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      Eddie Hearn changes his Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury prediction as he makes fight admission ahead of Saudi grudge match

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      EDDIE HEARN has performed a U-turn on his prediction for Jake Paul’s grudge match with Tommy Fury.The social media superstars will collide at the end of the month in an eagerly-anticipated Saudi showdown nearly two years in the making.
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury will collide in a Saudi grudge match later this monthCredit: MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS
      Eddie Hearn initially tipped Paul to get the better of HearnCredit: AFP
      But the Matchroom Boxing chief has changed his opinionCredit: GETTY
      Despite his lack of experience, many fight fans are tipping YouTuber turned boxer Paul to turn over Fury – the younger brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson.
      Matchroom Boxing chief Hearn was initially part of that group but has since changed his mind, insisting the contest is a “50-50” fight.
      The 43-year-old told Boxing UK: “I’m quite looking forward to it.
      “I did think that Jake Paul would win the fight, but I think I’ve changed my mind.
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      “It’s a 50/50 though which is a little bit worrying in itself.”
      Hearn initially expected Paul’s mind games to be too much for Fury, who has been trolled by the American for the best part of two years.
      During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Hearn predicted: “Mentally, he’ll break Tommy Fury.
      “I think he’ll mess with Tommy mentally, and I just think by the time they get in the ring, if they do get in the ring, I think Tommy will be defeated before the fight’s even taken place.
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      “And I think will win by knockout.”
      Paul and Fury, 23 and 26 respectfully, were due to face off again in a press conference in Saudi last week but the latter skipped the event.
      That irked Paul, who said: “I’m used to his behaviour at this point, he’s unprofessional and he’s a flake.
      “He’s not a serious businessman or a serious fighter and I’m going to prove that.
      “It’s why this fight is called, ‘The Truth’ because the truth is going to come out.
      “He’s going to have to pay for all of the times he’s pulled out. All the business people he screwed over, it’s disrespectful.

      🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
      “There’s some of the biggest names in boxing, the biggest promoters and the most influential people in the world.
      “One of the greatest countries in the world and he doesn’t want to show up because of a ‘private matter’. We all have private matters.
      “When you sign up to do something, you make a commitment, that’s what it should be about.
      “It just shows me he’s scared because he said he didn’t need to train for this fight
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      “Meanwhile, his first excuse was that he needed to train extra, but now it’s a private matter.
      “I love Tyson but it’s typical from the dad [John] and Tommy.” More

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      Tyson Fury told to fight released UFC heavyweight instead of Francis Ngannou by Nate Diaz in his new promotion

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      TYSON FURY has been told to fight a former UFC heavyweight by Nate Diaz.The Gypsy King, 34, could be tempted with another venture away from boxing if the unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk cannot get finalised.
      Tyson Fury could fight under MMA rules if his showdown with Oleksandr Usyk crashesCredit: Getty
      And a hybrid fight against Francis Ngannou appeared to be on the cards following the Cameroonian’s UFC contract expired.
      But now Diaz, who has launched his own promotion Real Fight Inc, wants to see Fury take on a different MMA star.
      The 37-year-old Californian tweeted: “Ben Rothwell vs Tyson Fury,” followed by a fist emoji and the Real Fight Twitter handle.
      Rothwell, 41, is a 6ft 4ins 120kg heavyweight who won 39 of his 53 professional MMA bouts – appearing 17 times on UFC cards.
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      His most-recent fight was a round-one TKO defeat to Marcos Rogerio de Lima in November 2021.
      But Diaz would like to see his fellow American fight Fury.
      However, fans on Twitter were completely underwhelmed by the suggestion with various memes and gifs expressing their confusion.
      Instead most supporters want Fury to take on Usyk – and Ngannou if that cannot be arranged.
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      Ngannou seemed willing to agree to Fury’s strange rules for their potential battle with 4oz gloves and Mike Tyson refereeing.
      The Usyk showdown, though, would be the main attraction with all the world titles on the line.
      Talks remain ongoing between the two camps but with Saudi Arabia struggling to secure the hosting rights, it could take place at Wembley on April 29.
      Ben Rothwell was put forward as a shock suggestion to fight FuryCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Nate Diaz’s suggestion did not go down well on TwitterCredit: Getty More

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      Tyson Fury’s plans to build dream £4million mansion knocked out by two species of bats

