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      Ngannou’s next fight after Joshua confirmed with huge purses revealed as classy star negotiates more money for OPPONENT

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU’S return to MMA has been CONFIRMED – and he has personally made sure his next opponent receives a huge payday. Ngannou put his cage career on hold last year to make a switch to boxing, where he has bagged himself back to back blockbusters.
      Francis Ngannou’s MMA return has been confirmedCredit: AFP

      But amid his ugly UFC exit, the heavyweight superstar instead struck a deal with the Professional Fighters League.
      The PFL gave Ngannou the green light to pursue his boxing ambitions while scouting for the right name to welcome him back to MMA.
      And now they have announced the winner between Saturday night’s bout between Renan Ferreira and Ryan Bader will end the search.
      Ngannou made his boxing debut in October against Tyson Fury, 35, scoring a stunning knockdown only to lose a controversial split-decision.

      But still he fights Anthony Joshua, 34, next on March 8 back in Saudi Arabia with his boxing earnings set to reach around £20MILLION.
      Ngannou is in Riyadh training for the bout and will be cageside to watch Ferreira, 34, and Bader, 40, headline the PFL vs Bellator event.
      And thanks to the Cameroonian, not only will the winner earn bragging rights and a belt but also a future $2m (£1.5m) purse.
      That is because when Ngannou entered talks with the PFL, he demanded his opponent be financially rewarded.
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      PFL founder Donn Davis told SunSport: “The actual story is, Francis said, ‘I want my opponent taken care of. Too many people don’t think about their opponent.’
      “And we said great, we’ll guarantee your opponent $1million.’ And Francis said, ‘I appreciate that but how about $2m?’
      EXCLUSIVE: Ngannou wants Brit Hollywood star to play him in movie about crazy journey from sand mines to fighting Fury and Joshua
      “And we said, ‘Okay!’ It was Francis’ idea and Francis negotiated us up to $2m which we quickly and gladly agreed to.”
      Ngannou, 37, was offered $10m (£8m) to stay with the UFC for a super-fight with Jon Jones, 36.
      And Davis confirmed he matched that deal but also provided him with the chance to box at the same time and launch PFL Africa.
      He said: “Without ever breaching confidence of his deal, we’ve been public that his deal with the PFL is the exact economic deal that the UFC offered him.
      “What he wanted – and what the UFC would not give him – is the ability and flexibility to box – and to be a business leader and launch PFL Africa.
      “So he wanted two things what the UFC wouldn’t do and those two things are changing his life; the flexibility to box an the ability to be a true business owner as chairman of PFL Africa.
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      “But the economic terms of when he boxes and the financial terms are the same with the PFL as they were with the UFC.
      “And I think that’s why you’re seeing more and more fighters coming our way.”
      Anthony Joshua and Ngannou ahead of their March 8 fightCredit: PA
      The winner between Renan Ferreira and Ryan Bader will welcome Ngannou back to MMA More

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      Francis Ngannou challenges rivals Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to prove they have the ‘balls’ to fight him in MMA

