmed they WILL go toe-to-toe with one another – but only on the footie pitch.One Direction star Payne sent social media into meltdown earlier this week by sharing a mock-up fight poster of himself and Fury.
    Liam Payne teased a shock fight with Tommy Fury earlier this week
    But the pair will go toe-to-toe on the footy pitch at Soccer Aid 2023 – in which Fury will play for the rest of the worldCredit: PA
    Liam Payne will once again lace up his boots for EnglandCredit: Rex
    Fans of Payne and former Love Islander Fury couldn’t believe their eyes as the duo teased a shock bout.
    But their shock celeb dust-up was called off on Thursday live on Good Morning Britain, where it was revealed the pair will go after one another on the pitch in Soccer Aid 2023 on June 11.
    Fury confirmed he will be part of the World XI in the latest celebrity fundraising match, the profits of which help struggling children around the world.
    TNT said: “I’m taking off my boxing gloves and lacing up my football boots.”
    He added: “The big match is taking place at Old Trafford, Manchester.
    “I’ll see you there.”

    Payne said: “Hey, GMB. After losing last year, I had to come back for Soccer Aid for UNICEF and have one more crack at winning that trophy.”
    Payne skippered England in last year’s Soccer Aid match in front of 54,000 fans at the London Stadium.
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    But the singing sensation will hand over the armband to Euro 2022 winner Jill Scott for this year’s match.
    He said: “I’ve handed over my captain’s armband to Jill Scott.
    “Because I’m not going to mess with the Lioness.”
    Fury – who is still on cloud nine after winning his grudge match with YouTuber-turnd-boxer Jake Paul in February – will join Usain Bolt, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Kem Cetinay, Mo Gilligan, Masie Adam, Heather O’Reilly and Kaylin Kyle in the World XI.
    Paddy McGuinness, Jermaine Defoe, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill, Jack Wilshere, Bugzy Malone, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Alex Brooker, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Chunkz, Joel Corry, Eni Aluko, David James, Scarlette Douglas and Nicky Butt make up the rest of the England squad.
    England will look to avenge the penalty heartache they suffered against the World XI last summer.
    Payne’s troops suffered a 4-1 shootout loss, which saw the World XI move into a 6-5 series lead since the inaugural 2006 match. More

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    Liam Payne vs Tommy Fury: How A-Listers compare if the two faced off in stunning boxing showdown at Old Trafford

    LIAM PAYNE has teased a surprise boxing fight against Tommy Fury with a cryptic post.Payne took to Instagram and shared a poster for the proposed celebrity clash, which could take place at Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground.
    SunSport bring you the Tale of the Tape between Liam Payne and Tommy Fury

    Liam Payne has challenged Tommy Fury to a celebrity boxing fight
    Fury would have the advantage if he locked horns with Payne in the ring
    The image included both celebs with two captions, saying the fight will take place “This Summer” and that there will be an “announcement tomorrow”.
    The ex-One Direction star remained tight-lipped on the details, captioning the post with an ‘eyes’ emoji.
    The singer is a big boxing fan and has spoken about fighting the likes of KSI and even Justin Bieber in the past.
    Should the pair go face to face, Fury obviously has the advantage as he is an experienced and undefeated boxer who has won all of his nine fights.
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    Tyson Fury’s brother is also younger, heavier and taller than Payne, who has never boxed professionally before.
    The artist surpasses the British bruiser in terms of net worth and Instagram followers.
    But that won’t do him any good if he decides to step foot inside the ring against the light heavyweight boxer.
    However, the 1D celebrity is still very keen to try his luck in the squared circle.
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    Payne said: “If there is a chance for me to jump in the ring and feel gladiatorial in the 21st century I am in.
    “I love boxing as a sport and I think it’s fantastic. I would just enjoy the challenge and the road up to it would be great.
    “I would fight KSI he would have to come down a few weight slots. But yeah I’d fight him. I like him too much though.
    “I will fight whoever you want. But I don’t think Justin Bieber would do it.” More

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    Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz: Date, UK start time, TV channel, stream, and undercard for HUGE boxing bout

    JAKE PAUL is returning to the ring for the first time since his defeat to Tommy Fury in February.The Problem Child lost to the Mancunian by way of a split decision in Saudi Arabia at the start of the year.
    Tommy Fury (L) of Great Britain in action against Jake Paul in February 2023Credit: EPA
    Jake Paul will face former UFC star Nate Diaz in his return to the ring as they look to settle their feud.
    The two have had a public battle on social media for the past 18 months and now the pair have come to an agreement to fight in the summer.
    When is Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz?

    Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz will be on Saturday, August 5th
    Depending on the length of the undercard fights the main event is expected to take place at around 4am UK time.
    The venue will be the American Airlines Centre in Dallas, Texas.

    What channel is Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz on and can it be live streamed?

    Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz will be shown live on DAZN PPV.
    You can purchase a DAZN monthly pass for £9.99 a month.
    DAZN subscribers can live stream Jack Paul vs Nate Diaz via the DAZN app or website.

