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    I’m an ex-title challenger and sparring partner of Jake Paul’s – there’s three reasons he can become world champ one day

    JAKE PAUL is armored with three key advantages that could take him to the top of boxing against all the odds.The social media sensation left behind a full-time career in vlogging on YouTube to try and dedicate his life to becoming a prizefighting star. Jake Paul during a sparring sessionAnd in the four years since his 2020 professional debut, Paul has become one of the highest-paid boxers in the world. But more than just money, the American is convinced he will one day hold a world championship belt – despite his lack of experience. Paul has been doing the right things, steadily upping his competition and ploughing millions into his training camps away from the cameras. His one loss in ten bouts came against Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023, and his opponents have switched from low-level boxers to MMA stars since.But behind the scenes, Paul is putting in the work and recruiting high-level sparring partners and coaches. For those reasons – along with being able to fight when he pleases – Paul is being tipped to make shock strides in the sport. Steve Geffrard is a 21-3 former light-heavyweight world champion who has been sparring with Paul this year. And Geffrard told SunSport: “He’s a late bloomer to the sport, but he takes it very, very seriously.Most read in Boxing”And on top of that, he has really good athletic ability. So he’s a great athlete. I think he has like three things about him that can really help him go far.“One; his work ethic, his great work ethic and then two; he has resources, so he can pay for the best trainers, best sparring, best strength conditioning.“He’s got physio guys that are with him 24/7, people working on his body, it’s good for longevity. And he can also fight whenever he wants. There’s world champions that can’t do that.” Paul, 27, last fought in March when he stopped 17-2 Ryan Bourland, 36. That is when Geffrard, 33, was first brought into Paul’s Puerto Rico training camp and was left impressed by the reformed prankster. He said: “I’ve been in camps with a lot of top champions and top fighters and stuff and I’ve been boxing my whole life.“I’ve seen people with less ability than him get up there and at least compete for a world title. “This is boxing, anything can happen. You can’t count anybody out.“He’s tough, he’s got good hand speed, good speed, the sky’s the limit for him we just have to see how far does he really want to take it.’He could seriously hurt one of those guys’“Because of the way he’s training, I think he does wanna go out there and compete for a regional belt and possibly a world title someday.“It’s gonna be tough. It’s not gonna be easy. But at least when he’s training, I see what his mindset is.“He’s not going into training just to be like, ‘OK, I’m an influencer boxer.’ “He’s training to try and compete against the best eventually even though he hasn’t really picked those types of opponents yet.“I think that’s truly what he wants to be. Because he’s spending all this money and sparring these guys that giving top quality work in the gym. He’s trying to get better.”Paul returns over the weekend against former UFC star and now bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 32. It was due to be against Mike Tyson until the heavyweight icon, 58, pulled out amid a health scare with the bout moved back to November 15. Perry will be Paul’s fifth opponent from an MMA background – a level of opposition Geffrard believes he has surpassed.Because of the way he’s training, I think he does wanna go out there and compete for a regional belt and possibly a world title someday.Jake Paul’s sparring partner Steve GeffrardHe said: “Jake has to kind of fight those types of people because of their names that’s what brings attraction.“But I think he’s past that level. I think he’s to the point where he could seriously hurt one of those guys.“That’s my opinion and that’s pretty much a compliment, giving him a compliment because I think he can now go on and step it up and start fighting some other boxers, legit boxers.“I’m not saying he can go and fight for a world title right away. But I think he’s good enough to where he doesn’t need to fight an old UFC fighter.“I think he’s improved that much more and he’s got good power. Even if you’re a very experienced fighter, you can’t really go in there and just sleep on him because he’s got enough power to hurt you.“You still gotta be – even though he doesn’t have as much experience – you still gotta be on your Ps and Qs. He’s a dog.” Geffrard was sparring Paul in the lead up to his return and does no expect Perry to see the scheduled eighth and final round. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe predicted: “I expect a knockout. “As long as he doesn’t go out there looking for it, I think it’ll come, maybe around four, maybe second-half of the fight.”Steve Geffrard with Jake Paul More

