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      Mike Tyson rejected Sylvester Stallone’s offer to fight in Rocky movie says ex-manager ahead of Netflix bout v Jake Paul

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      RORY Holloway and Mike Tyson’s paths first crossed in 1982 when the aspiring boxer was living in a juvenile detention home in upstate New York.Introduced by a mutual friend, when the soon-to-be heavyweight champion of the world was just 16, they soon became firm friends and began living together.Rory Holloway was Mike Tyson’s best friend and former managerHolloway met Tyson when he was just 16 before he became a global superstarCredit: Courtesy of Rory HollowayAccording to Holloway, Tyson refused to star in a Rocky film if he lost Sylvester Stallone’s famous characterFour years later, Tyson would ask Holloway to be his manager in the lobby of a Las Vegas hotel after defeating Trevor Berbick for the WBC title.Moments before that, Tyson would reject a leading role in Rocky – when Sylvester Stallone asked him if he would be interested in starring in the Hollywood franchise.In 1997 the pair parted ways – with Tyson’s senses distorted by the hangers-on in his life and the dissolution of Team Tyson.He accused his former promoter Don King of mismanaging his funds, while Holloway and John Horne were also sued for failing to protect his interests in dealings with King.Read more Mike Tyson newsThe matter was settled out of court, with Tyson receiving $14million.But, for Holloway, there was no bad blood. SunSport caught up with the ex-impresario who spoke candidly about his time managing the biggest sports star in the world.Holloway revealed how he had to react quickly to Tyson’s impulsive demands to please the boxing champ. For Holloway, managing Tyson was “totally chaotic.”Most read in Boxing’Is it fixed?’ Mike Tyson’s ex-trainer has serious questions about the Jake Paul fightIt started with that first act – snubbing Rocky and movie star fame.He told SunSport: “We’re chatting in the lobby after he became champ and Sylvester Stallone comes towards us.”He stops and says to Mike, ‘Hey Mike, great fight – congratulations. Maybe we need to talk about you being in the next Rocky movie?”Mike looked at him and nonchalantly replied, ‘Let me ask you something. In the movie, will you beat me?’ Stallone said, ‘Yeah, it’s Rocky.'”Then Mike said, ‘Hell, no. I wouldn’t even let you beat me for play.’ I thought that was crazy.”Despite turning down an opportunity at film stardom, Mike still had to wrestle with being a cultural icon.Holloway explained: “At that time, there were three Mikes. Jordan, Jackson, and Tyson. Out of the three, I think Michael Jackson and Mike Tyson were global phenomenons.”Tyson, because he was a young kid coming up from the background he did, created such an interest in the public eye.”You couldn’t go anywhere. Everywhere you’d go, time would stop. Back in Harlem, they’d have to shut it down if we visited because thousands of people would want to meet him.”That fame made life a little difficult. He wanted to be normal, but he couldn’t.”At times he was his own worst enemy. It was both difficult, but it was also a pleasure and an honour.”It was tough on Mike and it was tough on me – trying to wrap my arms around him and protect him.”The more money he got, the more difficult it got. And Mike had a very impulsive personality at that time.I always felt it was my job to protect him.”But sometimes you can’t protect people from themselves.””We could make plans, but the only thing that would count would be the next two minutes.”I had a lot thrust upon me. I was his closest friend, but at the same time I was his manager managing his fight career.”Sometimes it became difficult because the lines were blurred, and they started getting more blurred as we got older.”I always felt it was my job to protect him. But sometimes you can’t protect people from themselves.”Wherever Tyson went, huge crowds followed him, especially in HarlemHolloway revealed it was almost impossible planning Tyson’s training campsCredit: Courtesy of Rory HollowayTyson and promoter Don King celebrate Holloway’s wedding dayCredit: Courtesy of Rory HollowayHolloway remembered a moment that summed up Tyson’s behaviours.He continued: “We were preparing for a fight, and usually about 14 weeks before the fight I would set up the camp.”I had people who did that for me, so I’d told them once we were setting up in Flagstaff, Arizona.”These guys had 18-wheeler trucks. They brought all Mike’s equipment – all his rings, TV’s, and we’d rent out a whole hotel. They would give us the kitchen and I’d bring our private chefs.”Before Mike went out there he asked me if everything was set up.”He trained one or two days, then all of a sudden he was bored and told me, ‘I don’t wanna train here.’ I said to him, ‘What do you mean you don’t want to train here? We brought out almost a million dollars worth of equipment and we rented out a whole hotel!'”I’d tried my best to make it to his liking, even going overboard. But he didn’t want to train.”I thought to myself, we’ll give it a couple of days, he would settle down.”But I woke up the next morning and he was gone!””Next I know, Mike is in Vegas! He called me and I asked, ‘What you doing in Vegas?’Tyson’s impulsive nature made him difficult to manage said HollowayOnce Holloway got Tyson into the ring, he knew his job was done”And he said, ‘Bring all the stuff here! I want to train here’. So we had to bring all the equipment to Las Vegas, it cost us a fortune. We got to Vegas and after a few days there he said to me, ‘I don’t wanna train here, I want to go to Ohio!'”Holloway added: “It was crazy. But when he put his mind to something, you had to accommodate him.”Once I got him in the ring and saw him touch gloves with an opponent, it was like a weight had lifted off my shoulders.”I didn’t even care about the fight, I was just happy to have got him where I needed to get him.”In 1986, Mike created history at the Las Vegas Hilton when he knocked out Trevor Berbick in the second round of the WBC heavyweight title contestHolloway was there for the moment that would change both their lives.At the time he was working at a juvenile detention centre, and was in Sin City to support his friend.By the end of the night, Holloway would become part of Team Tyson.”That’s probably one of the most memorable times in my life,” Holloway said. “It was a historical fight, he becomes the youngest ever heavyweight champion, and I then met him in the hotel lobby.Tyson floored Trevor Berbick to become the youngest ever heavyweight championOn that night, Tyson made Holloway his manager”I told Mike I had to go to Albany because if I didn’t go back I wouldn’t have a job.”Mike held the belts up to me and said, ‘We used to eat baloney together, now we’re going to eat steak. Tell them you quit.”Working alongside Tyson during his hey day was legendary promoter Don King.King and Tyson would fall out over the belief King had stolen money from him.A legal battle which dragged Holloway’s name into the mud ensued, with Tyson eventually getting a $14million payment.Holloway insisted he has nothing but respect for King, who helped them all achieve a privileged position.”I never had a problem with Don,” Holloway divulged.Tyson stands with Holloway, left, John Horn, right, and promoter Don KingWithout Don King, Tyson wouldn’t have made a $500m fortune claimed Hollowayread more sport features”In the sport of boxing, I gathered as much information that I could from him from his experience.”He gave me business acumen, and he understood my position as Mike’s best friend.”Don had an influence on Mike to a certain extent. But Mike really relied on me to deal with Don, as the middle man. There were scrapes, little small issues, but he never really had a problem with Don.”Most of the issues were due to Mike, in my opinion. A lot of people try and say different things, but the fact of the matter for us was that promoter brought us almost $500million. That’s the bottom line.”He allowed us to change trajectory on how much fighters got paid. We revolutionised that and it wouldn’t have happened without Don. “Don was able to leverage the whole Mike Tyson brand. I know what he meant to us.”In 1992, Tyson was convicted of rape and sentenced to six years in an Indiana prison.He would serve three, before being released on parole. Holloway visited him every month to check on his friend.Tyson arrives in court in 1992 to face charges of rapeTyson was released after three years on parole”Mike was always in a very sombre mood (in prison)”, Holloway recalled.”I would drive from New York to Indiana every first week of the month and I would sit down with him for a few hours and talk.”We never discussed anything passed prison. We never discussed what he was going to do when he got out.”It made me come to the conclusion he wasn’t going to box again. He lost so much weight and he didn’t look like Mike Tyson. He must have weighed about 180 pounds.”His eating habits were different. We’d talk about life, our family, where we started and came from, going down memory lane.”Four months before he got out, I found out that he really wanted to fight.”Mike and I came from abject poverty.”All of a sudden you get all this wealth and it’s like a tap, you don’t see it cutting off soon.”When Tyson got out, a huge fortune awaited him. Although, he was already spending up to £50,000 on piece on his new fascination, Tigers.”I don’t know how he came up with this fascination for tigers,” Holloway laughed.”Next thing you know, we had tigers in the house, a leopard… next minute, he was asking about getting a giraffe and a hippo.”We were at the house and tigers were walking around like pets and laying in the garage.Mike Tyson loved owning exotic pets when he was at the top of the fight gameHolloway recalled tigers walking around his home like domestic pets”At one point he