More stories

  • in

    ‘Get your money’ – Jake Paul astonishingly urged by ex-sparring partner to fight Oleksandr Usyk if he beats Tommy Fury

    JAKE PAUL has astonishingly been urged to challenge Oleksandr Usyk if he beats Tommy Fury. Paul on Sunday in Saudi Arabia is finally set to fight Fury, who has twice pulled out before amid injury and US visa issues. 
    Jake Paul been urged to challenge Oleksandr Usyk if he beats Tommy FuryCredit: Reuters
    Oleksandr Usyk in the current unified heavyweight championCredit: PA
    And it will be the YouTuber-turned prizefighter’s first opponent with a recognised professional boxing record. 
    The stakes have been raised even higher as the WBC announced the winner will receive a cruiserweight world ranking.
    And Paul’s ex-sparring partner Anthony Taylor believes it could be enough to spike the current unified heavyweight champion’s interest in a move back down. 
    Taylor, 33, told SunSport: “Jake and his team will go back and discuss what the next plan is. 
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “Once Jake does beat Tommy he will be ranked by the WBC. That puts you in contention for a possible belt. 
    “What would be a massive fight is Usyk, I wouldn’t mind seeing an Usyk versus Jake fight. That is massive money. 
    “At this point, it’s about money. I’d say Jake, go ahead and get your money, him against Usyk? Why not.”
    Paul has beaten ex-MMA champions in Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 40, and Anderson Silva, 47, in the past two years. 
    Most read in Boxing

    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

    🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    And Fury, 23, poses a step up as the first time he will face a seasoned boxer in his 6-0 career. 
    But Taylor argues regardless of the experience disparity, or his chances of winning, a fight between Paul, 26, and Usyk, 36, would bring in dollars and ultimately sense. 
    He said: “It’s not about if he can handle it, it’s about getting your money. The fact he’s sharing the ring with the guy, he’s a soon-to-be legend. That says enough. 
    “Usyk isn’t stepping in the ring with just anybody. If it happens, I’d watch the fight, why not? 
    “It would be a massive, massive fight. They’re both big guys, similar in size and I am not saying, ‘Jake’s going to knock out Usyk.’ 
    “I’m not saying that, I’m not even saying that Usyk would win, I’m just saying I would like to see that fight and I wouldn’t be surprised if Usyk called out Jake. 
    “We would all sit and watch the fight, I’m not saying who’s going to win, all I’m saying is I wouldn’t be shocked or surprised if Usyk came back to cruiserweight to fight Jake.”
    Jake Paul pictured with Anthony TaylorCredit: Instagram @anthony_prettyboy
    Jake Paul facing off with Tommy FuryCredit: Reuters
    Don’t miss the True Test on Sunday as Jake Paul takes on Tommy Fury, exclusively on talkSPORT for FREE. Download the app. More

  • in

    Jake Paul’s COACH BJ Flores called out by Hasim Rahman Jr for ‘personal’ grudge match on undercard of his fight with KSI

