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      Love Island’s Curtis Pritchard ready to follow Tommy Fury into boxing ring and says he could train with a British legend

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      CURTIS PRITCHARD is ready to follow Love Island pal Tommy Fury into the Misfits Boxing ring. The likes of Fury and Idris Virgo have both featured on the hit ITV show before and after making waves in the sport. Curtis Pritchard is ready to follow Love Island pal Tommy Fury into the Misfits Boxing ringCredit: Rex FeaturesAnd more recently, the unbeaten pair signed to Misfits – the home of celebrity-style crossover bouts headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI. And now professional dancer Pritchard – who was once trained by Fury – fancies his chances in the ring. He told SunSport: “I’ve always been into fighting and boxing and all of that stuff so it’s something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid. “But dancing was my main career at the time and you couldn’t balance when you’re doing it at a very high level.READ MORE IN boxing “So I feel like now I’m at a different place in my life and I thought, let’s do some boxing. Let’s do something I’ve always wanted to do and get in the ring.”Pritchard, 29, has laced up the gloves before with the help of Fury, 25 for a series called The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer. Fury was taught how to dance for a live performance and Pritchard was coached for a white collar bout – which he won on points. And Pritchard said: “The boxer and ballroom dancer! Trained him up to a dancing competition, they trained me up to do a boxing match, loved it, sick little thing that was.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The only downside was it was a white collar fight, so we had all the headgear on and stuff, and I just feel like it distracts you slightly.”You have to move more with that on, so I would have preferred to have done it without it, but I would say it’s easier with the head guard on, so it’d be nice to try it without it on.”Love Island’s Curtis takes savage swipe at Ekin-Su’s ex Davide and offers him boxing match for ‘not treating her well’Pritchard’s friendship with Fury strained over the years but he still keeps in contact with British boxing legend Ricky Hatton after their sessions for the series. He said: “I’ve done some boxing with him before many years ago, so I can always turn to them and ask them for advice.”Lovely people up in Manchester because that’s my hometown area of Cheshire.”Pritchard has teased a bout against Davide Sanclimenti, 30, the ex of his current girlfriend Ekin-Su Culculoglu.But pressed on opponents, Pritchard said: “All things to be thinking about and in the pipeline at the minute. “But I actually did my first little session earlier today.”Pritchard met Ekin-Su on the latest series of Love Island All Stars. READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile Fury last year split up with Molly-Mae Hague despite rumours of a recent rekindling. The 10-0 boxer last fought in October 2023, beating KSI via controversial decision but he pulled out of facing Darren Till, 31, in January. Pritchard won his first boxing march for an ITV showCredit: ITV/YouTube More

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      KSI lifts lid on meeting with Turki Alalshikh and teases fight talks… but blasts Jake Paul as ‘disgrace to boxing’

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      KSI has lifted the lid on his meeting with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh – and revealed their shared hatred for Jake Paul. Alalshikh has helped turn the sport around thanks to his deep pockets – offering enough for even the most bitter of rivals to work together. Turki Alalshikh met with KSICredit: Instagram @turkialalshikJake Paul has rivalled Saudis AlalshikhCredit: GettyBut the powerful Saudi advisor has made it clear he is not a fan of new-age influencer boxing – spearheaded by the likes of KSI and Paul. And Alalshikh was particularly critical of Paul’s controversial win over 58-year-old legend Mike Tyson last November. So fans were stunned when Alalshikh posted a video meeting with KSI and teasing working together for a fight in America. KSI revealed he was able to convince Alalshikh into changing his opinion after Paul left a bitter taste in the money-man’s mouth. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said: “I think Jake Paul’s ruined it. I think Jake Paul ruined it completely, him fighting an OAP.”Mike Tyson was not meant to be in that ring by any means and it was a disgrace. A disgrace to boxing and stuff like that angers Turki. “You can see that Turki’s very passionate when it comes to boxing and Mike Tyson’s a legend, you don’t do stuff like that to a legend even if you know money’s been thrown at you. “It was a disgusting moment and stuff like that annoyed him and Jake was also trying to fight Canelo and trying to make boxing a circus.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I feel like that’s what Jake Paul is trying to do and I think that is one of the reasons why he sees the whole side of the internet, YouTube boxing side is just a bit of a mess and that’s why he didn’t want to touch it. “But when he talked to me, he realised, ‘Oh, there’s another side to it.’ There’s people who actually take it seriously. KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring “I’ve got a lot of things going on, but when it comes to boxing, whenever I go into the ring, take it seriously and I’m fighting serious people”That’s just how it is. I think me and him bonded quite well and we have some very exciting things in the future for sure.”KSI could face backlash for his comments due to his level of opposition in the past. He even signed to fight Wayne Bridge, 44, for his next bout until the ex-Chelsea star pulled out after his infamous feud with John Terry was referenced. And Dillon Danis, 31, a 2-0 MMA fighter who lost his boxing debut to Logan Paul, 29, replaced Bridge to face KSI on March 29 in Manchester. But KSI – who did fight 10-0 Tommy Fury in his last bout – claimed a lack of willing rivals left him scrambling to find an opponent for his return. Paul, 28, meanwhile is 11-1 in the ring with his only defeat also coming to Fury, 25, via split-decision in 2023. And he suffered heartbreak after boxing icon Canelo Alvarez, 34, snubbed their fight deal to instead sign with Alalshikh. KSI admits not even Alalshikh could guarantee him an overdue grudge match against Paul – but he boasts that he does not need him anyway. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I know Turki and Jake don’t see eye to eye. It could be difficult but you never know.”I think for me, I have some more exciting things and some bigger fights than Jake Paul.” KSI and Jake Paul pictured clashing in the ring in 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      What is Baller League? UK start date, format and rules, plus line-ups for John Terry and KSI’s huge football tournament

