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      Meet the controversial UFC cult hero claiming to replace Mike Tyson in Jake Paul fight who was targeted by death threats

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      CHAEL SONNEN’s claim he is Mike Tyson’s replacement to fight Jake Paul in just the latest controversy of his career.Tyson suffered a major health scare just a few weeks out from his showdown with the YouTuber.Chael Sonnen claims he could replace Mike Tyson to fight Jake PaulCredit: GettyIron Mike suffered a medical scare on a flight just weeks before the boutCredit: RexAnd that sparked chaos on social media with Sonnen trying to convince fans he was contracted to be the substitute if the boxing icon pulls out.Sonnen went from public enemy No1 to fans’ favourite over a 49-fight career.Considered one of the greatest talkers on the MMA mic, the American “Bad Guy” has transformed his charisma to a career in films and TV. But who is the self-proclaimed American Gangster? READ MORE IN MMASonnen started wrestling as young as nine and went on to become a champion at school and university level.By 19, Sonnen hung up his wrestling boots to focus on MMA with aspirations of making it to the UFC.And 22 fights later – spanning across Asia and America – Sonnen made his UFC debut in defeat to Renato Sobral in 2005. The grappler was in and out of different promotions until again returning to the UFC in 2009 – this time as an outspoken contender.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt the time, Anderson Silva was in the middle of his iconic reign at middleweight. And Sonnen needed to create some buzz around challenging the Brazilian – so he went after his beloved nation. Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul lifestyles compared Sonnen blasted Brazil before and after the announcement of his 2010 title challenge against Silva with a series of infamous insults. He once said: “Anderson is a fraud. He is a liar and he is a thief. “This guy is not from a bowing culture, you bow in Brazil, they hit you over the head and take your wallet out of your pocket.”Sonnen took it a step further when he dragged Silva’s wife Dayane into the trash talk. He ruthlessly said: “You tell Anderson Silva that I’m coming over and I’m kicking down his backdoor and patting his little lady on the a** and I’m telling her to make me a steak, medium-rare just how I like it.”The tense build-up produced one of the most anticipated fights in UFC history and the bout did not disappoint.Sonnen dominated the previously untouchable Silva for four rounds and was moments away from a shock victory. But with only seconds remaining until the final bell, the champion locked in a dramatic arm submission and turned the fight on its head. Sonnen was beaten with under two minutes to go and later opened up about getting death threats from Silva’s fans. He told The MMA Hour after the fight: “It got a little bit out of hand. The level of death threats got a little bit high.”I reached ten death threats, and I think number seven was actually serious. By the looks of his eyes, it looked like he’d stabbed somebody before.” Sonnen worked his way up to a rematch in 2012 but he was knocked out in round two. A year later and in his very next fight, he moved up to light-heavyweight to challenge all-time great Jon Jones. But following another build-up full of taunts and insults, Jones ended the argument in under a round with a brutal stoppage victory.Sonnen would never again hit the same heights of coming so close to dethroning Silva. Instead, his best highlights came on the mic but over time he turned into a cult hero among MMA fans. That is despite failing drug tests and brazenly admitting to his crimes. Sonnen was embroiled in several doping scandals during his career and in 2014 accepted a two-year suspension for FIVE drug failures.But instead of making up excuses or providing flimsy excuses, he has remained honest about using Performance Enhancing Drugs. 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.

      He told Jackass’ Steve-O: “I don’t know if anybody’s failed more drug tests than me. “But the other side is I don’t know if anybody’s gotten away with more drugs than me.“They got me over seven substances. But I was on at least 17. Those tests aren’t all that good.”Sonnen has taken his talents away from the cage with cameo roles in 2012 movie Here Comes the Boom and Grudge Match a year later. He played himself in both. Sonnen fought up until 2019 but retired at 42 following defeat to Lyoto Machida. He went on to work for Bellator as a commentator and pundit and has since kept his role after the merge with the Professional Fighters League.Sonnen and Silva’s first bout was also inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame – but their rivalry is not yet over. Despite becoming friends, they prepare to meet in a trilogy bout on June 15 in Brazil, this time in the boxing ring. So Sonnen raised eyebrows when he claimed to be the confirmed back-up for YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul’s bout with Iron Mike.Credit: The SunTyson suffered a health scare boarding a flight going from Miami to LA when he had an ulcer flare-up.It led to fears his controversial clash with Paul on July 20 in Texas was facing the KO.And Sonnen stoked up a fire when he posted: “I guess it was wise of Jake Paul to write me into the contract as Tyson’s backup, wasn’t it???”If Jake Paul realizes he might be fighting ME in a month, HE may be the one having a heart attack.” Despite Sonnen’s claim, fans knew better than to take it seriously before Paul quickly assured fans the fight was still on. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks and likes. Nothing changed.”Tyson, taking the chance to aim a dig, followed up with: “Now feeling 100 per cent even though I don’t need to be to beat Jake Paul.”Sonnen won 31 of his 49 MMA fightsCredit: GettyHe challenged for the UFC light-heavyweight and middleweight titlesCredit: GettyThe American lost to Anderson Silva in a UFC thrillerCredit: GettySonnen married Brittany in July 2013Credit: GettyThe controversial star appeared in two filmsCredit: Getty More