    HASIM RAHMAN JR has called on Jake Paul’s boxing coach BJ Flores to come out of retirement so he can settle their feud in the ring. Rahman is still fuming over his cancelled fight with Paul last August, which was axed with a week to go amid a row over the weight. 
    KSI pictured with Hasim Rahman Jr
    Jake Paul next to his trainer BJ FloresCredit: Matt May/SHOWTIME
    After the fallout, Flores took aim online at the heavyweight, who is now signed to KSI’s Misfits boxing banner. 
    YouTuber-turned boxer KSI, 29, is in line for a massive grudge match against Paul, 26, at the end of the year, with rumours of an all-professional card. 
    Rahman, 31, wants a spot on the show and named Flores, 44, as the perfect man to face. 
    He told SunSport: “If it’s all pros tell Jake to put his bitch ass trainer in there and I’ll fight BJ Flores. 
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “I’ve been kicking BJ’s ass since I was 17 or 18-years-old. Then he’s got the nerve to come out and talk sideways about me. 
    “I’ve been dropping BJ in the gym since my early 20s, go ask Mike McCallum.” 
    Flores, a former cruiserweight world title challenger, used to regularly spar Rahman in Las Vegas. 
    And after he transitioned to coaching Paul in 2019, he remained on good terms with the son of heavyweight legend Hasim Sr. 
    Most read in Boxing
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Rahman was even used by Flores in sparring for Paul, two years before they signed to fight each other. 
    But after their scheduled pay-per-view bout collapsed at the 11th hour, the two sides have feuded ever since. 
    Rahman said: “I was flabbergasted that he would come out his neck about me when I’ve been beating him up.
    “He’s been calling me for sparring for years, he has always given me praise after we spar and then he comes out and says I’m not a ‘real boxer.’
    “So you’re calling people who are not ‘real boxers’ for your championship fights? That’s what he’s saying. 
    “Then he wanted Jake to get so much credit for fighting me but then he turns around and says I’m not a real boxer. So which one is it? 
    “You wanted Jake to get credit for fighting a real boxer and then turn around and say I’m not a real boxer.
    “I whooped his ass in the gym every time we boxed, it got to the point where BJ Flores wouldn’t spar me without a handicap. 
    “There had to be a handicap when I was sparring BJ and that’s why he was so comfortable calling me to spar Jake, because he knew I could box with a handicap. 
    Read More on The Sun
    “He knew I could box right handed if he needed me to or I could box just southpaw. In no world does BJ Flores see the final bell against me.” 
    “Just like with Jake, it’s personal. It’s personal, these men tried doing me real bad and thank God for JJ and the Misfits team and everything we’ve got coming.” 
    Jake Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr before their cancelled fightCredit: GETTY
    Jake Paul and KSI are in talks to fight in 2023Credit: GETTY More

  • in

    ‘It is a big difference’ – Why Jake Paul is training in custom outdoor ring ahead of Tommy Fury fight in Saudi Arabia

    JAKE PAUL is training in a custom outdoor boxing ring to give him a breathless advanatage over Tommy Fury. The pair of celebrity boxing rivals are set to at last end the feud in the squared circle, on Sunday night in Saudi Arabia.
    Jake Paul training in a custom ring outside
    Jake Paul with his trainer BJ Flores
    Jake Paul faces Tommy Fury on Sunday
    And in just a matter of weeks a bespoke 8,000 arena has been built in the Diriyah desert where their score is due to finally be settled.
    The fight is televised for prime time viewing in the UK, with ringwalks scheduled for 9.30pm.
    But it means the headliners face fighting after midnight local time, where temperatures can drop to as low as 13 degrees.
    So Paul has been training in the middle of the night in the open air at fitness centre Arena, in a chilling warning to Fury.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    He said: “It’s pretty sick, Arena set it up. Shoutout to Arena, they set it up outside so my lungs can get used to the cold air. 
    “Because we’re fighting at night – outside – so it is a big difference fighting in the cold air.” 
    Fury, 23, will act as the first professional boxer Paul, 26, has faced in his 6-0 career.
    That is despite notable wins over ex-MMA champions Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 40, and Anderson Silva, 47.
    Most read in Boxing

    🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

    But none of former UFC trio will gain Paul as much respect from boxing fans as a win over Fury would.
    That is why, after his rival twice pulling out before amid injury and US visa issues, he could not shelve the bitter bout.
    Paul said: “You almost have to follow through at that point, there’s already so much promotion. 
    “What’s great about this fight is it almost has two other fights promotion built into it. 
    “I’ve just wanted this fight, there’s beef, there’s animosity there and it’s a really good fight and it’s a really good matchup. 
    “Same age, same height, UK prospect, a US prospect. So I think a lot of this is making it the biggest fight that I’ve had to date. 
    “I love making big fights and that’s why I kept going back to it. 
    “And to be honest man, deep down we clowned this kid a lot for his excuses for pulling out ot the fight, but I think they were legit reasons. 
    “Hopefully he shows up on Sunday, he’s here but who knows.” 
    Jake Paul facing off with Tommy FuryCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    What is Aaron Chalmers’ boxing record?