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    Who’s on the card?
    Here are all the confirmed fights for the night:
    MAIN EVENT: Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz (8 rounds)
    What’s been said?
    Jake Paul said: “My last fight didn’t end the way I wanted, but the result was the best thing that could have happened to my professional boxing aspirations.
    “Now, the world thinks I am vulnerable, when all I am is more focused than ever. My team wanted me to take an easy fight like KSI next, but that’s not how I am built.
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    “Nate Diaz is considered one of the most bad-ass fighters of all time, but he and his team have been running their mouths for too long.”
    Paul, who is 6-1 in the ring, continued: “People tell me Nate has been training with Andre Ward for years. That he has insane stamina. That he refuses to back down. Good for f***ing Nate.
    “I haven’t forgotten about the slap backstage in Arizona, and on August 5, a Problem Child is going to piece up and knock out the Stockton G.”
    Diaz beat Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September in the last fight of his deal with the MMA company.
    Boxing has been a staple throughout the 37-year-old Diaz’s near two-decade career.
    He has had a hugely successful MMA career with 22 fights and a victory over Conor McGregor.
    Diaz said: “Besides Canelo he’s the biggest thing in boxing. I’m here to conquer that. I’m the King of combat sports and then I’m headed back to get my UFC belts.
    “I f***ed up Conor for acting out and now here I am again, like a Super Hero of the Real Fight game, the King of the Real Fight game.” More

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    Jake Paul announces huge fight with UFC legend on August 5 as star snubs Tommy Fury rematch

    JAKE PAUL has snubbed a rematch with Tommy Fury and instead confirmed a bumper showdown with Nate Diaz.The Problem Child suffered the first defeat of his career following a split-decision in February to the Love Island star.
    Jake Paul will next be in action in August in a bumper boxing boutCredit: Getty
    He will face UFC legend Nate Diaz, who will make his pro boxing debutCredit: Getty
    The YouTuber declared that he wanted a rematch with the Brit – but now he has announced another huge clash.
    He will now be facing UFC icon Diaz in a 185lb catchweight bout at the American Airlines Center on August 5th in Dallas, Texas.
    The ‘Stockton Slugger’ was a free agent after his contract with Dana White’s MMA promotion ended and now he is swapping the octagon for the boxing ring.
    And Paul cannot wait to get it on with Diaz after years of bad blood and public jabs between them.
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    The 26-year-old said: “My last fight didn’t end the way I wanted, but the result was the best thing that could have happened to my professional boxing aspirations.
    “Now, the world thinks I am vulnerable, when all I am is more focused than ever. My team wanted me to take an easy fight like KSI next, but that’s not how I am built.
    “Nate Diaz is considered one of the most bad-ass fighters of all time, but he and his team have been running their mouths for too long.”
    Paul, who is 6-1 in the ring, continued: “People tell me Nate has been training with Andre Ward for years. That he has insane stamina. That he refuses to back down. Good for f***ing Nate.
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    “I haven’t forgotten about the slap backstage in Arizona, and on August 5, a Problem Child is going to piece up and knock out the Stockton G.”
    Diaz beat Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September in the last fight of his deal with the MMA company.
    Boxing has been a staple throughout the 37-year-old Diaz’s near two-decade career.
    He has 22 fights as an MMA pro, including a victory over Conor McGregor.
    Diaz said: “Besides Canelo he’s the biggest thing in boxing. I’m here to conquer that. I’m the King of combat sports and then I’m headed back to get my UFC belts.
    “I f***ed up Conor for acting out and now here I am again, like a Super Hero of the Real Fight game, the King of the Real Fight game.”
    Meanwhile, Fury has been linked with a fight against One Direction’s Liam Payne after losing out on a money-spinning rematch with Paul. More

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    One Direction’s Liam Payne hints at spectacular Tommy Fury celebrity boxing fight at Old Trafford with amazing poster

    TOMMY FURY and One Direction star Liam Payne have teased a fight announcement.A poster for the proposed celebrity boxing clash has been released with the event set to take place at Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground.
    A poster has been released teasing the announcement
    Tommy Fury recently beat Jake Paul in a celebrity grudge matchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Liam Payne loves boxing and has spoken about fighting KSI or Justin BieberCredit: Splash
    Payne, 29, shared the promotional poster on Instagram but remained tight-lipped on the details, captioning the post with an ‘eyes’ emoji.
    The One Directioner is a big boxing fan and has spoken about fighting the likes of KSI and even Justin Bieber in the past.
    He said: “If there is a chance for me to jump in the ring and feel gladiatorial in the 21st century I am in.
    “I love boxing as a sport and I think it’s fantastic. I would just enjoy the challenge and the road up to it would be great.
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    “I would fight KSI he would have to come down a few weight slots. But yeah I’d fight him. I like him too much though.
    “I will fight whoever you want. But I don’t think Justin Bieber would do it.”
    Fans are in disbelief, with one asking: “Is it April Fool’s again?”
    Another added: “This is getting weird now.”
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    A third said: “This has to be a joke surely 😂”
    Some are speculating it could be a hint at a potential Soccer Aid dust-up, which is due to take place at Old Trafford on June 11.
    Payne, who now has a successful solo career after six years with One Direction, captained England in Soccer Aid 2022.
    Fury, 23, has never taken part in the celebrity football match and most recently fought Jake Paul in a celeb grudge match.
    The British boxer and the American Youtuber had been trading verbals for months and then finally met in Saudi Arabia.
    Fury won the fight and admitted after he was open to more celebrity bouts – including KSI.
    But he now has a WBC ranking so a potential clash with Payne could damage the reputation of the sport. More