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    Anthony Joshua’s team BLAST Daniel Dubois over failure to sign up for additional drug testing ahead of September clash

    ANTHONY JOSHUA’s team have BLASTED Daniel Dubois for allegedly not signing up for voluntary drug testing ahead of their domestic dust-up.AJ will challenge his former sparring partner for the IBF heavyweight title in a September showdown at Wembley.Anthony Joshua will throw down with Daniel Dubois on Septmber 21Credit: GETTYDubois will be defending the IBF heavyweight title against AJCredit: REUTERSJoshua’s team have claimed Dubois has yet to sign up for VADA drug testingCredit: X@258MANAGEMENTDubois’ team were quick to respondBut the former two-time unified heavyweight champion’s team sensationally claimed ‘Triple D’ has yet to sign up for additional drug testing from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.258 Management tweeted on Tuesday night: “Evening @Queensberry … any update on why @DynamiteDubois isn’t signed up for @Vada_Testing yet??”Queensberry Promotions responded to the claim on Wednesday, writing: “Daniel is enrolled as VADA will confirm.Dubois was subjected to VADA testing ahead of his ill-fated showdown with former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk last August.READ MORE ON AJ VS DUBOISA large portion of fighters competing in big bouts sign up for random testing from VADA to add an additional layer of scrutiny, which they pay for out of their own pocket.That’s in part down to some athletic commissions and sanctioning bodies being unable to afford multiple random tests during the fighters’ respective camps.Both Joshua and Dubois, 34 and 26 respectively, will be subject to random drug testing from the UKAD (UK-Anti-Doping).Neither fighter has ever fallen afoul of anti-doping rules and regulations during their careers.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoshua has voluntarily entered VADA testing multiple times throughout his career and was most recently enrolled in their program ahead of his March melee with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.And he called for radical drug testing reform after long-time rival Dillian Whyte tested positive for a banned substance ahead of their proposed trilogy fight last August.Eddie Hearn reveals bad boy version of Anthony Joshua is back ahead of Daniel Dubois fight and comments on Carl Froch feudHe said: “I don’t understand how 60% to 70% of people can get away with doping if you get random drug tests? I get drug-tested all year round.”Every quarter, I have to submit my whereabouts, where I’m going to be every day, at what hour of the day, so [drug-testers] can turn up randomly if they want.“It’s been like that since 2011. I’ve submitted it every day of my life. So why am I under that pressure but 60% to 70% of other boxers aren’t?“Once you sign up to a top-tier promoter they should all have that [approach to random testing] as part of the deal.”SunSport reached out to Queensberry Promotions for comment.Daniel Dubois was subjected to additional VADA testing ahead of his clash with Oleksandr Usyk last AugustCredit: Getty More

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    Muhammad Ali’s grandson reveals he turned down ‘money I’ve never even seen before’ to fight Jake Paul and explains why

    MUHAMMAD ALI’S grandson Nico refused to “sell out” and fight Jake Paul despite the millions on offer. Ali Walsh announced after beating Sona Akale in a rematch that he rejected a deal from Paul and Most Valuable Promotions. Nico Ali Walsh turned down a fight with Jake PaulCredit: Top Rank Jake Paul has long been linked with a fight against Muhammad Ali’s grandsonCredit: Most Valuable Promotions The middleweight prospect opened up on his decision and revealed the deal was worth £2.3million. He told Sky Sports: “Morally it was an easy choice. I said no before I even heard the numbers.”I believe it was upwards of $3million. Of course, that would be money that I’ve never made in my career. “That would be money that I’ve never even seen before. But is everything really money? That’s how I was raised.READ MORE IN BOXING”You’ve got to ask yourself how much does your pride cost? How much are you willing to sell out for? “Because that’s exactly how it is, at least in my book. Anyone else can do it. “But for me, I’m an Ali, I hold my name in such higher weight, I don’t believe I should be playing in the mud with the likes of Jake Paul.”It is not the first time Ali Walsh has been linked with the YouTuber-turned-boxer. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd Paul, 27, commented:  “I been trying to fight this fraud and now he admitted he ducked me but calling me a circus act.”The American is 9-1 in his career and had faced criticism for his choice of opposition in the past. Watch Jake Paul in training to fight Mike PerryPaul’s only defeat came against Tommy Fury, 25, and he now returns against ex-UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 27. But Ali Walsh, 24, said: “It is a circus. People like the circus. “But it’s not something you want to mix with a deadly sport like boxing. We’re in a serious sport and it’s not a sport to be taken lightly. “I just don’t think playing games, the way Jake Paul is doing, should be mixed in a sport that’s so deadly.” More