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has challenged Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to have the “balls” to fight him in MMA. The ex-UFC champion put his cage career on hold last year to make a stunning switch to boxing.
      Anthony Joshua facing off with Francis NgannouCredit: Alamy
      Ngannou made his boxing debut against Tyson FuryCredit: Reuters
      And in his first bout, he astonishingly floored Fury only to fall victim to a controversial points loss in Saudi Arabia.
      But the disputed decision did not stop AJ coming to the table to agree another crossover clash for Ngannou, set for March 8 in Riyadh.
      It will be the second time the MMA superstar has stepped out of his favoured discipline – something he doubts Joshua or Fury would ever have the cojones to do.
      He told SunSport in Saudi: “Well, first of all you need to find a person with the balls to leave their backyard and come to somebody else’s backyard. 
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      “It is not that easy. It is not a comfort zone when you step into someone else’s backyard.
      “You have to accommodate yourself into everything and it is very tough. And I am saying that from experience! It is very challenging.”
      Ngannou, 37, had boxing royalty in his corner for his fight with Fury, 35, having been coached by Iron Mike Tyson.
      But the Cameroonian powerhouse admitted contact with his childhood hero has been limited heading into his fight with Joshua.
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      He said: “Honestly, no. We haven’t really spoken, we haven’t really spoken about that.” 
      Ngannou idolised Tyson growing up and wanted to be boxing champ just like his favourite fighter when he started training at 22.
      Francis Ngannou’s coach FEARS for Anthony Joshua’s health after fight with ‘ungodly’ ex-UFC champ
      So even for Ngannou – who battled poverty and took over a year to emigrate Africa – having Tyson on the team was surreal.
      He said: “It’s amazing.
      “You have to look at him and travel back and think back at where you where at some point in your life and how you were watching him. 
      “I think those are the moments that tells you that you’re making steps, you’re moving forwards. You’re not stuck in the same place.” 
      Mike Tyson pictured with NgannouCredit: AFP More

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      Inside the £365m new UK’s largest indoor arena backed by Harry Styles that could host boxing and UFC superfights

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      THIS is the £365million state-of-the-art Co-op Live arena in Manchester which is set to officially open on April 23.Based next to the Etihad Stadium it will become the UK’s largest indoor arena with an impressive capacity of 23,500, surpassing the 21,000 AO Arena also in Manchester.
      Co-op Live will open on April 23Credit: Oak View Group
      The UK’s largest indoor arena is set to become the home of boxing and UFCCredit: Coop Live
      The venue is a short stroll from the Etihad ArenaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      And it looks set to challenge London’s O2 for the country’s biggest boxing bouts.
      Co-op Live is funded by Oak View Group (OVG) and City Football Group (CFG), which owns Manchester City.
      This led to the complex being built on the Etihad Campus, just a stroll away from the City’s Etihad Stadium.
      And Manchester United fan pop star Harry Styles is also an investor with the arena to be a music-first venue.
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      Styles said: “I am incredibly proud to be partnering with OVG on their plans for Co-op Live.
      “Manchester is an incredible city, filled with incredible people and I couldn’t be happier being involved in this project. It very much feels like coming home…
      “I was drawn to this project on every level, from the opportunities it brings, to the contribution it will make to the city, and most importantly, that it will allow even more live music to thrive in Manchester.”
      Music will be the centre for Co-op Live, as with most of the UK’s top indoor arenas, and it is planned to host around 120 events per year, 100 of which are expected to be concerts.
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      But it will also host other events including sports and has ambitions to become home to boxing and UFC fight nights.
      Manchester Arena was the birthplace of Jake Paul’s boxing career after older brother Logan fought KSI.
      KSI’s manager Mams Taylor reveals terms for huge Jake Paul grudge fight
      The arena also hosted Mike Tyson’s first fight in the UK.
      And Michael Bisping defeated Dan Henderson for the middleweight title at UFC 204 in 2016.
      Her SunSport take a look inside the new Co-op Live.
      Low ceilings
      The venue will include 32 bars and restaurants plus 12 lounges.
      With a unique bowl design, it has the largest floor space of any indoor arena with a much lower ceiling than many venues – with tiered seating also included.
      Their website says: “Cutting edge visual technology, exceptional acoustics and innovative sound bowl design means the best show possible whether standing or seated.
      “In a space designed to welcome the biggest and most exciting global artists.”
      The venue will include 32 bars and restaurants plus 12 loungesCredit: Coop Live
      Co-op Live will primarily focus on hosting musicCredit: Coop Live
      Environmental friendly
      The arena will only use renewable electricity from the 10,500 solar panels on site.
      With no gas, the venue will be powered, heated and cooled with zero carbon emissions.
      It will produce no landfill waste and is also set to collect Manchester’s rainwater to flush its toilets and water its plants.
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      Co-op Live has been built using local suppliers, with a facade from Salford, steel from Bolton, and seats made in Britain.
      It has been confirmed that the venue is set to open on April 23 with a headline act by comedian Peter Kay.
      Co-op Live will be powered purely by renewable energyCredit: Coop Live More