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      GYPSY King Tyson Fury’s plans to demolish a house and build a dream £4million mansion have been knocked out — by bats.The heavyweight world champion, 34, has given up on a six-bedroom home with swimming pool after two protected species were found roosting in a loft.
      Tyson’s plans to build a dream £4million mansion have been knocked out — by batsCredit: Getty
      Two protected species were found roosting in a loft
      He would have needed a special licence from Natural England before the work could be done because it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb them.
      Fury would also have had to put bat boxes in nearby trees for the common and soprano pipistrelles.
      Instead, he and wife Paris, 33, have applied for planning permission to extend the eight-bed pad they aimed to pull down with a basement music room and games room.
      They also want to add a breakfast room, garden room and cinema to the home in the Cheshire village.
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      A garage and leisure suite, with a hot tub and plunge pool are also proposed.
      In a design statement, Fury’s planning agent said the leisure facilities were “incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house”.
      Fury and Paris currently live with their six children in a £1.7million home in ­Morecambe, Lancs.
      His move will take him closer to boxer brother Tommy and Love Island girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague, both 23, who have a £3.5million mansion nearby.
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      Planners at Cheshire East council are set to decide on the application in April. So far, no-one has objected.
      Fury’s agent said there was “no reasonable basis” to refuse as the proposals were too far from local homes to “impact on their amenities”.
      Tyson Fury has six children with wife ParisCredit: Instagram
      The heavyweight champion has given up on a six-bedroom home with swimming pool
      It’s an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb the species of bats foundCredit: Alamy More

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      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk ‘likely to head to England’ with Wembley in line as talks stall on fight in Saudi Arabia

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      TYSON FURY’S hotly anticipated fight against Oleksandr Usyk looks set to head to England.Talks had been ongoing regarding a venue, but England has now emerged as the likely host after talks for Saudi Arabia ground into deadlock.
      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is now likely to be in EnglandCredit: Getty
      The pair’s heavyweight bout will unify the divisionCredit: Getty
      Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua twice on route to the undisputed clashCredit: Getty
      According to ESPN, the two heavyweight champions remain some way apart in terms of financial demands.
      April 29 remains the desired target date for the bout – which will unify the heavyweight division for the first time in nearly 25 years.
      However, with the fight now “highly unlikely” to head to the Middle East, the general efforts of the fight have taken a dent.
      This is because Saudi Arabia were prepared to table “the biggest purse in boxing history” to host the fight.
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      Indeed, Fury himself said he would “go where the money is.”
      Promoter Bob Arum has previously spoken about the possibility of the fight being at Wembley, though admitted the preferred destination was Saudi Arabia.
      He told Boxing Scene in January: “Everybody agreed that if [Saudi Arabia’s] offer comes through and it’s real, that’s how we’ll go. If not, we’ll do the fight at Wembley.
      “The fighters have agreed to fight. I spoke to Frank Warren. We’re giving them until [this] week to come with their offer, which I believe we’ll get.
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      “If we don’t, then we’re gonna do the fight at Wembley.
      “And then we’d have to talk about the percentages because Usyk wants 50-50.
      “That’s not right if the fight’s at Wembley because there will be 95,000 Brits at the fight and big Brit pay-per-view money, so Tyson deserves the lion’s share.
      “But we don’t get to that point if the [investors in Saudi Arabia] come through, because the way they operate is they make deals with each of the fighters.
      “We’ve been led to believe that they’re going to come with a proposal [this] week.
      “I’ll believe it when I see it, but it’s not like they haven’t come through in the past.”

      When is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk? Date, TV channel – everything we know so far More

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      Tyson Fury’s cousin gives worrying update on Oleksandr Usyk undisputed bout but insists pair ‘NEED to fight’

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      TYSON FURY’s cousin reckons his historic showdown with Oleksandr Usyk won’t happen “any time soon.”The pair have been locked in negotiations over the first undisputed heavyweight title fight in nearly 25 years since last December.
      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usk are set to throw down in a historic undisputed fightCredit: REUTERS
      But the fight date has repeatedly been pushed backCredit: GETTY
      But Fury’s cousin Andy Lee doesn’t foresee the fight happening “any time soon”Credit: GETTY
      The dust-up was initially due to take place in March but is now expected to go down in late April at the earliest.
      But Fury’s cousin Andy Lee believes the fight could take place at an even later date, telling The Mirror: “I haven’t seen a lot of Tyson recently.
      “We were together all the time when Joseph Parker fought [last month]. We trained before Christmas and after Christmas.
      “I have no update on the fight because I haven’t spoken to him, but I don’t know – it’s on again, it’s off again, I don’t know.
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      “I don’t see it being done any time soon, it seems too good to be true.
      “There’s nothing I can say about it because I don’t know anything about it, but they need to fight each other.”
      Slick southpaw Usyk moved a step closer to becoming a two-weight undisputed champion in August when he retained the unified heavyweight titles with a split decision victory over Anthony Joshua.
      And Lee believes the undefeated Ukrainian could be the toughest test of his cousin’s career.
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      He said: “I think it’s a difficult fight for Tyson.
      “Obviously Deontay Wilder’s got the power, but in terms of technical ability Usyk’s very good.
      “I’m obviously backing Tyson to win. Look how [the fight with Cunningham] ended, that’s what will happen in this one.
      “Tyson could fight him southpaw, try to box him. And if that doesn’t work Tyson can just maul him and eventually wear him down.
      “He’s too big, too strong and he has all of the attributes, all of the advantages.”