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      BALLER LEAGUE football is coming to the UK very soon after a blockbuster announcement included KSI and an array of football legends.The six-a-side spectacular has been a major success in Germany – where it was set up by Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski – and will now be making its way to these shores.Baller League is coming to the UK at the end of MarchGary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer will be managing a team in the new Baller LeagueCredit: Baller LeagueYouTuber-turned-boxer KSI has been unveiled as the president of the UK version, with streaming sensation iShowSpeed guiding the US.A stunning advert – which mimics the famous Nike Brazil ad from the 1998 World Cup – revealed football legends such as John Terry and Luis Figo will act as managers of teams.Match of the Day alumni Gary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer will also take charge of a team, as will Arsenal Invincibles Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires.It will be Lineker’s first new role since announcing he is leaving MOTD at the end of the season.Sidemen stars Miniminter and Tobi, plus YouTuber AngryGinge will also be involved.KSI will be the Baller League UK presidentCredit: Baller LeagueOnly Ronaldinho and Speed have been announced for the US version so far.Brit Award winner and platinum-selling superstar Dave will take charge of a team, Santan FC, while fashion icon Clint 419 will manage FC Rules the World.Trials have been taking place in London and Manchester for the players, who can be recently retired pros, futsal players, free agents or released academy players.Most read in FootballBaller League CEO, Felix Starck said: “Baller League is a brand new way to consume football.”We’re redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations.”Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football. We’re about creating a version of the game that’s impossible to ignore – thrilling, bold and packed with excitement.”John Terry has been announced for the UK versionCredit: Baller LeagueWhile Ronaldinho will take part in the USCredit: Baller LeagueWhat is Baller League?Baller League is a weekly indoor football tournament – consisting of legendary footballers and YouTube stars managing the teams.Twelve teams will play in six-a-side matches, with the top four teams of the league advancing to the final play-off in May to be crowned the champion.The entertaining format will be similar to Gerard Pique’s Kings League from Spain and the German version of the Baller League.Matches will be live streamed on Monday nights with Chunkz set to host on YouTube and Twitch.When is Baller League coming to UK?Baller League is set to begin at the end of March 2025.The first night of matches – Matchday One – will take place on March 24.Matches then run every Monday night until May.However, before a ball is kicked there will be a massive draft night, where managers will assemble their squads LIVE.That takes place on Monday, March 10 at 6.30pm.The Baller League draft will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch.What are the Baller League rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.League set to start in March 2025, with the final four playoff in May to crown the winner.Who is playing in the Baller League?The Baller League YouTube channel has a series – ‘Becoming a Baller’ – that has chronicled which players have made it into the draft pool.Trials took place in London and Manchester at the start of the year.The open trials included futsal stars and former academy players, as well as pro players who are currently free agents.Adrian Mariappa, who played in the Premier League with Reading Crystal Palace and Watford, and former Aston Villa and Newcastle defender Ciaran Clark are among the ex-pros in the draft pool.Hashtag United’s Percy Kiangebeni (AKA PK Humble) and Love Island’s Montel McKenzie will also be up for selection.Football legends such as John Terry and Gary Lineker will manage teams, as will YouTube stars.Dave and Clint 419 have also been confirmed on the sidelines.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not yet clear if any of the football legends or YouTubers will play in the matches.What teams are in the Baller League?Trebol FC – Luis FigoVZN FC – TBJZLDeportrio FC – Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah RichardsSDS FC – Sharky26ers FC – John TerryYanited FC – AngryGingeN5 FC – Robert Pires, Jens Lehmann, Freddie LjungbergM7 FC – MiniminterSantan FC – DaveFC Rules the World – Clint 419 More