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      Jake Paul’s MMA promoters confirm stunning two-fight offer to Tommy Fury for trilogy series worth over £15m

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      TOMMY FURY has been offered the chance to make a stunning switch to MMA as part of a two-fight deal with Jake Paul worth over £15MILLION.Fury became the first man to defeat YouTuber-turned boxer Paul in the ring after his split-decision win in Saudi Arabia last year.
      Jake Paul has offered Tommy Fury a two-fight deal in boxing and MMA worth £15mCredit: Getty
      Fury beat Paul last yearCredit: Getty
      A month before the grudge match, Paul signed a deal with the Professional Fighters League to debut in MMA.
      And Paul’s business partner teased Fury with an offer to rematch the American in boxing and then complete their trilogy in MMA.
      Now, PFL founder Donn Davis has exclusively confirmed to SunSport that a deal is in fact on the table and worth £15.7m.
      Davis said: “Yes, what Jake and Nakisa said is accurate.
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      “Tommy doing a back-to-back boxing and MMA – hardwired together where Tommy couldn’t back out of one or the other – is on the table.
      “The rumoured offers of $15-20m to Tommy – which is three times what he could earn for many other of his options – is accurate.
      “Is that the best option for Jake? I’ll leave that to Jake and Nakisa. They’re the best at picking opponents and managing that.
      “But that is accurate and that is a possibility.”
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      The offer would be spanned across the two sports, starting with a boxing rematch and culminating in what would be the rivals’ MMA debuts.
      Davis added: “That is a two-fight deal and the two fights are $15-20million together for Tommy Fury.”
      Jake Paul calls out Tommy Fury to complete epic trilogy including MMA fight in £16MILLION deal
      Fury, 24, went on to defeat Paul’s arch rival KSI, 30, last October but has not returned since having had hand surgery.
      Meanwhile Paul, 27, has bounced back with two wins since suffering defeat for the first time.
      He beat ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, on points then knocked out pro boxer Andre August, 35, in round one in December.
      Paul returns on March 2 on the undercard of Amanda Serrano’s Puerto Rico homecoming against 17-2 Ryan Bourland, 35.
      And the social media sensation has lofty ambitions of winning world titles and plans to continue facing seasoned boxers to build his way up.
      But talks for his MMA debut continue behind the scenes, with Fury and Diaz frontrunners for the fight as Paul ramps up his preparations.
      Davis said: “If Nate and Jake want to get together in MMA, that remains on the table.
      “Jake is training now down in the Dominican, he’s four months into it.
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      “What’s the right fight for him? What’s the right timing? We’ll respect that. But either one of those are great options.”
      Jake Paul is training for his MMA debut with the PFLCredit: Professional Fighters League More

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      Tyson Fury brutally told he only has a ‘puncher’s chance’ of beating Oleksandr Usyk by ex-world champion