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      Unbeaten boxer who was forced to hide in basement while house got shot up now on track for title after fight on 5v5 card

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      UNDEFEATED middleweight boxer Austin Williams has had some rise to get to where he is today.The 28-year-old fighter has gone from hiding from gunshots in his basement as a kid to earning a spot on this weekend’s Matchroom 5v5 card.Austin Williams had a harsh upbringing as a kidCredit: GettyWilliams, who boasts an 16-0 record since turning pro in 2019, faces Hamzah Sheeraz in Riyadh on Saturday.And as much as 16 wins from 16 in a five year period might seem like a breezy rise to the top, getting to this point has been anything but easy for the Milwaukee born star.Williams moved to Houston, Texas when he was just 10 but saw those early years in Wisconsin shape his life and his career as fighter.The star, nicknamed “Ammo”, previously recalled spending New Year’s Eve in his basement as a youngster as his house had been shot up that night. READ MORE IN BOXINGSpeaking to Ring TV in 2019, he said: “Milwaukee was a very tough place.”I’m happy about my beginnings because it gave me a different type of hunger. Knowing where I come from – it made me like to fight.”Williams carried that passion for fighting with him to Houston where he would take on gang members in one-on-one fights to build up his skills.He explained: “It was like I was a vigilante taking these guys out but in reality, I just really liked to fight. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWilliams is preparing to face off in Riyadh this weekend as part of the 5v5 cardCredit: GettyWilliams takes on Hamzah SheerazCredit: Getty”It was a win-win situation for me and it kept me out of gangs because I would do it solo.”Sometimes people would think it was out of anger but it definitely was because I loved the challenge of it. I loved the thrill of it. Matchroom Vs Queensberry 5 Vs 5 boxing face off “No other sport or anything could match that thrill that I got from it.”That should’ve told me and my parents right away that I should’ve done something like boxing but nobody in my family did it. “When I look back, it’s so crazy that I didn’t begin fighting at a young age because I really loved it.”I love the build-up; I love the nerves before the first punch is thrown and things of that nature.”There’s huge build up for Williams on the horizon as he faces losing his undefeated record against Sheeraz, who has also never been on the receiving end of a loss.Sheeraz has a 19-0 record himself and at least one fighter will be losing their perfect record come Saturday night.Williams, who only stepped into the ring for the first time at 19 years old, is now aiming for a world title.Should the six-foot southpaw get the better of Sheeraz then he will likely set up a fight for the WBC championship belt against the winner of Carlos Adames and Terrell Gausha.Speaking ahead of Saturday’s bout, Williams said: “One win away [from a world title fight].READ MORE SUN STORIES“I didn’t do boxing for popularity or money; I came in it for greatness, and to be one fight away from the middleweight championship of the world is everything.“I’ve been a middleweight since the beginning, I’ve been disciplined to stay there, and for this to be right there on the horizon is a dream come true.”Williams made his pro boxing debut back in 2019Credit: Getty More

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      Deontay Wilder plans to take psychedelic drug again and reveals why Anthony Joshua fight may never happen