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      ‘He knows the consequences’ – KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring

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      KSI revealed Dillon Danis risks heavy penalties if he tries any more MMA moves in the boxing ring. The rivals settle their score in the squared circle on March 29 in Manchester – three years after Danis pulled out of their original bout. KSI revealed Dillon Danis risks penalties if he tries anymore MMA moves in the ringCredit: PADillon Danis got disqualified for an MMA move on Logan PaulCredit: GettyDanis did make his boxing debut in October 2023 against Logan Paul but it ended in chaos when the jiu-jitsu champion got himself disqualified. The American attempted an MMA-style submission move in round six – sparking a mass brawl in the ring and his expulsion from the bout. But KSI – who lost to Tommy Fury on the same night – has come prepared to avoid a farcical repeat with the devil in the fine print details. He said: “We’ve put stuff in the contract. So yeah, I don’t think he’s gonna do anything stupid. READ MORE IN BOXING”I think he knows the consequences, I just know he’s screwed. I can’t wait to show what was meant to have happened, compared to what Logan did.”KSI has goaded Danis by claiming he only accepted the fight to afford the lawsuit launched by Paul’s fiancee Nina Agdal for online harassment. But Danis, acknowledging the contract stipulations, told SunSport: “They’re gonna take my check away if I choke him out. “So we’ll see if I need the money or not.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKSI – who trains at MMA gym London Shootfighters – is already anticipating some of Danis’ wild antics in the ring. He said: “I’m just more active. I just do more, I’m not a guy that throws one jab and then just gives him time to breathe.”I’m gonna be on him. I like to close a fight. I like to knock someone out. “I like to finish a fight, so yeah, I’m not gonna just give him time to breathe.”I’m going to be on him smothering him and making his life hell, to the point where he’s gonna be desperate and probably try to do some jiu-jitsu move.”Obviously, you know I’m in an MMA gym so I’m gonna see it coming and then use it to my advantage and knock him out.”KSI, 31, is yet to return since losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, his first boxing defeat. He was also forced to pull out of his August comeback bout due to a hand injury – which KSI has since recovered from. And the YouTuber-turned-boxer struggled to find an opponent for this fight claiming FIVE names turned him down. At one point, he even signed to face Wayne Bridge, 44, until the ex-Chelsea star pulled out after KSI referenced his infamous feud with John Terry. KSI – who slapped Danis with a pancake at their heated press conference – has faced criticism for his level of opposition.That is despite his training and managerial team also having a say on who he fights as Danis, 31, was drafted in as an emergency replacement. But KSI said: “It always comes down to me in terms of who I get to fight. Everyone has an opinion.”But I’m able to say the final say and they gave me Dillon Danis as the guy because we went through a load of people and it was getting to a point where it was like maybe there isn’t an event.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So we saw Dillon and I’ve wanted to knock this guy out. We’ve been going back and forth in DMs or publicly and I just I didn’t feel that Logan Paul did enough.”I didn’t think he did enough. He won, easily won the fight but I don’t want to just win the fight, I want to see him knocked out. I need to see him knocked out.”KSI slapped Danis with a pancakeCredit: PA More

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      I was more nervous to meet my girlfriend’s parents than I was to push BGT golden buzzer or for boxing fights, says KSI