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      TYSON FURY has been brutally told by Tony Bellew that he only has a “puncher’s chance” of beating Oleksandr Usyk. The pair of undefeated champions were set to meet in the heavyweight division’s first four belt undisputed title decider on February 17.
      Tyson Fury facing off with Oleksandr UsykCredit: EPA
      Tony Bellew was knocked out by Usyk in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      But Fury was forced to withdraw after suffering a horror cut in sparring that required over ten stitches.
      The bout has since been postponed to May 18 and the Gypsy King is due to be back in camp with his coach Sugarhill Steward.
      But Bellew – sent into retirement by Usyk in 2018 – believes Fury’s aggressive style under Steward could lead to his downfall.
      He told Matchroom Boxing: “I don’t think anybody beats Oleksandr Usyk. I don’t think anybody beats him. I said it many, many moons ago.
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      “The craziest part about it is I think when Fury was with his uncle [Peter], I do think he’d beat him, but his style changed, and now he’s an aggressive counter-puncher, and that isn’t going to work against Usyk.”
      Fury joined Sugarhill – nephew to legendary coach Emanuel – in 2020 before his rematch with Deontay Wilder.
      He went on to twice stop Wilder, while doing the same to Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora.
      In Fury’s last fight though, he was dropped by ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou but escaped with a controversial split-decision win.
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      It leaves Bellew backing Usyk to beat the Gypsy King, despite the Brit demonstrating more power in recent fights.
      He said: “I think now he has a puncher’s chance, but he isn’t a big puncher.
      “To be honest, I think he’s a brilliant fighter. Take nothing away from him, what he’s done for the heavyweight division is amazing, but I think Oleksandr Usyk is the best heavyweight in the world.”
      Tyson Fury’s promoter blasts ‘pathetic’ critics of Gypsy King and says experts ‘should know better’ More

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      Floyd Mayweather breaks down in tears over death of his long-time assistant who he says was the ‘sister I never had’

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER broke down in tears when emotionally discussing the death of his long-time assistant Marikit “Kitchie” Laurico.Kitchie worked with Mayweather for much of his 25-year unbeaten career and was one of his closest confidants.
      Floyd Mayweather broke down in tears when emotionally discussing the death of his assistant
      Marikit ‘Kitchie’ Laurico with MayweatherCredit: Instagram
      Mayweather called Kitchie ‘a sister’Credit: Instagram
      Kitchie sadly passed away in March 2023
      But she sadly passed away last March due to reportedly suffering health problems.
      Mayweather was left heartbroken following Kitchie’s passing and tearfully paid tribute to her on The Pivot Podcast.
      He said: “Kitchie was the only person in life that I could talk about anything to, that knew my deepest secrets.
      “There was no male or female in my life that I told more stuff to than her.
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      “She taught me a lot, she helped me a lot. Through rain, sleet, snow or hail, she had my back.”
      Mayweather revealed they had planned to celebrate Kitchie’s 50th birthday in Aruba and the most recent Super Bowl in Las Vegas.
      But she tragically passed away before they could fulfil their plans.
      Mayweather said she had been dealing with some health issues – but did not specify which – and had encouraged her to seek treatment just days before her death. 
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      He tearfully added: “We argue, we debate, we help each other. That’s a sister I never had. A best friend I ever had.”
      A statement posted to Kitchie’s Instagram account by her family last year revealed that she died on Friday, March 31.
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      It read: “On March 31, 2023, our brilliant star Kitchie abandoned the physical garment… the angels of Thy loving-kindness descended successively upon her and have ascended her to the spiritual world.
      “We thank all of you who have reciprocated genuine love and positive energy with her
      “We are grateful for your patience and honoring our privacy. Homegoing/ celebration of life arrangements for Kitchie are currently in progress, and updated information will be shared accordingly.” More

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      Boxing hero Glenn McCrory reveals he survived on a bag of rice a week when he hit rock bottom over false sex claims