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      DEONTAY WILDER still plans on using psychedelic drugs – despite his defeat to Joseph Parker being in part blamed on doing so. Wilder returned in December after nearly two years out and did so boasting of becoming a new man for taking ayahuasca. Deontay Wilder ahead of his boxing returnCredit: GettyBut the feared puncher put on a gun-shy performance against Parker and in turn blew his planned super-fight with Anthony Joshua.His own coach Malik Scott suggested the psychedelic drug took away Wilder’s “violent instinct” in the ring. But Wilder, who faces Zhilei Zhang on Saturday, told the Daily Mail: “I’m looking to go back real soon. “I got Gary. He’s the owner of it out there in Costa Rica, and he always hit me up. READ MORE IN BOXING”He just wants to get that heads up when I head back out that way. And I’m looking forward to (it), I may do it after this fight.”Ayahuasca comes from stewing the leaves and stem of a jungle vine that grows in the Amazon rainforest, and it is usually drunk as a tea.It takes 20 to 60 minutes to kick in, and its effects can last up to six hours.Typical effects include visual hallucinations, euphoria, paranoia, and vomiting.Most read in BoxingWhat are the effects of ayahuasca?While the drug may affect people differently, some of the common effects include:

      Nausea/vomiting
      Diarrhea
      Anxiety
      Euphoria
      Intense visual and auditory hallucinations
      Powerful emotions
      Increased body temperature
      Feelings of connection and unity

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt contains dimethyltryptamine – or DMT – which is deemed a Class A drug in the UK making it illegal but it can be taken legally elsewhere.Before Wilder’s loss to Parker – where he landed only 39 punches in 12 rounds – he had signed to face Joshua in Saudi in March. Anthony Joshua WILL attend Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic as Eddie Hearn hints at fight ‘whole world would love to see’Instead, AJ went onto knockout ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, while Wilder fought to get his career back on track.Joshua, 34, is set to return again in September at Wembley and an impressive enough victory for Wilder, 38, could see the bout revived. But the Bronze Bomber admitted defeat for either him or Zhang, 41, could spell the end of their careers and for him, a fight with AJ. Wilder said: “I like Zhang, I like his fighting style, I like his big head, it’s going to be a big target to hit, it’s an easy target to hit.”This is like a be all and end all opportunity for us, and when it’s like that you get the best of both fighters.”This could be the end of my career, this could be the end of his career, it’s going to be exciting on Saturday night to see what happens.”Anthony Joshua was due to fight Wilder this yearCredit: ReutersZhilei Zhang facing off with WilderCredit: GETTY More

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      What are Daniel Dubois’ career earnings and what is his boxing record?

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      DANIEL Dubois is a former heavyweight champion from London with a punch so hard his nickname is ‘Dynamite’.He’s facing Filip Hrgovic on June 1, 2024 — here we take a look at his boxing record and career earnings.Dubois knocked down Oleksandr Usyk in Poland in August 2023, but the shot was deemed a low blowCredit: GettyWhat is Daniel Dubois’ net worth? According to multiple outlets, Daniel Dubois’ career earnings so far are believed to be around £5million.He began earning six-figure sums when he took on Richard Lartey in April 2019.Dubois earned £1.75 million when he fought Joe Joyce in 2020. After facing Joyce, Dubois pulled in a further £1.8m across his next four fights.Read more on Daniel DuboisAlthough he failed to defeat Oleksandr Usyk in August 2023, Dubois went away with one of his biggest cheques to date — £1.6 million.How much he received for his knockout victory over Jarrell Miller in December 2023 hasn’t been reported.What is Daniel Dubois’ boxing record?Dubois’ boxing record stands as 20–2–0.This means he’s won 20 of his 22 professional bouts, losing two and drawing none.Most read in BoxingDynamite has won 19 of his fights via knockout, giving him an impressive KO percentage of 86%.Dubois has seen some major success during his career — he held the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title from June 2022 to August 2023.He also held the British and Commonwealth titles between 2019 and 2020.His first pro fight was against Marcus Kelly in 2017, which he won by KO, and his fourth fight won him the WBC Youth heavyweight title.Dubois is a former WBA Heavyweight ChampionCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyHow to watch Daniel Dubois fight against Filip HrgovicDubois is coming off an impressive victory over Jarrell Miller in December, when he became the first man to knock him out.The Brit famously knocked down Oleksandr Usyk in Poland in August 2023, but the shot was deemed a low blow, much to the dismay of Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren.As Hrgovic is the current IBF mandatory challenger, a win over ‘El Animal’ could see Dubois be given a world title shot, Hrgovic’s biggest win came against Zhilei Zhang on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 in August 2022.The undefeated Croatan will face Greenwich-born Dubois in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, June 1.Dubois takes on Croatian Filip Hrgovic in his next fightCredit: ReutersRing-walks for the co-main event can be expected at around 9.30pm UK time.DAZN and TNT Sports will broadcast Dubois vs Hrgovic on PPV in the UK — both channels have priced the event at £21.99.You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £9.99 a month, which commits you to an entire year of action.A flexible pass, worth £19.99 a month, is also available, and you can cancel anytime.You can live stream the action from either the TNT Sports Box Office app for TNT Sports, or the DAZN app for DAZN, both of which you can download onto your mobile or tablet device.The full fight card is as follows:READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad — (WBA light-heavyweight title)
      Deontay Wilder (Matchroom) vs Zhilei Zhang (Queensberry)
      Daniel Dubois (Queensberry) vs Filip Hrgovic (Matchroom)
      Raymond Ford (Matchroom) vs Nick Ball (Queensberry) — (WBA featherweight title)
      Craig Richards (Matchroom) vs Willy Hutchinson (Queensberry)
      Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (Matchroom) vs Hamzah Sheeraz (Queensberry) More