talked about buying the house next door, tearing it down and building a big moat with palm trees so the tigers could feel at home.”The background we came from, we never had anything growing up.”Mike and I came from abject poverty. All of a sudden you get all this wealth and it’s like a tap, you don’t see it cutting off soon. Every couple of months, he’s fighting and he’s getting $30million or $40million.”Holloway and Tyson went their separate ways in 1997, which still hurts Holloway today.”Nothing ever happened. It was one of those situations where we just grew apart,” he said.People see you doing good and they want to be in your position.”I was a target, I had that on my head.””When it happened, I think people made a bigger deal out of it than there was. Mike and I never had an argument. It’s just something that happened.”He and I will always have a connection, he’s the godfather to my kids, and I will always support him up close or from afar.”The rumour mill took a toll on me. People saying I allowed people to take advantage of Mike and take his money, that was tough.”Mike would know I would never let that happen intentionally.”Outsiders came in and drew a wedge between us, they had an objective.”People see you doing good and they want to be in your position. I was a target, I had that on my head.READ MORE SUN STORIES”When we went our separate ways, there wasn’t any beef and that never gave me closure. Life has to go on. But that’s something that always lingers inside of me, in my heart.”I had nothing but good times with Mike. He afforded me and my family things that I may never have had, and the journey was amazing.”Holloway and Tyson went their separate ways in 1997Credit: Courtesy of Rory HollowayHolloway admitted he misses his friend, TysonCredit: Courtesy of Rory Holloway More

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      Mike Tyson was once hit with $1,000 bill after pigeons POOED all over luxury hotel room and lost cars worth over $1m

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      MIKE TYSON’S weird and wonderful life included losing $1MILLION worth of cars to being billed a grand after his pigeons POOED all over a hotel room.Tyson is believed to have earned over $300m (£230m) during his superstar heyday – but he somehow blew through it all. Mike Tyson spent fortunes on cars and didn’t even know where they wereCredit: PA:Press AssociationTyson with his second wife Monica Turner on a motorcycleCredit: ReutersThe boxing legend loved birdsCredit: Getty Images – GettyLegendary boxing manager Shelly Finkel – who first met Tyson when the boxer was a teenager – was there to witness the extraordinary spending. Finkel was Tyson’s manager during the late 1990s up until Iron Mike retired in 2005 – just two years after filing for bankruptcy. Tyson admitted to having an unhealthy spending habit during his volatile prime – splashing the cash for those around him. Finkel told SunSport: “Of course we had discussions about it.READ MORE IN BOXING”But he’s one of the few people who I’ve ever met who I really don’t believe that the money matters except for the moment to get him the satisfaction he wants.”Whether it be clothing, buying a car for a girl. It’s not like, ‘Hey, I gotta be wealthy.’ It was just the satisfaction at that moment.”Finkel recalls wild jewellery sprees in Manchester and shopping malls in Denmark having to be CLOSED just for Tyson.He said: “I remember, he’d spend $100,000 in one visit. I saw cars he had that were over $1million. Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When I took him over I had to do all kinds of searches, he didn’t even know where some of his cars or motorcycles were!”Tyson threw the towel in on his career in 2005 after quitting on his stool against Kevin McBride – who also worked as a tree surgeon. ‘Can you imagine Jake Paul’s face,’ says Mike Tyson trainer as he breaks boxing pad with brutal power in training video A year before that, Britain’s Danny Williams upset boxing’s youngest heavyweight champion of all time with a fourth-round knockout. But what Finkel remembers most about that bout in Louisville was being hit with a hefty hotel bill after Tyson’s pigeons pooed all over the room. He said: “There was always something. In Kentucky, he had flown in special racing pigeons from Europe, couple of $1,000 pigeons.”They come in, we’re at this hotel and he says to me, ‘What are we gonna do with the pigeons now?'”I said, ‘What do you mean? You’re the one who brought them here!’ I said, ‘Keep them in your room’. He said, ‘I can’t do they’ll fly over the road.'”I said, ‘Let’s rent a room for them.’ We rented the room and going to sleep, they s*** on everything. On the bed, everywhere.”A couple of weeks later, I get a bill for $1,000 from the hotel and I call them and say, ‘What is this for?’ They said, ‘Did you see that room? It was for cleaning it!'”Again, crazy, fun things but always something.”Tyson blew through his fortune during his primeCredit: GettyIron Mike bought and lost several carsCredit: London Features InternationalShelly Finkel formerly managed TysonCredit: AP:Associated PressJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTFinkel remains in touch with Tyson, 58, and his team, including third wife Lakiha Spicer ahead of his controversial boxing comeback.The two-time champ – who did face Roy Jones Jr in a 2020 exhibition – takes on 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on Friday in Texas. It will be a professionally-sanctioned bout competed over eight two-minute rounds – opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves. It comes almost two decades after Finkel watched Tyson’s career come crashing to an end in a bout which was lost way before the first bell. He said: “Before his fight, he said, ‘I just don’t have the desire.’ “I said, ‘Well, you trained already and should be able to beat this guy anyway’. And he didn’t. And he said, ‘That’s it.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”But now he’s 58 and he’s stepping into the ring with someone, that at any other time earlier, would have been something easy.”It may not be easy anymore.” Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: RexCounting down to Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson…READ MORE on all the build-up to the massive clash in Texas on Netflix…All the info:Latest news and features: More

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      The soft side of the ‘Baddest man on the planet’ – Inside Mike Tyson’s hidden story as doting dad and benefactor

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      MIKE TYSON has a fearsome reputation as one of boxing’s bad boys – but not everything is as it seems. The Baddest Man on the Planet is in final preparations ahead of a stunning return to the ring later this month. Mike Tyson is known for his hell-raising antics – but there’s a softer side to the boxing greatCredit: GettyTyson has seven children and in recent years has attended the Kids’ Choice Awards with daughter MilanCredit: GettyThe 58-year-old was known as the Baddest Man on the Planet during his careerCredit: GettyTyson will go toe-to-toe with YouTuber Jake Paul in a dust-up broadcast live to the world on Netflix. It will be the 58-year-old’s first pro fight in almost two decades since hanging up his gloves in 2006. Throughout his career, Iron Mike has built up a fearsome reputation as one of boxing’s greatest hell-raisers.He memorably bit Evander Holyfield’s ear off during their 1997 bout and was responsible for 44 opponents ending up on the canvas. READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONBut behind the bluster, there is a softer side to one of the world’s greatest-ever heavyweights.After years of chaos, Tyson has finally settled down after his third marriage with soulmate Lakiha Spicer.He is a doting dad and has mellowed in his later years, even accompanying daughter Milan to the Kids’ Choice Awards in 2018.Tyson has six kids with four different women named Mikey, 34, Rayna, 28, Amir, 27, Miguel, 22, Milan, 16, and Morocco, 13.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTyson last returned to the ring in 2020, fighting Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition bout. He revealed his children had told him to “sit his old a** down”, but ultimately ignored them and went ahead with the fight. ‘Is it fixed?’ Mike Tyson’s ex-trainer has serious questions about the Jake Paul fightHe laughed: “My kids think I should sit my old a** down, but what do they know?”I’m very confident. They don’t know how to fight, none of my kids can beat me in a fight, so what are they talking about?”Despite being offered staggering sums to come out of retirement, the 58-year-old gave the majority of his £7.8million earnings to charity.Away from the ring, he has also set up the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation to help “give kids a fighting chance.”The foundation aims to help the homeless, build educational programs, and fight social injustice.Mike Tyson and wife Lakiha SpicerCredit: GettyTyson last came out of retirement in 2020 to face Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibitionCredit: GettyJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTTyson explains: “I am a product of poverty, so I identify with the struggles that plague communities that feel hopeless and despair. “I want my foundation to support community-based programs and turn hopelessness into hope.”Iron Mike’s charity work also stretches beyond his own Foundation.He helped create We 2 Matter in 2021, an organization aimed at helping female prisoners rejoin society.And on a recent episode of his podcast Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, magician and musician Criss Angel revealed another selfless act from the boxing legend. Tyson was branded a “wonderful human being” by Angel, who revealed Iron Mike had given thousands in donations to his cancer charity.Angel said: “You have donated so much money to pediatric cancer, to my foundation and I just want to say as a friend and as a person with the kid that went through it, thank you so much.”