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      NOT EVEN fighting in front of thousands of people or being watched by millions on TV can make superstar KSI nervous. No, only meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time did that.KSI admits meeting his girlfriend’s parents was more nerve-wracking than boxingCredit: GettyKSI hitting the BGT golden buzzerCredit: ITVHe is a guest judge on the ITV showCredit: ITVThe social media influencer, rapper and boxer has lived more than half his life in the public eye after shooting to fame on YouTube. And his career climbed to new heights after being announced as a guest judge on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. KSI pushed his first golden buzzer to automatically send 29-year-old singer Stacey Leadbeatter into the semi-finals. But the new panelist reveals that decision – and boxing in front of sellout crowds – was nothing compared to first meeting his partner’s parents. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said: “What would I say is more nerve-wracking? I don’t know, meeting my girlfriend’s parents probably was a lot more nerve-wracking than those two events.”Yeah, definitely. Before that, I’m always like sweating and everything. Like I only get nervous when it comes to relationships.”In terms of fighting or in terms of pressing the golden buzzer or in terms of performing in front of thousands, I never get nervous because I just know what I need to do.”I’m prepared and I’m ready, whereas I guess with meeting someone’s parents, you never know what could happen.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite his celebrity fame, KSI keeps his girlfriend private and away from the public eye – but he cherishes the time they spend together. The 31-year-old might just have the most packed celebrity schedule of all time, squeezing in TV and charity appearances into his boxing training. KSI sparks carnage on press conference stage after slapping Dillon Danis with a PANCAKE ahead of boxing grudge fightKSI returns to the ring on March 29 in Manchester against old rival Dillon Danis – three years after the collapse of their original bout. By the time KSI laces up the gloves, he would have played in two charity football matches, in Qatar and the Sidemen match at Wembley. That is also after filming for BGT – but how does he fit it all in? KSI laughs and reveals: “Honestly, I don’t know, I just do it. That’s just how I am. I just make it work.”With the Sidemen match at Wembley Stadium, that’s gonna be insane, 90,000 people screaming.”I don’t even think I’m gonna be able to hear myself. I think that’s gonna be good. “I’m seeing it as like a training session, keeping fit, just running around, passing the ball, having a good time with my mates and raising a lot of money for charity.BGT stars Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, KSI and Bruno TonioliCredit: The Mega AgencyKSI poses with his fellow BGT judgesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/noholdenback/3479470000301991191/?hl=enKSI, pictured in the 2022 Sidemen match, will play in this year’s gameCredit: Alamy”During that, I’ve got like a couple shoots here and there, a couple bits here and there just that I need to do but I just make it work.”I find time to train, whether it’s me waking up early, just to find time to train, I do it. That’s just my mentality, that’s how I am.”KSI has not fought since October 2023 when he lost a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, his first defeat in the ring. He was then forced to cancel his August comeback bout after suffering a hand injury – which he has since recovered from. He also had a fight on his hands just to find an opponent after failing to strike a deal with up to FIVE different names. Even ex-Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge, 44, was bizarrely drafted in before promptly pulling out when KSI made reference to his infamous John Terry feud. It forced the KSI camp to go back over old ground and call upon Danis – a controversial MMA fighter known as Conor McGregor’s training partner. Logan Paul beat Dillon Danis in their 2023 fightCredit: PADanis was DQd for trying an MMA submissionCredit: AlamyIt sparked a mass brawl in the ringCredit: ReutersDanis, 31, pulled out of fighting KSI in January 2023 but made his boxing debut against Logan Paul, 29, last year. It ended in a farcical sixth-round disqualification after Danis attempted an MMA submission in the ring – sparking a mass brawl. The American attacked Paul’s fiancee Nina Agdal online before the bout and is still being sued by the Danish model. So KSI admits to hesitating when offering Danis another opportunity and payday – but vows to put the feud to bed once and for all.KSI, who slapped Danis with a pancake at their press conference, said: “He was the fourth, fifth choice. It’s not the first person I wanted to fight.”I think at the time, I was happy to fight him because when I was just coming back from boxing it made sense.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And now I guess it’s frustrating to have to platform him but you know there isn’t many options, there just isn’t many options.”So fair play for him saying yes, but I’m going to punish him for all the things he’s done to me.”KSI slapping Danis with a pancake ahead of their fightCredit: PA More

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      KSI sparks carnage on press conference stage after slapping Dillon Danis with a PANCAKE ahead of boxing grudge fight