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      Anthony Joshua WILL attend Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic as Eddie Hearn hints at fight ‘whole world would love to see’

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA will attend Daniel Dubois’ fight with Filip Hrgovic as part of a night of scouting. Dubois faces Hrgovic on Saturday night as part of Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren’s series of 5v5 matchups. Anthony Joshua will attend Daniel Dubois’ fight with Filip HrgovicCredit: RexDubois and Hrgovic meet in the 5v5 cardCredit: GettyAlso on the card is Deontay Wilder’s return against Zhilei Zhang, which AJ will too have an eye on. Joshua was invited as a ringside guest to watch Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed title win over Tyson Fury earlier in May. But with his next opponent likely in action over the weekend, AJ has taken it upon himself to get a closer look. Eddie Hearn told Queensberry Promotions: “AJ is coming this week and this is really off his own back. READ MORE IN BOXING”He was invited to Fury-Usyk and obviously it’s a massive fight. But he loves this concept and knows a lot of the fighters on the card. “The frontrunner to fight AJ next is the winner of Hrgovic and Dubois and likely to be for the world title.”But at the same time, if Deontay Wilder comes and looks sensational maybe it reignites Joshua against Wilder.”Usyk faced a fight to keep hold of his IBF belt due to being unable to face mandatory challenger Hrgovic, 31, as he is contracted to rematch Fury. Most read in BoxingHow AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut the Ukrainian is yet to be stripped and Hrgovic’s bout against Brit Dubois, 26, is not for the title. Hearn still believes Usyk, 37, will have to vacant the gold by the time he rematches Fury, 35, on December 21. Everything we know about Fury-Usyk 2So it would line up for Joshua, 34, to challenge for the title he first won back in 2016 when he returns in September at Wembley. And it will likely be against the winner of Hrgovic or Dubois. But Wilder, 38, could still revive the super-fight with AJ after he blew their initial deal by losing to Joseph Parker, 32, last December. Hearn said: “The whole world would love to see that but obviously the priority for AJ is to fight for and win the world heavyweight title.”There’s a good chance that could be available in September, we’ll have to see. “But I think AJ’s next opponent will definitely be decided probably in the early hours of Sunday morning after the 5v5.”Deontay Wilder returns in SaudiCredit: Getty More

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      What are Croatian boxer Filip Hrgovic’s career earnings and what is his boxing record?