    AARON CHALMERS has the biggest fight of his career this weekend against the legendary Floyd Mayweather.The bout headlines the O2 Arena in London as Mayweather, 45, has his first-ever fight in the UK.
    Aaron Chalmers will take on Floyd MayweatherCredit: PA
    And Chalmers, 35, has been quick to eye up his next fight after the Mayweather test.
    Chalmers said: “Jake Paul or Tommy Fury, I would love the winner or the loser of that fight.
    “Tyron Woodley, come over to England, mate, let’s sell out Newcastle Arena.
    “I know Kingpyn are doing a tournament, they’ve announced a couple of fighters – I would love to be in that.
    “There’s some big names that I would still love to fight – Salt Papi, AnEsonGib, King Kenny, Jay Swingler, all of them.
    “I want to be active so if anyone wants it, I’ve got Floyd Mayweather and then after that, I am good to go.”
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    What is Aaron Chalmers boxing record?
    Aaron Chalmers has had 7 MMA fights with a record of 5 wins and 2 defeats following his debut in 2017.
    Though he has only had one previous boxing match, which he won by beating Alexander Zeledon on points after a four-round clash last June.
    Most read in Boxing
    Boxing record (1-0)

    WON – Alexander Zeledon (points, June 2022)

    MMA record (5-2)

    LOST – Austin Clem (unanimous decision, Feb 2020)
    WON – Fred Freeman (submission, June 2019)
    LOST – Corey Browning (submission, Feb 2019)
    WON – Ash Griffiths (submission, May 2018)
    WON – Karl Donaldson (TKO, Dec 2017)
    WON – Alex Thompson (KO, Sept 2017)
    WON – Greg Jenkins (submission, May 2017)

    What is Floyd Mayweather’s boxing record?
    Floyd Mayweather retired with an unblemished 50-0 pro boxing record.
    The 45-year-old has since had five money-spinning exhibition bouts, with Chalmers the most recent.
    Mayweather ended his pro career with a tenth-round stoppage win over Conor McGregor.

    🥊 How to watch Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    When is Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers?
    Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers is taking place on Saturday, February 25.
    London’s O2 Arena plays host.
    The big main event is set to start around 10pm UK time.
    What TV channel and live stream is it on?
    Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers will be broadcast live on the Zeus Network.
    Read More on The Sun
    The event costs £24.98 to pre-order from the Zeus Network.
    The show is currently only to be shown live streamed on the Zeus Network website and not on a TV channel. More

  • in

    Ebanie Bridges reveals worrying predictions ahead of Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury

    EBANIE BRIDGES has questioned whether anyone is picking Tommy Fury to beat Jake Paul this weekend.YouTube sensation Paul, 26, will meet Love Island star Fury, 23, in Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening.
    Jake Paul, left, and Tommy Fury, right, will face off in Saudi Arabia this SundayCredit: Getty
    Ebanie Bridges has not heard of anyone backing Fury for the winCredit: Alamy
    Paul, who boasts a 6-0 record, is the slight favourite with the bookies despite this being his first contest against a recognised professional boxer.
    His previous wins have come against YouTuber AnEsonGib, basketball player Nate Robinson, and MMA stars Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva.
    Meanwhile, Fury has won all eight of his eight pro bouts but is yet to come up against a noteworthy fighter.
    And while Fury has boxing pedigree by association in the form of world heavyweight champion Tyson, Bridges is surprised by the number of people picking Paul to win.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Speaking on Twitter, she said: “Does anyone think Tommy Fury is going to beat Jake Paul?
    “I haven’t spoke to anyone backing Tommy yet… Lol.”
    Paul is so confident he will steam through Fury that he is already lining up UFC legend Nate Diaz as his next opponent.
    Speaking on The MMA Hour, he said: “I think they’re ready [Diaz and his team]. I’m getting through Sunday and we’re going to line that one up, ASAP.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    “Yeah, I think that’s next. I think that’s what the fans want, and that’s who I want.
    “There’s been a lot of talk back and forth, we’ve said our stuff, but it’s time to get down to business.”
    Meanwhile, Fury has confirmed he wants to spend time with his family after securing a win over Paul.
    His partner Molly-Mae Hague gave birth to their daughter, Bambi, last month.
    When discussing the aftermath of a potential win, Fury said: “I just want to knock this man out, shut him up and come back home to my family and spend some much needed family time. 
    “I’m not really interested in all the glitz and the glamour of what comes with beating Jake Paul. I’m not really interested in that.
    “I’ve got a job to do, I’ll get that done, come back and see my little girl and spend some nice time at home.”
    Bridges won her first world title last yearCredit: @ebanie_bridges
    She has won nine of her 10 professional fights to dateCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges More

  • in

    I’m earning millions to fight Jake Paul but life won’t change, I’ll still shop at Tesco after I KO him, says Tommy Fury