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      KSI slapped Dillon Danis with a PANCAKE to spark carnage at their pre-fight press conference. The two were originally set to meet in January 2023 but Danis pulled out – with the bad blood brewing ever since. KSI slapped Dillon Danis with a pancakeCredit: PAIt sparked carnage on stageCredit: PAAnd now they get to settle the score once and for all on March 29 in Manchester – but KSI threatened to start the fight early. As the two went face-to-face, the YouTube sensation wrapped a pancake – on Shrove Tuesday – around Danis’ chops. The MMA star furiously went after KSI as security desperately tried to keep the pair apart. Danis and KSI were both eventually escorted out separately after the melee. READ MORE IN BOXINGKSI, 31, has not fought since October 2023 when he suffered his first defeat in the ring, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25. He was due to fight YouTuber Slim Albaher, 30, and former MMA fighter Anthony Taylor, 35, in a wild two-one-one bout last August. But KSI was forced out with a hand injury – which he has since recovered from. Danis meanwhile made his boxing debut on the undercard of KSI’s loss to Fury against Logan Paul. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Paul, 29, won after Danis, 31, was disqualified after attempting an MMA submission. KSI admits the American was his FIFTH choice to fight but gave Danis the opportunity after failing to find another opponent. Jack Whitehall shocks BRITs crowd with huge swipe at Simon Cowell and makes cruel joke about KSI and Stephen HawkingAnd he predicted: “Knockout. I’d like to do it in round four. “I feel like round one he’ll probably try it see he can’t do anything to me and then he’ll close up and become a punching bag. “Then it’s me just beating him down for a few more rounds and then round four, I just let him know what time it is.” Danis faces penalties if he tries an MMA move like he did against Paul.He Danis plans to: “Choke him unconscious and stomp on his head as he’s f***ing dead.”Danis was left raging after the slapCredit: PA More

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      Floyd Mayweather splashes astonishing £1.4MILLION on 145-carat diamond-encrusted watch to celebrate 48th birthday

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER treated himself to a 145-carat diamond-encrusted watch worth £1.4MILLION to celebrate his 48th birthday.The boxing legend – who made close to £1BILLION in his career – is known to collect expensive jewellery. Floyd Mayweather treated himself to a 145-carat diamond-encrusted watch worth £1.4mCredit: Pristine JewelersThe watch was made by the Pristine JewelersCredit: Pristine JewelersThe watch is a one-of-oneCredit: Pristine JewelersAnd he lived up to his Money monicker after splashing out the $1.8m (£1.4m) on a custom timepiece. He visited New York’s opulent diamond district and the Pristine Jewelers to collect his newest addition. Mayweather’s friends Avi Davidov and Ofir Ben Shimon handed him the “One of One” watch to commemorate the launch of his new workout supplement brand Youare101.Avi and Ofir are celebrity jewellers and masterminded Cardi B’s £400,000 diamond engagement ring.READ MORE IN boxing Daily Mail footage reveals Ofir showing off the watch and saying: “This watch was made specifically for the champ Floyd Money Mayweather, a one of one piece.” And Mayweather said: “Avi and Ofir have been my close friends for over a decade. “This watch was crafted by them personally and is very special. And cost a pretty penny.” Mayweather’s most expensive piece was the $18m (£14.2m) he paid for the Billionaire Watch – embedded with 239 diamonds – made by Jacob & Co. Most read in BoxingMayweather’s £14m Jacob & Co watchCredit: INSTAGRAMThe boxing legend made close to £1bn in boxingCredit: InstagramCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe American retired from boxing in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor. But he has continued to box in exhibition bouts against stars from the boxing, MMA and social media world. And he took aim at 11-1 YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 28, when probed on a potential fight by Jimmy Fallon. Mayweather said: “Easy. Easy. Too easy. At 48, too easy.”Floyd Mayweather took aim at Jake Paul amid talk of a fightCredit: AFP More

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      I fought Anthony Joshua for £5,000 but now live new life as a bailiff and expose some of the biggest secrets in boxing