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      FILIP Hrgovic is an undefeated heavyweight boxer from Croatia, whose fearsome attacking prowess has earned him the nickname ‘El Animal’.He’s facing Daniel Dubois on June 1, 2024 — here we take a look at his boxing record and career earnings.Hrgovic’s biggest win to date came against Zhilei Zhang on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 in August 2022Credit: ReutersWhat are Filip Hrgovic’s career earnings?According to TheStoryInsider, following his last fight with Mark De Mori in December 2023, Hrgovic’s net worth is in the region of £2.4million.This sum is based on his total fight purse payouts throughout his professional boxing career.He reportedly received £250k for his victory over De Mori.What is Filip Hrgovic’s boxing record?Hrgovic’s undefeated record stands at 17-0-0.READ MORE ON HRGOVICThis means he has won all 17 of his professional boxing bouts, drawing none and losing none.El Animal has won 14 of his fights via knockout, giving him an impressive KO percentage of 82.35.How to watch Filip Hrgovic’s fight against Daniel DuboisDubois is coming off an impressive win against Jarrell Miller in December, becoming the first man to both beat him and knock him out.Many will remember that the Brit famously knocked down Oleksandr Usyk in Poland in August 2023.Most read in BoxingHowever, the shot was deemed a ‘low blow’, much to the dismay of Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren.A win over ‘El Animal’ could see Dubois be given a world title shot, as Hrgovic is the current IBF mandatory challenger.Hrgovic’s biggest win came against Zhilei Zhang on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 in August 2022, but he failed to impress and some even thought he lost the bout.A statement win over Brit Dubois, however, will reminds fans and pundits alike just what he’s about.The undefeated Croatan will face Greenwich-born boxer Dubois in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, June 1.Filip Hrgovic takes on Londoner Daniel Dubois in his next fightCredit: GettyRing-walks for the co-main event can be expected at around 9.30pm UK time.DAZN and TNT Sports will broadcast Dubois vs Hrgovic on PPV in the UK — both channels have priced the event at £21.99.You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £9.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.A flexible pass, worth £19.99-a-month, is also available, and you can cancel anytime.You can live stream the action from either the TNT Sports Box Office app for TNT Sports, or the DAZN app for DAZN, both of which you can download onto your mobile or tablet device.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe full fight card is as follows:
      Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad — (WBA light-heavyweight title)
      Deontay Wilder (Matchroom) vs Zhilei Zhang (Queensberry)
      Daniel Dubois (Queensberry) vs Filip Hrgovic (Matchroom)
      Raymond Ford (Matchroom) vs Nick Ball (Queensberry) — (WBA featherweight title)
      Craig Richards (Matchroom) vs Willy Hutchinson (Queensberry)
      Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (Matchroom) vs Hamzah Sheeraz (Queensberry) More

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      From Ryan Garcia and ex-world boxing champion to UFC stars, stars queuing up to replace Mike Tyson in Jake Paul fight

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      JAKE PAUL has a host of combat stars desperate to step in for a fight after Mike Tyson’s health scare.YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul is due to take on the heavyweight icon in a controversial clash on July 20 in Texas.Mike Tyson and Jake Paul facing offCredit: GettyBut the fight was plunged into doubt earlier this week when Tyson, 57, suffered a medical emergency on a flight.The former boxer became nauseous and dizzy on board the flight due to an ulcer flare up.Iron Mike later confirmed he made a full recovery and Paul hit out at claims the fight for the ages faced the KO. But it did not stop stars from queuing up to take Tyson’s place and here SunSport runs down the best of the bunch. READ MORE IN BOXINGRyan Garcia The controversial American enjoys a love-hate relationship with Paul with the two openly admitting to orchestrating their public fallouts for attention. So it is no wonder Garcia, 25, took the chance to call out his old friend posting online: “If Mike can’t fight I’ll sub in.”Despite Garcia’s offer, he is embroiled in a drugs scandal for a positive test taken in his win over Devin Haney which could now be overturned. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJake 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.

      Ryan Garcia offered to step in and fight Jake PaulCredit: RexMike Perry The former UFC and now Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship star has long eyed a fight with Paul. Most read in BoxingThey once sparred in 2021 and Perry even signed to be Tommy Fury’s replacement before the Love Islander eventually beat Paul in 2023. Perry, 32, revealed he was in the gym training following the news of Tyson’s health scare and offered up his services. Mike Perry offered to replace Tyson and fight Jake PaulJake Paul and Mike Tyson showcase their jacked physiques ahead of insane body transformations Chael Sonnen The American “Bad Guy” is a serial troll renowned for his outlandish brags and boasts. And Sonnen – set to box old UFC rival Anderson Silva on June 15 – claimed he already agreed to be Tyson’s sub opponent. He posted: “I guess it was wise of Jake Paul to write me into the contract as Tyson’s backup, wasn’t it???”Jake Paul during a press conference with Chael SonnenCredit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIMECredit: The SunSakio BikaBefore Tyson’s scare, former super-middleweight champ Bika offered to be on standby for Paul. Bika, 45, has not fought since 2021 and that was after four years out. But he said: “If Jake Paul is serious about fighting a former champion, look for someone a lot younger or active within the last decade. I can fight Jake Paul at any weight he wants.”Sakio Bika called out Jake PaulCredit: AFP – DDP More

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      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 massive fight purses revealed with Brit already earning £85million for LOSING first fight