    TOMMY FURY is set to earn millions for fighting Jake Paul – but he will never be too rich or famous for his weekly Tesco shop. The unbeaten British boxing star looks to settle the score with YouTuber Paul in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, 4,000 miles away from home in Manchester.
    Tommy Fury says he won’t let the money he earns from fighting Jake Paul change himCredit: Getty
    And his purse is believed to be more than £2MILLION for the celebrity grudge match.
    But Fury – who welcomed baby daughter Bambi into the world last month – has vowed to remain down to Earth.
    He told SunSport in Riyadh: “The money will be good, 100 per cent, but my life, will it change? No. 
    “I’ll still sleep in the same bed, I’ll still drive the same car, I’ll still go to Tesco on the weekends to stock up. 
    READ MORE IN boxing
    “I’ll still go on my same holidays and that’s it. I’m a real simple guy, I like to eat junk food, that’s my main thing. 
    “I’m not going to be living in Beverly Hills in LA or California, buying £1million watches and stuff like that. I’m not going to do that.
    “I’m not interested in that, my life will not change at all.” 
    Leaving behind baby Bambi and girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague is just one of the painful sacrifices Fury has made to finally fight Paul.
    Most read in Boxing

    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    But once the bad blood is buried in the Diriyah desert, he plans to celebrate with his two biggest fans waiting at home.
    Fury added: “That’s what I’m looking forward to most, getting back, all the talk is over, and then I can just go about my business. 
    “Go back home, spend time with my daughter, my missus and just be a family man for the next few months.” 
    Fury has been afforded THREE chances of facing Paul, having twice pulled out before amid injury and US visa issues.
    It has kept the verbal feud festering for over two years but Fury promised now is the time to let his fists do the talking.
    He said: “I’m definitely relieved we’re here, at the end of the days it’s been a long road. 
    “It’s been two and a half years in the making, we’re here now and I can’t wait for Sunday. 
    “Everybody can see, by the way I’m sat here, I’m confident, calm, relaxed.
    ‘I’m not spouting a load of bulls*** down the phone. I’m here, I’m waiting for Sunday night.” 

    🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    Fury is joined by his heavyweight champion brother Tyson, 34, for the fight of his life, following years watching and learning.
    He said: “At the end of the day, even though this will only be my ninth professional fight, I’ve got buckets loads of experience. 
    “I’ve been around Tyson, been around world title fights, the fights with Deontay Wilder, been in the changing rooms for all of that, around the fight weeks. 
    “I’ve seen how it’s down and seen how it’s handled by the best. So I’m just taking that and putting it into my arsenal. 
    “I know my levels, it would be different if I was going up against a real 50/50 fight but the reality of it is, this isn’t it a 50/50 fight. 
    “I know I’m better than this man and when you have that feeling in your mind, it becomes easy and it becomes enjoyable.” 
    Fury simply cannot picture a loss against Paul and warned the YouTuber-turned boxer will taste both the deck and defeat.
    He predicted: “I will knock him out. I will knock Jake Paul out, very early.
    Read More on The Sun
    “There is no other outcome in my mind, I’ve visualised this fight 100 times and I’ve seen him on the floor 100 times. 
    “There’s no way I don’t knock out Jake Paul. I’ve knocked out far better men in the past and he’ll be tasting canvas on the night.” 
    Don’t miss the True Test on Sunday as Jake Paul takes on Tommy Fury, exclusively on talkSPORT for FREE. Download the app.
    Tommy Fury faces Jake Paul in Saudi ArabiaCredit: @trboxing More

  • in

    Newcastle star ‘trying to get tickets for Geordie Shore’s Aaron Chalmers vs Mayweather’ hours before Carabao Cup final

    A NEWCASTLE star has been trying to get tickets to Aaron Chalmers’ bout with Floyd Mayweather this weekend.The former Geordie Shore MMA fighter is taking on the 50-0 superstar at London’s 02 Arena on Saturday.
    Aaron Chalmers is set to take on Floyd Mayweather on SaturdayCredit: Splash
    Less than 24 hours later the Toon will do battle with Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final.
    Eddie Howe’s side are bidding to win their first domestic trophy since 1955.
    But that doesn’t mean their hasn’t been any interest in Saturday’s fight among their squad.
    Chatting to talkSPORT, Chalmers claimed: “My barber was saying that Jamaal Lascelles was on about getting tickets for the fight.
    Read More Football Stories
    “I’m not sure he’ll be able to get tickets for the fight when he’s got a big cup final the next day.”
    Chalmers, 35, has seven pro MMA bouts to his name, boasting a 5-2 record.
    He has fought just once in boxing, winning on points against Alexander Zeledon.
    His lack of experience in the ring doesn’t mean that he’ll have no support at the 02, however.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023