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. Prior to his remarkable career, Tyson’s first love was his beloved pigeons.The New York native has kept the birds since he was a child, revealing he threw his very first punch after a bully killed one of his pets.Tyson explained: “The guy ripped the head off my pigeon. This was the first thing I ever loved in my life, the pigeon. That was the first time I threw a punch.”I have loved pigeons since I was nine. They were my escape.”I was fat and ugly. Kids teased me all the time. The only joy I had was pigeons.”Paul attempted to break bread with Mike ahead of their bout on November 15.He bought a pigeon for Tyson as a bizarre pre-fight gift – only for it to backfire in style.Mike Tyson’s most controversial moment was biting Evander Holyfield in 1997Credit: AFPThe former world heavyweight champion has a love for pigeonsCredit: GettyJake 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.Despite his charitable work, Tyson declares he is not a “nice person”, but does do “kind things.”He recently admitted: “There’s nothing nice about me. I’m not a nice person.”No, I’m a decent person, I try to do the right thing but a nice person I am not.”So anybody that has an auspice that I’m a nice person, they’re gonna be disappointed.”I’m just not a nice person. I don’t make people happy for no reason. I’m just who I am. I’m not trying to gain friends.”Basically what I’m saying, I don’t wanna make friends with you. I don’t care if you don’t put me on your boat or you let your yacht, I don’t give a f***.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not gonna ever be nice to nobody. I’ll be kind but never nice.”You can watch Tyson’s showdown with Paul live on Netflix on November 15. More

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      ‘You don’t know who I am’, says ex-world champ Tony Bellew after being escorted out of Jake Paul press conference

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      TONY BELLEW gatecrashed Jake Paul and Mike Tyson’s press conference – before being embarrassingly booted out. YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul brings heavyweight great Tyson back to the ring after TWO DECADES out on Friday in Texas.Tony Bellew gatecrashed Jake Paul’s press conferenceBut he was kicked out by securityThe showdown has come under heavy scrutiny amid the 31-year age gap with ex-cruiserweight champion Bellew among those outraged. But he cashed in on the controversy himself by anchoring a painfully unfunny stunt for bookmakers Paddy Power.Bellew introduced what he called a great grandfather as a potential next opponent for 27-year-old Paul. The retired boxer – maybe best known for his endless TV stints nowadays – was then escorted out by security. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut footage captured by SunSport shows the jumped up hardman taking exception with the security guards doing their job. At one point, Bellew says: “You don’t know who I am. Don’t put your hands on me.” Bellew, 41, retired in 2018 after a crushing loss to Oleksandr Usyk, 37, after a glittering world title-winning career. JAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has since moved into punditry for DAZN while starring on TV shows like I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!Most read in BoxingEven press conference host Ariel Helwani was shocked at Bellew’s appearance at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving. He said: “Is that Tony Bellew? That looks like Tony Bellew. Is that Tony Bellew?” Tyson returns for the first time as a professional since 2005 when he quit on his stool and threw the towel in on his career.He did have a 2020 exhibition bout with fellow great Roy Jones Jr – but this time he is back for real.Tyson, 58, takes on Paul, 27, over eight two-minute rounds – opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves on instead of 10oz.Mike Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Did you hear what I said?’ – Mike Tyson lashes out at reporter in Jake Paul press conference… leaving fans petrified