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    Oleksandr Usyk told to fight Jake Paul with never-before-seen rules or make career switch after ‘retiring Tyson Fury’

    OLEKSANDR USYK is running so short of opponents he could make a switch to MMA or have a never-before fight against Jake Paul.The Ukrainian great became the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in history by beating Tyson Fury. Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury but they will now rematchCredit: PAJake Paul could could be a shock option to fight UsykCredit: GettyBut he was forced to vacate his IBF title to proceed their their planned December 21 rematch in Saudi Arabia. One of Usyk’s coaches – Sergey Lapin – predicted another defeat would spell the end of Fury’s iconic career. And it would leave Usyk looking to the likes of MMA or even a spectacle bout with YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in search of new challenges. Lapin told Betway: “He’s proven he’s the best of this generation and, once he’s retired Tyson Fury, he will consider his options. READ MORE IN BOXING”Maybe that’s dropping down in weight again, or maybe there’s a wildcard option on the table for him; be it in the boxing ring, the MMA cage or even Conor McGregor’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.””Can you imagine Usyk and Jon Jones fighting to prove they’re the baddest man on the planet? “Or maybe it’s a third fight with Anthony Joshua in the MMA cage?”Maybe it’s Jake Paul at cruiserweight, although Usyk would need to fight him with one hand behind his back though to make it fair.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPaul, 27, returns over the weekend against ex-UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 32. Meanwhile, Usyk, 37, prepares to rematch Fury, 35, looking to continue his reign of domination at heavyweight. Boxing champ ready to fight Jake Paul for his world title… but warns it could end in BRAIN injury for YouTuberLapin added: “Usyk is running out of challenges at heavyweight. “He accepted the challenge at heavyweight and became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, a lot of work went into this achievement.”After the rematch we will see who will remain in the heavyweight division, but Usyk has now passed this level, everyone who stood in Usyk’s way has been overcome. “We are now set for a rematch with Fury, after that we will know who will be next.” More

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    Meet Delicious Orie, Anthony Joshua sparring partner and boxing gold medal hopeful at Paris 2024

    DELICIOUS Orie is part of Team GB’s boxing team at the Paris Olympics.He is the sparring partner of Anthony Joshua and after winning gold at the European and Commonwealth Games, he is eyeing now Olympic gold at the Paris Olympics.Delicious Orie started boxing at the age of 18Credit: GettyHe won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022Credit: ReutersWho is Delicious Orie?Delicious Orie is a British boxer.He was born in Moscow on May 31, 1997 to a Nigerian father and a Russian mother.Orie relocated to England at age seven to escape racial prejudice, settling in Wolverhampton.He played basketball in his youth before transitioning to boxing at the age of 18.read more on Paris OlympicsOrie secured a bronze medal at the 2022 European Championships, marking his arrival on the international stage.He went on to clinch gold medals at both the 2022 Commonwealth Games in England and the 2023 European Games in Poland.In a BBC interview in 2022, his father disclosed that Orie’s name draws inspiration from Delicious Kennedy, the vocalist of the renowned American R&B and pop group ‘All for One’.Orie holds a first-class honours degree in Business and Management from Birmingham’s Aston University.Most read in BoxingHe told The Sun: “I only started taking boxing seriously after I watched AJ at London 2012.“That’s when it really resonated with me. “That’s my first and biggest Olympic memory — until I do it!“When I started, the man everyone looked up to was Anthony Joshua.“From then it was in my head that I need to win a medal, because this is what GB Boxing has been doing time and time again and proved over and over again.“So it’s only right for me to go out there and do that. “To listen to the coaches and go up there and perform and just have full belief and trust in them and myself.”His plan is to turn professional after the Olympics.He added: “So this is the plan — Paris Olympics and then turn professional. And then world heavyweight champion by 2029.“Early 30s, world champ — I’ll be happy with that.”Will Delicious Orie be competing in the Paris Olympics?Delicious Orie is part of Team GB in the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyYes, Delicious Orie will be competing in the Paris Olympics.He secured his spot for Team GB after he won a gold medal at the 2023 European Games in Poland.He told GB Boxing: “Winning gold at a multi-sport event like the Commonwealth Games was a brilliant and I am looking forward to putting all of that experience to good use at the Olympics. “We have all worked so hard to get to this point and, it is great to have qualified, but the job is not yet done and my aim is to keep working hard and make sure I am in the best possible shape when it comes to competing on the biggest stage of all in Paris.”When will Delicious Orie be competing in the Paris Olympics?Delicious Orie will compete from Saturday July 27 to Saturday August 10, 2024 in the Paris Olympics.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Olympic boxing competition features 124 male and 124 female participants across seven weight classes.BBC will broadcast the Paris Olympics on BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer live. More