    🥊 How to watch Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    He added: “I’m hoping a lot of people will be tuning in.
    “I know loads of lads are coming down without a ticket to be in London for the weekend.
    “I would have bet my house this time last year, me fighting Floyd Mayweather and Newcastle being in a cup final because it would never have happened.
    “It’s crazy, it’s big for Newcastle. I would 100 per cent take the Carabao Cup and sixth place in the league – any day of the week.”
    Should Toon stars win, they will share a prize pot of £1million.
    It’s claimed that the cash will be distributed in accordance to matches and minutes played in the League Cup this term.
    Jamaal Lascelles ‘wants to attend’ Chalmers vs MayweatherCredit: Getty
    Newcastle stars will share £1m if they win the Carabao CupCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Tommy Fury left bare-knuckle boxer stunned with his strength as Brit is backed to emulate brother Tyson’s success

    TOMMY FURY has been backed to emulate his legendary boxing brother Tyson by making it all the way to the top. Fury is at last set to meet Jake Paul in the ring on Sunday in Saudi Arabia, having twice pulled out in the past due to injury and US visa issues. 
    Tommy Fury with dad John, Danny Christie and brother Roman
    Tyson Fury is the undefeated WBC heavyweight championCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
    He sparred veteran bare-knuckle boxer Danny Christie in the build up to the celebrity grudge match.
    And Christie was left blown away by young Fury’s talent, believing he has the same tools which took Tyson to boxing supremacy. 
    He told SunSport: “He’s very, very good at the basics and that’s what you need to master to reach the top level. 
    “Just look at his brother Tyson, he’s very, very good at the fundamentals; good jab, good movement and he’s able to frustrate fighters over a number of rounds. 
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “And I think Tommy has the potential to have those capabilities, as a 23-year-old kid, he’s very impressive.” 
    Fury has shown glimpses of the same tricky footwork and hand speed which has seen brother Tyson, 34, twice reign as an unbeaten world champion. 
    But having boxed up close and personal with the 8-0 prospect, Christie revealed it was the strength of the man which caused him so much shock. 
    He said: “I was more than impressed. I knew he was going to be decent but he was much better than decent. He was better in all areas that I thought he was going to be.
    Most read in Boxing
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

    “I was very impressed with his jab, his movement, his feints, his power and his strengths. 
    “He’s very physically strong, I remember being in the clinch with him and it was almost like he had roots, it was like a tree in the ground. 
    “He was very strong and a very physical young man. I was impressed in all areas. 
    “He was much better than I’ve seen him on the TV and apparently he’s the best version of himself right now and it certainly showed in the spar.” 
    Fury has prepared to fight Paul, 26, in Bolton at Alex Matvienko’s Elite Boxing Gym, where Christie was welcomed through the doors. 

    🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    And, from what he has seen, so long as Fury keeps his emotions intact Paul is facing a first boxing defeat. 
    He said: “I’m very confident he’ll get the win. 
    “But in my opinion, with this becoming a very personal affair he may become overzealous, he may – and I hope he doesn’t – go looking for the knockout. 
    “Once it turns into a firefight it’s anybody’s game and Jake Paul is a powerful lad as we know. 
    “But for me, the keys for victory for Tommy are just using his good boxing, using his good fundamentals, doubling and tripling up that jab. 
    Read More on The Sun
    “A lot of feints, a lot of movement and just busting him up over the first few rounds and just getting him frustrated and marking him up. 
    “I think Tommy can win quite easily if he sticks to his fundamentals but like I said, if it turns into a firefight, who knows? It’s anyone’s game.”
    Don’t miss the True Test on Sunday as Jake Paul takes on Tommy Fury, exclusively on talkSPORT for FREE. Download the app.
    Jake Paul facing off with Tommy FuryCredit: Reuters More