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      BOXING hero Glenn McCrory has revealed he survived on a bag of rice a week when he hit rock bottom over false sex claims.The former world champ and Sky Sports pundit also faced homelessness when his battle to clear his name wiped out his life savings.
      Glenn McCrory has revealed he survived on a bag of rice a week when he hit rock bottom over false sex claimsCredit: Central News
      McCrory with his world champion belt in 1990Credit: Getty
      Three waitresses alleged he touched their arms in a sexual manner at a dinner before the Anthony Joshua v Oleksandr Usyk world heavyweight title bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September 2021.
      McCrory, 59, denied any sexual motive and insisted he was only trying to get their attention.
      He was cleared of all charges in just 90 minutes last September at Wood Green crown court, North London.
      And he has now teamed up with homeless charity CEO Sleepout to raise awareness of the plight facing record numbers in the UK.
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      Since 2010, rough sleeping has rocketed by 74 per cent and the charity stages annual sleepouts for business leaders to raise funds and awareness.
      This year’s fundraising drive is being kicked off with an event at Newcastle United’s stadium St James’ Park on March 21.
      Ex-cruiserweight Glenn, of Newcastle, said: “I know what it is like to hit rock bottom as I lost everything.
      “I was in the hands of the crisis team and my weight plummeted.
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      “Everything fell apart.
      “To not know what your future holds or where your next meal is coming from is absolutely terrifying.
      “People see those in the public eye and think they must have a great life, but anyone can have their world pulled from under them in a heartbeat – and I’m living proof.
      “You could lose your job, savings or family – or just become unwell – and the downward spiral starts.”
      Inside Jake and Logan Paul’s £3.2m two-story warehouse gym in Puerto Rico with boxing ring, weights and recovery zones
      Sleepout boss Bianca Robinson said: “Glenn’s story is heartbreaking but it is a stark reminder that everyone can be just a few steps away from being made homeless.”
      McCrory fighting Lennox Lewis at the Royal Albert HallCredit: PA
      The former world champion in action against Patrick Lumumba in 1989Credit: Getty More

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      Inside Jake Paul’s custom-made cage built in gym to train for MMA debut… as talks for Tommy Fury rematch take a twist

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      JAKE PAUL has had a custom-made cage built in his gym in preparation for his MMA debut – which could be against a familiar face. The YouTube star has an 8-1 boxing record since making his debut in 2020 and has lofty ambitions of winning the world title.
      Jake Paul has a custom-made MMA cage built in his gymCredit: Professional Fighters League
      Jake Paul is preparing for his MMA debutCredit: Professional Fighters League
      The YouTuber-turned-boxer is signed to the PFLCredit: Professional Fighters League
      Jake Paul has a custom-made cage in his £3m gymCredit: Professional Fighters League
      Jake Paul poses in the PFL shortsCredit: Professional Fighters League
      But last year he also signed to the Professional Fighters League – a rival to the UFC – where he is set to make his MMA debut.
      Paul has a £3MILLLION two-storey gym in his adopted home of Puerto Rico, where he trains for his big-money boxing fights.
      And in the upstairs section – next to where brother Logan films his popular Impaulsive podcast – Paul has a section dedicated to MMA.
      He has even built an exact replica of the PFL’s SmartCage as his preparations to cross over from the ring progress.
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      It even features branding on the posts and was recently lit up with lights for a photoshoot.
      PFL CEO Peter Murray told SunSport: “He’s determined, so when he makes his debut in MMA it’s going to be massive.
      “Opponents are lining up and we’re looking forward to, with Jake and Nakisa [Bidarian], announcing that very soon.”
      A month before Paul, 27, announced his deal with the PFL, he suffered the first boxing defeat of his career.
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      He lost a split-decision to Tommy Fury, 24, in Saudi Arabia but has bounced back with two wins since.
      Paul returns on March 2 against 17-2 boxer Ryan Bourland, 35, while Fury meanwhile beat another YouTuber-turned boxer in KSI, 30, last October.
      Jake Paul calls out Tommy Fury to complete epic trilogy including MMA fight in £16MILLION deal
      But talks for the celebrity boxing rivals to rematch remain ongoing.
      Paul’s business partner Bidarian recently talked up a deal worth £16m.
      It would see Fury rematch the American in boxing and then complete a trilogy in MMA.
      And Murray added: “All I can tell you is, we’ve got the bank, we’ve got the platform, we have the biggest stars.
      “We have athletes from MMA, athletes from boxing lining up, the best of the best, they want in.
      “So we’re taking our time, making our selections in putting that fight together and for all involved, for everybody who is worth their weight in gold they will definitely get paid and it will be massive for the sport.”
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      Asked if there had been any talks with Fury’s camp, Murray replied: “There have been some conversations.”
      Fury’s team declined to comment when approached.
      Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul on pointsCredit: Getty More