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    Jake Paul says ‘please don’t do that’ after Mike Perry makes gruesome vow ahead of boxing fight

    JAKE PAUL was left to plead Mike Perry against pulling off a gruesome promise ahead of their boxing fight.The pair clash in Florida over the weekend and sat down for a face-to-face interview just days before their bout. Jake Paul with Mike Perry ahead of their fightCredit: Most Valuable Promotions They reflected on a disputed sparring session from 2021 when Perry said: “Your little baby green punches can’t even reach my brain stem, bro. “I’m going to dig through your eyeball and find your memories.”But Paul responded: “Please don’t do that. Please don’t do that, Mikey.”The YouTuber-turned-boxer was due to be in Texas to instead fight Mike Tyson but the boxing icon, 58, pulled out amid a health precaution. READ MORE IN BOXINGInstead, the controversial fight for the ages has been postponed till November 15 with Perry, 32, stepping in as a replacement. Paul, 27, is risking the mega-money payday by taking on the former UFC star but insisted he will be too good on the night. He said: “There’s nothing he can do, and I respect him. He’s very violent. “It’s not taking away from Mike Perry. He can beat a lot of people, but he can’t beat me.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPerry became the face of the bare-knuckle boxing scene after leaving the UFC in 2021. And he told Paul: “I’m excited for a battle. I do like getting punched and I like punching too, so we’re going to see. Watch Jake Paul in training to fight Mike Perry”Ten-ounce gloves, no headgear – I’m going to hurt you, Jake. And I’m going to laugh in your face when you try to hurt me.” More

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    Paige VanZant shares behind-the-scenes footage of Power Slap preparations as husband smacks her with foam tube

    PAIGE VANZANT called on husband Austin Vanderford to help her Power Slap preparations – by getting smacked with a foam tube.VanZant was a shock name to make a debut in the controversial new sport headed up by UFC boss Dana White. Paige VanZant called on husband Austin Vanderford to help her Power Slap preparationsCredit: Instagram @paigevanzantVanZant got smacked with a foam tubeCredit: Instagram @paigevanzantShe won her Power Slap debutCredit: Power Slap The American went on to beat Christine Wolmarans by dropping her twice during the contest. And it appears that it will not be a one-off as VanZant teased more Power Slap matches. The ex-UFC star posted a video on Instagram where partner Vanderford swings a foam swimming tube her way. She captioned the post: “@powerslap prep.”READ MORE ON Paige VanZantVanZant stunned fans in 2020 when she signed for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship after leaving the UFC.She had two brutal bare-knuckle bouts – losing them both – before taking three years out.But VanZant, 30, returned in May to make her boxing debut with Misfits, home to celebrity-style crossover bouts.She was dropped by OnlyFans star Elle Brooke before clawing back a draw.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt set up a rematch teased but VanZant then made the shock move to Power Slap. She said after the match: “It was weird to stand there with your hands behind your back and I just stood there praying, let me eat this. Watch ex-UFC star Paige VanZant soak up the pain in brutal Power Slap debut win “Once I took the first one, I had all the confidence in the world.“I was nervous going into it, but it’s more like just nerves that I don’t want to get knocked out. Because you just don’t know what to expect. That’s the only real bad-case scenario that can happen. “After I took the first one, I pretty much knew I was going to win.”VanZant left the UFC in 2020Credit: InstagramShe runs an OnlyFans account along with her fight careerCredit: Instagram @paigevanzant More