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      PAUL BUTLIN was once a heavyweight fighting the likes of Anthony Joshua – but now he is a TikTok star from his van exposing boxing’s secrets.Butlin, now 48, boxed top names in his career including Derek Chisora and Joshua before retiring in 2016.Paul Butlin is the ex-heavyweight champ now exposing boxing’s biggest secretsCredit: RexButlin went viral while working in his job as a bailiffCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnButlin is a big hit on TikTok exposing boxing’s secretsNowadays, he works as a debt collector while becoming a surprise hit on TikTok where he has almost 40,000 followers and millions of views.No longer at risk of getting on the wrong side of promoters or managers, Butlin pulls back the curtain on boxing’s dark side.Blowing the whistle on fighters’ pay, matchmaking and failed drug tests are all part of the reason fans can’t get enough of Butlin’s channel.And he tells SunSport: “I just started making boxing videos and people seem to like the real side of me, because all they see is like Conor Benn and people like this.READ MORE IN BOXING”They just think you’re gonna make millions, so I’m just trying to distract people to the other side of it. “The real side of boxing where you’ve got graft just to live really.”His controversial claims have included suggesting several top but nameless boxers use performance enhancing drugs. Butlin alleged in one video: “All the big names, I’m not gonna mention, I know they’re on it. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.” And he believes Jake Paul’s eight-round points victory over 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November was an example of a rigged fight.He said: “The whole fight was a fix, I watched it. Absolute b****s. “He hardly threw a punch, (Tyson) could have knocked him out at any time. Absolute fix, the game is a con.” Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions company did release a statement to deny accusations of the bout being fixed. Butlin – a former bouncer – went viral himself when a video emerged of him having a row while collecting a debt.Little did the man recording know that he was dealing with one of Britain’s most respected and experienced heavyweights.But Butlin said: “It’s just one of them that you get used to. I’ve got nothing to prove, do you know what I mean?”I don’t stand – even when I work at the door – I didn’t stand there and saying, ‘Well, I’m a professional boxer.’ Do you know what I mean? Or I used to be a professional boxer.”I just am what I am, and then people can abuse me. That is part of the job.”Butlin opened up about being verbally abused during his day jobCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnWhen Butlin speaks about boxing, fans will listen. After all, he’s not a pretender with a big social media following, he has experienced it all in the ring. Butlin only started his amateur career at 26 and turned pro after just two years and 12 bouts. He went 4-0 before losing to Paul Buttery – in what he admits was a step up too soon in his career. An up and down run of performances and results then forced the East Midlands man to the away corner to make reasonable money. He said: “I realised the only way I could make money without selling tickets is going on the road if you like.”Butlin also made a name for himself sparring the likes of Tyson Fury before the Gypsy King became a world champion superstar.In fact, Butlin first crossed paths with Fury while the future British legend was still a teenager and knew he was destined for greatness.First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.Paul Butlin on Anthony Joshua Butlin revealed: “Even after sparring him the first time, I said to him, ‘You’d beat most heavyweights now.’ “Obviously at the time I was sparring Matt Skelton, Pele Reed, loads of heavyweights. “I said, ‘Mate, you beat all these heavyweights now as an amateur.’ That’s what I told him.”And then he invited me up where he couldn’t get sparring. I went up to Manchester, I went to his uncle’s who sadly passed away. “Tyson was living in a caravan back of there, and he was training in like the barn.”And then I went to an amateur club in Manchester, so probably two or three times I sparred him, always got on well with him, he always looked after me and yeah, he’s a good lad.” Butlin also helped welcome Joshua to the world of professional boxing – one year after AJ won Olympic gold in London.And he admits to being blown away by the sheer power of Joshua – even with his lesser left hand jab.Butlin was beaten by Anthony Joshua in 2013Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe was paid just £5,000 for the fightCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunButlin said: “I squared with him in the casino where we had the weigh in, I looked at him and I thought, ‘Mate, you’re having it! “Got in the ring, I wasn’t even bothered. I thought, ‘Do you know what, you’re having it! I’m fit as a fiddle.'”First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.”I went back to Carl Greaves first round, and said, ‘Mate, I can’t deal with him.'”He goes, ‘What are you on about?’ ‘I can’t deal with his power.’ He hits that hard.”And the only reason I got up after that big shot is because I was fit. I mean, I had nine stitches in my eye. Great shot. I can’t fault him.”Fans would assume fighting Joshua is a top payday – but Butlin is open in admitting he made just a tiny £5,000. He said on reflection: “At the time I was working, I had my gym. I think we just got married. We had young kids, five grand helps.I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.”Looking back now, obviously the older you get I’m a bit gutted I didn’t get more. But that’s life, innit? You’re gonna take it.”If you don’t take it, someone else is gonna take it. So £5,000 at the time was a lot of money, and I just thought, ‘Yeah, why not?'” But Butlin also caused damage of his own – just ask Chisora. London’s veteran fan favourite once revealed Butlin was the hardest-hitting opponent he ever faced.Chisora claimed Butlin hit so hard he had to get the referee to check his gloves and make sure it wasn’t loaded with weights in it.”He never told me that afterwards,” Butlin says with a laugh. Butlin’s career on the road as the opponent was filled with short-notice bouts. Sometimes it was only 24 hours notice, other times while he had a BROKEN HAND.But Butlin always showed up – until he packed it in to tell the tales on the grubby boxing business. And while his career in the ring, all across Europe, may have gone unnoticed among some fans, his boxing exposes on TikTok certainty aren’t.READ MORE SUN STORIESButlin gets dozens of requests and questions sent in by his TikTok fans – but did he ever expect to be such a hit among social media?He said with a grin: “No, not really. I thought, it’s bald old Paul just making videos.”  More