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      MIKE TYSON terrifyingly lashed out at a question in his press conference with Jake Paul. The heavyweight great makes his return after TWO DECADES out the ring to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul on Friday in Texas. Mike Tyson lashed out at a question in his press conference with Jake PaulTyson, 58, is the betting underdog but even with the oddsmakers against him the American icon puts his reputation on the line. And he refused to entertain the the tiniest notion of losing to The Problem Child Paul. He said: “I’m not going to lose.” Probed on an unthinkable defeat further, Tyson snapped back: “I am not going to lose. Did you hear what I said?” READ MORE IN BOXINGThe frosty exchange left fans at home petrified, as one said: “Mike not playing!”Another added: “Seeing the old Mike come out… this is what we all want to see Friday night. The beast tearing it up.”Tyson returns for the first time as a professional since 2005 when he quit on his stool and threw the towel in on his career. He did have a 2020 exhibition bout with fellow great Roy Jones Jr – but this time he is back for real.Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTyson, 58, takes on Paul, 27, over eight two-minute rounds – opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves on instead of 10oz. The reformed Baddest Man on The Planet said little on stage just two days before fight night. And Paul hit out: “He says he’s going to kill me. Is that what you’re going to do, Mike? Because I’m ready, I want that killer. “I want the hardest match possible Friday night and I don’t want there to be any excuses from everyone at home when I knock him out.” Tyson, barely moving a muscle, responded: “I’m just ready. That’s all I can say. I’m just ready.” Mike Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul wears diamond EAR cover ahead of Mike Tyson fight and puts his £30MILLION purse on line for huge bet

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      JAKE PAUL is protecting his ear with diamonds ahead of fighting Mike Tyson – after putting his money where his mouth is. The YouTuber-turned-boxer brings heavyweight great Tyson back to the ring after TWO DECADES away for a controversial clash on Friday in Texas. Jake Paul shows off his diamond ear protectorCredit: APKatie Taylor dared Jake Paul to beat his purse, worth £30mCredit: GettyIt comes 27 years on from Iron Mike’s infamous Bite Fight when he sunk his teeth into Evander Holyfield’s ear to get disgracefully disqualified. But despite Tyson settling down as the reformed Baddest Man on The Planet nowadays, Paul is taking no chances. Showing off his diamond ear protector, he said: “I’m not getting my s*** bite off on Friday night. “So I got my diamond spiked ear covers right there.” READ MORE IN BOXINGTyson returns for the first time as a professional since 2005 when he quit on his stool and threw the towel in on his career. He did have a 2020 exhibition bout with fellow great Roy Jones Jr but this time he is back for real. Tyson, 58, is due to take on Paul, 27, over eight two-minute rounds – opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves on instead of 10oz. And the majority of the 12 stars on the undercard backed Iron Mike to shake off the rust and beat the younger man. Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSo Paul retaliated and put three $1MILLION bets on with Bruce Carrington, Neeraj Goyat and Armando Casamonica. Katie Taylor – who rematches Amanda Serrano on the in the chief support – also told Paul to put up his purse – worth $40m (£30m). Paul said: “Yeah, let’s best the purse. Deal. And I’m sending out contracts, too.”Former world champion Tony Bellew escorted out after gatecashing Jake Paul’s press conference More

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      What do Jake Paul’s tattoos mean?

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      JAKE Paul is the founder of his own clothing brand and has become somewhat of a fashion icon to his millions of followers.The Problem Child faces the biggest fight of his life when he takes on Mike Tyson on November 15, 2024 — here we take a look at his tats and the meanings behind them.Jake Paul has an impressive collection of tattoosCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe American boxer and social media influencer is known for his numerous tattoos, each with its own unique story and significance. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Jake Paul’s ink and the meanings behind each piece…Where are Jake Paul’s tattoos and what do they mean?”Venture”Jake’s journey into the world of body art began with a discreet tat that allowed him to keep it hidden — the word “Venture” inked on the inner side of his bottom lip.This placement was strategically chosen to conceal it from his parents, marking the beginning of his tattoo collection.read more on jake paulJake Paul vs Mike Tyson predictions and betting tipsOn his YouTube video titled Jake Paul: Tattoo Tour, he explained: “My first tattoo was actually on my lip on the inside and I didn’t want my parents to know or like see it.”My parents didn’t know about the lip tattoo, but they were at my surprise 21st birthday party, which had tattoo artists at it and everyone got drunk as f*** — and I started getting a tattoo on my hip.”Head tattooBehind The Problem Child’s left ear there’s some ink depicting a tiger surrounded by butterflies.Most read in BoxingWhile he hasn’t gone into detail about what it signifies or why he got it done, he has mentioned that it’s his most prominent tat.Jake said: “The tattoo that most people notice is my head tattoo on the side the tiger and the butterflies.”Jake Paul put to SLEEP as he has 11 pain-free tattoos with fans left asking ‘how do you get an appointment’Back SwordOne of Jake Paul’s most prominent tattoos is a long black sword on his back, accompanied by the words “To Live Ex Die”.He told Romeo Lacoste it represents the proverb, ‘You live and die by the sword’.Jake added: “It’s true like you know, sometimes the best things in your life are the ones that are free… yeah what?”