      When is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk? Date, TV channel – everything we know so far
      Despite the delay in finalising the bout, promoter Frank Warren is adamant Fury will trade leather with Usyk in April.
      He told talkSPORT: The fight will 100 per cent take place on the last Saturday in April.
      “Where it takes will be determined within the next six or seven days.
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      “If we can’t do what we’re being asked to for Tyson and Usyk, then the fight will take place in the UK and we’ll have time to promote it and so forth.”
      “If it goes to the Middle East, it’s because they will pay a premium for the World Cup of boxing.” More

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      Meet Adam Azim, the 20-year-old Brit inspired by Amir Khan and Mayweather on a mission to win a world title before 22

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      ADAM AZIM is on the brink of becoming one of the biggest names in British boxing.But unlike several prospects of yesteryear, the surging light-welterweight isn’t letting his new-found fame and success go to his head.
      Adam Azim is on the cusp of becoming one of the star names in British boxingCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
      The 20-year-old light-welterweight sensation has so far gone a perfect 7-0Credit: RICHARD PELHAM
      Azim grew up watching British boxing great Amir Khan and counts him as one of his inspirationsCredit: Sky Sports
      Azim hopes to win a world title quicker than hero Khan didCredit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY
      The 20-year-old has put himself on the cusp of being a household name with seven scintillating performances in just over two years.
      And he’s hoping to continue his surge to European and world title contention by passing his toughest test to date on Saturday – a headline clash at Wembley arena against undefeated Nicaraguan Santos Reyes.
      But Azim knows there is plenty of work left to do in order to fulfil his dream of becoming the first first-ever undisputed champion of Pakistani origin.
      The slick Slough slugger told SunSport: “I keep my feet on the ground, I train hard and I do everything right.
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      “If I keep a great lifestyle outside the ring, it will be easy in the fights.
      “With me, when I get all this attention and get all this media, it doesn’t phase me – it comes with it. So if you’re doing very well, successfully, then you’ll get rewarded.”
      British boxing great Amir Khan was a huge inspiration for Azim as a kid, although it’s a man ‘King Khan’ desperately tried to fight who holds the title of his favourite fighter.
      He said: “[My favourite fighter] of all time? Floyd Mayweather. Floyd Mayweather is one of the best ever.
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      “You can’t find anyone like him. He’s the only undefeated fighter and his mindset outside of the ring is incredible as well.
      “So he’s my favourite fighter.”
      But the shared Pakistani heritage with Khan – who he had the pleasure of seeing fight in person as a kid – is something he takes great pride in.
      He said: “It played a big part in my life because when I was growing up, Amir Khan was an excelling fighter at the time.
      “He was winning numerous titles, a world champion and he was a massive, massive name at the time.
      “And I was in Manchester Arena watching his fight with my dad.
      “And my dad said to me, ‘One day, you’re going to fight here.’
      “And the funniest thing is, I fought on the Kell Brook and Amir Khan undercard and I got to meet Khan as well.
      “And that was 14 years later. It shows that if you’re looking at someone, that you can also make it as well.
      “And I want to be the next person inspiring the young generation and also inspire everyone.”
      Azim was ringside for one of Amir Khan’s fights at the MEN Arena 14 years agoCredit: TWITTER@ADAMSUPERKID
      Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather is Azim’s favourite fighter of all timeCredit: PA
      Azim is on course to win a world title before he’s 22 – the age at which Khan got his hands on the WBA light-welterweight strap.
      But he’s not obsessed with one-upping his idol, saying: “I want to win a world title at such a young age, but I don’t want to beat Khan.
      “I don’t want to try to beat his record. But if I can, that’s a big statement.
      “He’s inspired me and I want to win a world title at a young age. Hopefully next year.”
      Despite his tender years, Azim is already a role model to kids in his local community and those, who like him, suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder.
      He said: “It’s great and it’s inspiring for me as well because, throughout my career, I want to help people. And the one thing I had was ADHD.
      “ADHD played a massive, massive part in my boxing career. And so far, ADHD has helped me so much to get me where I am.
      Adam Azim will bid to remain unbeaten against Nicaragua’s Santos ReyesCredit: GETTY
      “I can still switch it on in the ring. It’s like a thing where I get in the ring and I switch on just like that.”
      Being able to manage the disorder, however, hasn’t always been easy for the soft-spoken Azim.
      He admitted: “Before, it was a hassle and it was hard for me. I was a kid and everywhere and I used to mess about.
      “I’ve done a few funny things when I was a little kid. But it’s helped me massively.”
      Azim’s sights are set on claiming a European title, aspirations which he hopes to keep intact with a blowout victory over Reyes under the shadows of the famous Wembley arch.
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      He said: “I want to get the knockout and I want to get a big performance on Saturday and show everyone what I’m about.
      “The same way I’ve been handling my fights. The objective remains the same.” More