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk will rerun their undisputed classic on December 21 in the biggest fight of the 21st century.The heavyweight pair went toe-to-toe over 12 sensational Riyadh rounds on May 18 – for a purse of around £115million – with 37-year-old Ukraine icon Usyk getting a split decision win.Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in Riyadh earlier this monthCredit: PAKnowing a rematch clause was already in the contract, fight fans expected a cagey contest, with the usually longshot draw as low as 12-1.But they were treated to a fight for the ages as 35-year-old Fury banked the mid rounds with uppercuts until Usyk smashed his nose in round eight and almost rendered him unconscious in the ninth.October was the targeted rerun month but the damage both men suffered and the commercial success of the first instalment means both brave warriors have seven months to make the second take even more of a blockbuster.Saudi boxing kingmaker Turki Alalshikh said: “The rematch between the Undisputed Champion Oleksandr Usyk and the Champion Tyson Fury is now scheduled on the 21 of December 2024 during Riyadh Season.READ MORE IN BOXING“The world will watch another historical fight again.“Our commitment to boxing fans continues. We hope you enjoy it.And, teasing an even more iconic evening of combat, he told talkSPORT: “It will be much bigger and the undercard will be much bigger.”Former WBC champ Fury is understood to have banked around £85m for the original bout, with Usyk rumoured to have earned close to £30m.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThose figures will now skyrocket – with the pair set to split £150m.Usyk will control the lion’s share this time after he added the green and gold belt to his WBA, IBF and WBO crowns he put on the line first time around.Watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Tyson Fury’s son’s horrified reaction to 9th-round Usyk blitz which left Gypsy King stunnedAnd Fury promoter Frank Warren has backed up the idea of the desert dream becoming an even more magnificent reality.The Queensberry boss said: “It was a fabulous fight, two absolute gladiators who didn’t leave anything in the ring in an epic fight in the most important fight of the 21st century.”A very very close fight and I think it will be an even bigger one next time.”Fury’s resilience in the ninth, when he was bounced all over the ring by Usyk blows but somehow refused to be felled by the pugilist lumberjack, defied logic.And tough Usyk had a tooth implant impacted up into his gum after one of Fury’s thudding uppercuts.Fury raced into the post-fight press conference full of hubris, while Usyk needed more time to recover and address the room.’I’M BOXING BECAUSE I LOVE IT’And fans thought the 6ft 9in Brit might prefer an all-English shoot-out with Anthony Joshua or a peaceful retirement, instead of the rematch, by some of his quickfire comments.The former champ said: “I’m not boxing because I’ve got no money, I’m boxing because I love it.“I’m 36 in a few months, I’ve been boxing since I was a child. Where does it all end? You have 100 fights and you have brain damage and are in a wheelchair.“For as long as I’m loving the game, I’ll continue to do it, and when I don’t, I’ll pack it up.”Usyk will definitely enjoy a seven-month break instead of a rapid turnaround after he explained all the sacrifices he made to topple the giant.He said: “I started camp in September 2023 and I worked for nine months.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I missed New Year, I missed my son’s birthday, I missed my other son’s birthday, I missed my daughter’s birthday and I missed my daughter being born.“I missed all my family holidays for training. My focus was only on this fight, now I’m happy and I want to go back home, go to my church and pray.”For all the love for resurgent AJ… these two are head, shoulders and fists ahead of everyone else
      OLEKSANDR USYK is the deserved undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, writes Wally Downes Jr
      A great biggun doesn’t always beat a great littleun, not when David has the weight of a besieged nation on his shoulders and is able to swing each compatriot into every punch.
      Usyk did what Usyk does, he moved magnificently, he counter punched and he outworked his taller and heavier opponent.
      He somehow manages to use every physical disadvantage to his favour.
      But what the hell is Fury doing getting up in round nine?
      Why is a father-of-eight with £300million in the bank, three best-selling books and a Netflix series going to the well like?
      Britain is not fighting back Putin’s army, Morecambe is not occupied.
      So when the 35-year-old’s senses are scrambled, when the canvas is calling him, when he is so desperate not to be felled he is willing to bounce around all the ropes like a drunk, when he eventually has to collapse into a corner, why doesn’t he just stay down?
      He has earned the right to surrender as well as his millions.
      The sheer courage and guts and bloody mindedness it takes to climb off that deck, with a broken nose and a crumbling ego is not comprehensible to us mortals.
      Fury said he felt he won the fight but was too dignified to call robbery or corruption, no doubt his dad will taint that decency by the time you’ve read this.
      The rematch will be superb.
      Because for all the love we have for a resurgent Anthony Joshua – who was ringside for that iconic event – these two polar opposite men are head, shoulders, fists, hearts and brains ahead of everyone else.
      There is the top two, then there is a void and then there is the rest.
      Read Wally’s big fight verdict in full here… More