“Sometimes some of the things are like the same things that hurt you. Does that make sense?”Custom designJake has a tattoo on his ribcage he designed himself, which took an astonishing 22 hours to complete.He said: “The tattoo that took the longest to complete is my ribs right here.”It’s a giant piece, my boy I drew it did it, 22 hours of sheer pain and misery, and I was limping around for like two weeks afterwards.”AngelJake sports an angel design on his right calf. While he hasn’t explicitly opened up on its meaning, it may well symbolise protection or guidance in his life and career.The Problem Child simply stated: “On my right calf I have an angel, it’s one of my bigger tattoos.”Jake’s angel designCredit: Instagram”PAUL”Jake has last name tattooed his last name tattooed across his chest.This prominent placement of his family name demonstrates pride in his identity and lineage.OctopusAn octopus design adorns Jake’s chest and abdomen area.While the man himself hasn’t shed any light on this one, tattoos of octopuses often symbolise intelligence, adaptability and the ability to navigate complex situations.All of these traits are valuable assets in both boxing and the entertainment industry.Skeleton WarriorOn his left thigh, Jake has a large tattoo of a skeleton warrior in armour.While he hasn’t given any meanings behind this piece, it could well represent strength and resilience.”RNBO”The letters “RNBO” are inked on Jake’s body, which he explained stands for his clothing brand.He said: “The letters ‘RNBO’ are inked on my body, which stands for my clothing brand Rise n’ Be Original.”This tattoo serves as a permanent advertisement for his business venture and a reminder of his entrepreneurial spirit.’RNBO’ stands for his clothing brand Rise n’ Be OriginalCredit: AFPButterflyBelow the skeleton warrior on his left thigh, there’s a huge butterfly tattoo.Butterflies often symbolise transformation, change, and personal growth.These themes align with Jake’s evolving career, from social media influencer to professional boxer.Tiger faceA tiger face extends from his left shin down to his foot.Tigers are often associated with strength, courage and ferocity — qualities a boxer should hope to embody.That said, Jake hasn’t revealed the explanation behind this one.”BAYOU BOYS”Some of his tattoos commemorate specific moments or people in his life.On his wrist, Jake has a small tattoo of the words “BAYOU BOYS”.I would get a lot of areas tattooed, but probably just not my like uh private areasJake PaulYouTubeJake describes as one of his most nostalgic — it’s dedicated to his friendship with someone named Jasper and serves as a reminder of their happy times together.He said: “The tattoo that brings back the best memories is my byou boys tattoo, which is me and my best friend Jasper and it’s kind of like this inside joke.””1:59″One of Jake’s most emotionally significant tattoos is a memorial to his late bodyguard Shadow.It shows the time of his knockout victory over Ben Askren — one minute and 59 seconds — as per Shadow’s request before his passing. It serves as a touching tribute and a permanent connection to someone who was important in Jake’s life.He said: “The tattoo that’s the most meaningful to me is on the front here for my bodyguard Shadow who passed away.”Gotcha hatJake got this tat at an airport after pranking Floyd Mayweather by taking his hat.The impulsive tattoo demonstrates his spontaneous nature and his pleasure in commemorating even fleeting moments in his life.He said: “I would say my most random tattoo is the ‘Gotcha Hat’ Tattoo that I got in the airport after I took Floyd’s hat.”The Problem Child’s tattoos are more than just decorative body art. They form a visual autobiography, marking significant events, relationships and personal growth.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis collection of body art is likely to grow, but he has said there’s one place he won’t get inked.Jake said: “I would get a lot of areas tattooed, but probably just not my like uh private areas.” More

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      Who is Mario Barrios’ girlfriend Omayra Liliane Figueroa? Sister of WBC World Featherweight champ Brandon Figueroa