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      Tommy Fury reveals he is ‘ripped and ready’ as he vows to KO Jake Paul and ‘get him out of the sport’ in grudge fight

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      TOMMY FURY is “ripped and ready” as he vowed to knock out Jake Paul and “get him out of the sport”. Fury is finally set to face Paul on February 26, after twice being forced out of the grudge match before due to injury and US visa issues.
      Tommy Fury is ‘ripped and ready’ as he vowed to knock out Jake PaulCredit: Getty
      Jake Paul faces Tommy Fury on February 26 in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But he insisted there will be no bumps in the road after rescheduling again and warned it is the end of the line for his boxing rival.
      Fury told MMA Fighting: “Things have got in the way the previous two times. Things well out of my control.
      “A broke rib and everything else that was wrong with the first fight. The second fight, denied entry into the US.
      “Third fight, here we are. Three times is a charm and we’re seeing that. We’re two weeks out.
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      “I’m ripped, I’m ready, I’m fit, I’m strong and I’ve got more in the tank than what it takes to beat Jake Paul. Don’t worry about that.”
      Paul, 26, blasted Fury, 23, for failing to show up to their kick-off press conference in Saudi Arabia.

      The YouTuber-turned 6-0 boxer made the trip from Dubai – where he has been training – to Riyadh to sell the pay-per-view.
      Fury instead remained in Bolton – where he has been in camp – and argued preparation is more important than promotion.
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      He said: “I don’t know if he’s trying to play mind games or anything but that’s definitely not how it works.
      “One man’s flying all over the globe, trying to get in the glitz and glamour, press conferences, whatever else, and one man’s in the gym training to annihilate this man.
      “So I think the proof is in the pudding. You can see who the professional athlete is. I’m not interested in press conferences.
      “I’m interested in completing my camp, which has been the best camp of my career and I’m ready to KO this man and get him out of the sport.”
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury facing offCredit: GETTY More

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      Anthony Joshua reveals why Usyk calling him ‘strong’ sent him into post-fight rage that saw him toss belts out of ring

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has opened up on what caused his post-fight rage following defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. AJ was beaten by the Ukrainian master for the second time in the space of 11 months in Saudi Arabia last August.
      Anthony Joshua after losing to Oleksandr UsykCredit: PA
      And he went onto grab the microphone and produce a bizarre post-fight rant after throwing Usyk’s belts out of the ring.
      Joshua – who had ex-opponent Wladimir Klitschko apologise for his actions – revealed being called “strong” triggered the anger.
      He told BBC 5 Live: “There was certain things in the ring that was said – not excuses.
      “But one of them was like, ‘You are big and strong – you’re strong.’
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      “Remember, a lot of athletes from African-Caribbean community are told that they are strong and I feel like it’s quite kind of degrading because we don’t get mentioned about or talent.
      “So when he said, I’m big and strong it was just like the alarm f*****g bells – sorry about my language. The alarm bells went off.
      “So, there’s loads of things that are triggering me at the time. But it’s just pure and uncut emotion because it’s more than being big and strong – it’s passion, it’s drive, it’s work.”
      Joshua, 33, now returns on April 1 against Jermaine Franklin, 29, the American beaten by Dillian Whyte, 34, in November.
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      AJ took the rest of 2022 off following his crushing loss and emotional breakdown.
      And he reached out to boxing legend Klitschko, 46, the man he beat in 2017, to apologise to countryman Usyk, 36.
      He said: “Listen, I’m not perfect and it’s not the right thing to have done.
      “I didn’t speak to Usyk, I spoke to Wladimir, I said, ‘Look, give Usyk a pat on the shoulder, tell him well done and I apologise.
      “Know what I’m saying? That’s man to man. But, it was just raw. Uncut and it may not make sense to a lot of people but it made a lot of sense to me.
      “It was just how much it means to a degree. I thought I’d feel like that at the end of my career – when it’s said and done.
      “I think that’s when I’ll just be like, ‘Wow, what a rollercoaster.'”
      Joshua was also overcome with emotion after the realisation of missing out on a dream unification fight with Tyson Fury, 34.
      He added: “I made it through the trenches but I feel like getting close to fighting for the undisputed title with Fury that people want so much.”
      Anthony Joshua was held back after defeat to Oleksandr UsykCredit: Reuters More