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    Inside Jake Paul’s training camp to fight Mike Perry where his power is so ‘crazy’ sparring partners have been sent home

    JAKE PAUL is punching so hard in training to fight Mike Perry that his sparring partners have been sent packing.The YouTuber-turned-prizefighter returns over the weekend in Florida against former UFC star and now bare-knuckle boxer Perry.Jake Paul and sparring partner Jake BostwickCredit: instagram @brutalbostwickBefore his boxing days, Jake Paul was a popular YouTuberCredit: instagram @jakepaulPaul was initially set to face Mike Tyson on the same date but in Texas – until the heavyweight icon pulled out amid a health precaution. The controversial fight—scrutinized for their 30-year age gap—has since been postponed to November 15.However, Paul – who last fought in March – decided to roll the dice and remain in the ring to keep his lucrative boxing career moving. It meant switching around his sparring partners, having assembled a team of shorter heavyweights to replicate 58-year-old Iron Mike.So Paul quickly called on an old friend and secret weapon ahead of his bout against Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s Perry. Brit Jake Bostwick – a bare-knuckle boxer himself – has been a regular in Paul’s previous training camps. So, when the opponent was switched to Perry, it was a no-brainer to transfer Bostwick to the Puerto Rico training base.And Bostwick revealed it has been a survival of the fittest in camp—but one he has stood the test of time for.Most read in Boxing”I come in because I give them good work. And honestly, I can survive,” he told SunSport. “Anyone else that comes out at the spar normally gets sent home with injuries or they just can’t hang. Real talk it really is like that.I was there for Jake Paul’s sparring session with Mike Perry and here is why their fight will not last long “Even a few days ago everyone else got sent home and it was just me and coaches like JLeon are like, ‘Jake bro, it’s always you that’s left.'”I was like, I’m soldiering on son.”Paul’s assistant coach J’Leon Love – a former 25–3–1 boxer – was the one who invited Bostwick back into camp. And Love, along with head trainer Theo Chambers, are the ones deciding which paid sparring partners stay or go.Bostwick revealed: “The coaches are sending people home if they’re not performing or they’re getting pieced up, they get sent home.”So you gotta be able to take some shots, give some shots and still give them a look, you know? And like I said, Jake’s never easy sparring.”And he’s firing on all cylinders, 16oz gloves, headgear or not it’s still a problem.”Paul first recruited Bostwick, 34, before the American knocked out former MMA champion Ben Askren, 39, in 2021.The coaches are sending people home if they’re not performing or they’re getting pieced up, they get sent home.Jake Paul’s sparring partner Jake Bostwick The same year, they also sparred before Paul’s pair of wins over ex-UFC champ Tyron Woodley, 42, on points and then KO. Around the same time, Perry, 32, also sparred Paul, 27, in a session that has been widely disputed in the lead-up to their boxing bout.However, Bostwick insisted Perry is in for a rude awakening if he is banking on Paul being the same boxer as he was all those years ago.He said: “His power is crazy, bro. “Every time we spar, I’m just like, I hope you don’t catch me with something, he does punch hard, he really, really does.”He’s definitely got significantly better, his movement, everything’s way better. “And I think even Perry sparred with him back in the day around the Ben Askren time.”That’s when he moved with him as well. So for Perry to remember that, and then to see how he is now, I think that’s gonna be a bit of a shocker.” Bostwick has traveled with Paul’s team to Tampa ahead of the scheduled eight-round fight – but does not expect the final bell to sound.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe predicted: “I honestly think Jake can stop Perry within, like, four or five rounds. “Stop him. Either knockout to the head, to the body, but I think he could for sure hurt him and get a stoppage. I genuinely believe that.” More