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      OMAYRA Liliane Figueroa is a fitness trainer, influencer and entrepreneur with close ties to a number of boxers — her boyfriend and brothers are pro pugilists.She’ll be cheering her man Mario Barrios on when he faces Abel Ramos on the Jake Paul v Mike Tyson undercard — here we take a look at the social media personality’s life, career, achievements and relationship.Omayra Liliane Figueroa is a fitness trainer, influencer and entrepreneurCredit: instagram @omayralilianeCounting down to Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson…READ MORE on all the build-up to the massive clash in Texas on Netflix…All the info:Latest news and features: Who is Omayra Liliane Figueroa?Omayra Liliane Figueroa is a multifaceted personality in the worlds of social media and boxing.She is known for her close associations with prominent fighters.Beyond her connections with fighters, Omayra has carved out her own niche in the fitness and wellness industries.As an influencer, she has amassed a significant following on Instagram, with almost 45,000 followers as of November 13, 2024.read more on influencersJake Paul vs Mike Tyson predictions and betting tipsHer bio reads: “Fitness Trainer. Forever Gyming. Latina&Proud. MBA. Nutritionist. Nature lover. God above all.”Another pic she posted is captioned with: “I will never try to fit in. I will never try to be like anyone else. I love being different. I love being unique in my own way.”I will always be proud of who I am, what I stand for and where I come from. Will always remain grounded and grateful for even the air that I breathe.”Most read in BoxingShe also owns a gym and works as a trainer, looking after elite athletes including her professional boxer brothers and other sportspeople.As if that’s not enough of an impressive CV, Omayra is also an entrepreneur who owns a juice bar, showcasing her interest in nutrition.Countdown Jake Paul vs Mike TysonFamily background and boxing connectionsOmayra comes from a well-established boxing family.Her father is Omar Figueroa Sr, a veteran boxer and coach.She has two brothers who are professional pugilists — Omar Figueroa Jr, a former WBC lightweight champion, and Brandon Figueroa, the current WBC featherweight champion.Despite her own rising profile, Omayra remains a steadfast supporter of her brothers’ boxing careers, frequently attending their fights.She is also in a relationship with boxer Mario Barrios.I will never try to fit in. I will never try to be like anyone else. I love being different. I love being unique in my own way.Omayra Liliane FigueroaInstagramRelationship with Mario BarriosOmayra is in a relationship with Mario Barrios, the 28-year-old WBC welterweight champion.When they started dating and how they got together hasn’t been publicly revealed.On April 2, 2024, the couple announced they were expecting a baby girl on social media.Expressing her excitement on Instagram, Omayra posted: “To my bby daddy @boxer_barrios haha thank you for all that you do for us and for being the man that you are.”I have no doubt you’re going to be a great father to our bby girl.”She’s going to have some wild ass parents but I know both of us will do the best that we can to give her a great adventurous life.”Omayra is in a relationship with WBC welterweight champ Mario BarriosCredit: GettyOn August 19, 2024, Omayra gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Luna Sofia Barrios.The couple shared the news on their social media accounts, posting pictures of their newborn daughter and expressing their joy and gratitude.Omayra wrote: “Baby girl you’ve been such a blessing “8.19.24 was the day my super blue moon baby was born. Way before her due day but on a day with a lot of meaning “I’m so obsessed with her and in love with being her mommy. Thank you for choosing us as your parents and being so perfect.”Can’t wait to teach you so many things and continue to watch you grow.”Omayra and Mario have welcomed their first childCredit: instagram @omayralilianePacquiao v Thurman weigh-in incidentShe gained widespread attention in July 2019 during a weigh-in event for her brother Omar Figueroa Jr v Yordenis Ugas.Her presence unexpectedly became the main attraction.Media coverage, including that of the Mayweather channel, focused heavily on her outfit, even zooming in on her and excluding the fighters from view.Omayra addressed the incident in a video she made a few days later, stating: “I didn’t do it on purpose. It was nothing planned. I didn’t even do anything on stage…”I know a lot of people started judging me, because I’m a female and I’m in the boxing scene, I train my brother…”She added: “And the outfit, it’s not a jumpsuit, by the way. It’s leggings and a crop top from Gym Shark, which is a fitness apparel brand…”I did not wear that on purpose, I was in there all week for my brother and I literally packed just gym clothes.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t know if it is because I’m a female and it is boxing scene and it’s usually surrounded by men.”So, I don’t know if that was shocking to people or if it was just that I am Omar’s sister, or just I was on stage, or who is she?” More