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      in Boxing

      My grandad is Muhammad Ali – now I’m following his path as boxer but I’ve turned down huge payday out of respect for him

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      NICO ALI WALSH has such respect for his iconic grandfather that no amount of money could convince him into a cash-grab fight. The middleweight prospect has quite possibly the greatest ever boxing shoes to fill as the grandson to Muhammad Ali.
      Nico Ali Walsh is the grandson of Muhammad AliCredit: Getty
      Muhammad Ali is considered The GreatestCredit: Getty
      Nico with his iconic grandfatherCredit: @nicoaliwalsh
      So far, Nico has forged his own path to success in the ring with a 9-1 record but his iconic surname will always be able to make him millions.
      Although the American is uninterested in profiting from a crossover-style spectacle bout if it means his grandfather’s legacy takes a hit.
      Nico told SunSport: “I have so much respect for this legacy, it’s bigger than me. I can’t be selfish with it because a lot of people care for it. 
      “Just going to Africa and seeing so many people chant, “Ali” just for the love and respect they have for my grandfather was crazy. 
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      “So, this legacy is bigger than me. I can’t be greedy and be like, ‘I’m going to do a money-grab and start fighting YouTubers.’ 
      “That’s insane, I didn’t get into boxing for the money. I think the money will come in time and I love what I’m doing right now, taking the long road. 
      “I want to be champ one day, I want to get to that undisputed level and you can’t do that fighting YouTubers.” 
      Nico, 23, has continued to be linked with a clash against social media star-turned prizefighter Jake Paul, 26.
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      And despite distancing himself from it, Nico praised Paul for his first-round knockout win over boxer Andre August.
      He said: “I’ve got to say, Jake Paul, he keeps getting popped up but I give him a ton of respect.
      “His last fight he fought a legitimate boxer, a no-name boxer and I heard he did well. 
      “That’s what it’s going to take to get to contender status, to get to champ status, to get to a title fight. 
      “It’s going to take fighting someone that nobody knows about, not making any money from it.
      “Just building your resume and then just fighting for millions one day.” 
      Paul claimed an offer to fight Nico was respectfully declined in the past.
      Giving his side of the story, Nico said: “I don’t remember if there was ever a legitimate offer but we’ve made it very clear that we don’t want something like that, respectfully. 
      Jake Paul knocking out Andre AugustCredit: Getty
      Nico Ali Walsh has distanced himself from fighting Jake PaulCredit: Getty
      “We respectfully decline anything like that and it is out of respect for my grandfather, it is out of respect for the legacy that I’m trying to build, it’s out of respect for the career I’m trying to build for myself. 
      “Once you’re categorised in that category it is so hard to break out of that cast.” 
      Tommy Fury, 24, insisted he was going to beat Paul and then return on his path to world championship boxing.
      But after edging past Paul, the ex-Love Islander went straight into facing YouTube sensation KSI, 30, winning controversially on points.
      The foray into the world of influencer boxing has left Fury laughing all the way to the bank – but his title ambitions are now seen as the joke.
      And Nico said: “I know Tommy, love Tommy, he’s an awesome dude, the Furys are awesome but it’s options you’ve got to weigh. 
      “There’s two options, on one hand you’ve got life-changing money and on the other hand you’ve got a boxing legacy. 
      Jake Paul was beaten by Tommy FuryCredit: Getty
      Tommy Fury was a controversial winner over KSICredit: Reuters
      “So you can’t fault anybody for picking one or the other but in my case I will always side with legacy over money.” 
      Nico recently returned with victory in Guinea, beating Noel Lafargue by split-decision over six rounds.
      The bout – documented in an OnlyFans series called Rise & Grind – gave the boxing prodigy the chance to bounce back from his first ever loss.
      He said: “It was super relieving. It’s crazy because nowadays in boxing people value your record more than your ability almost.
      “And that kinda sucks because I’m such an old school guy, I’m only 23-years-old but I’m an old head.
      “And I respected these guys coming up; my grandfather, George Foreman, Joe Frazier all those old school guys, Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard.
      “These guys didn’t care about records they cared about putting on awesome fights and nowadays it’s just not like that.
      “So when I did get that loss, me personally I took it as a learning experience but for the world of boxing, for the viewing of boxing I thought, ‘This could really do some damage.’
      “Because people value that record so much but coming back off that it makes your comeback even more when there’s a minor setback.”
      Read more on The Sun

      Nico’s episode of “Rise & Grind” is now available to watch on OFTV More

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      in Soccer

      I worked in McDonald’s after leaving uni – now I make six-figure salary after turning football side hustle into my job

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      OLLIE JENKS has come up trumps after turning his love of football nostalgia into a lucrative career selling player cards.Rather than get his stickers in a twist during the Covid lockdown, he used the extra time online to collect them and become a TikTok phenomenon.
      Cards for players like Beckham and Messi fetch huge sumsCredit: TikTok @paolo.panini
      Ollie Jenks’ finds from around the world go back six decadesCredit: TikTok @paolo.panini
      The former University of Surrey media student, 32, has unearthed a David Beckham Rookie card from 1996 worth £7,000 and also sold a Grade 10 signed Lionel Messi card for £3k.
      Ollie, from Devon, worked in McDonalds when he had little idea what career to pursue.
      But then his addiction to footie facts and figures took him back to the future – via vintage cards and stickers.
      Ollie fronts told card-breaking channel Paolo Panini, whose posts include a four-hour live stream on Friday that averages 35,000 viewers.
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      He told SPORTbible: “We grew quite rapidly over the first six months… in the first year, our sales were around the £300,000 mark.”
      And he revealed how his obsession set in at school where he beat all the teachers in the Fantasy Football Leagues – eventually emerging as a vocation where he searches for tiny pictures from the past.
      Ollie said: “My earliest memory is going to a swap shop at Exeter’s Westpoint Arena for the 1998 Premier League sticker album
      “It was a bit of a weird experience as it was in a giant cowshed. The idea of the event was to swap your duplicates for ones you need, but it stank of cow c**p, to be honest.
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      “I also fell in love with the story arcs of a player’s ups and downs throughout their career, especially in the ’90s or ’00s, when it felt like anything could happen.”
      He finally settled in Dublin, working with foreign students – only for Covid to force him into new ideas.
      He said: “I wanted to combine my love of storytelling and what I knew about ’00s football, so Team Of Our Lives was born – a niche 2000s-based football podcast.”
      In particular, Ollie switched from making short football documentaries on YouTube to an even more popular form of social media in 2020.
      He said: “I uploaded a few of those vintage pack-opening videos from the podcast to TikTok and it blew up.
      “Seeing so many people interested in football nostalgia was huge, and with some modern rare cards going for big money I attempted to make a living out of it.”
      Ollie now calls himself a Football Treasure Hunter and explained: “Some of the greatest players such as Pele have football cards that could be worth as much as $1.3million (about £1m).
      “So there is real value to be had in finding rare packs that have been sealed for 50 years and potentially finding some footballing history – that’s why I love it so much.”

      He reckons the most expensive packs currently in circulation are from the 1970 World Cup – including late legends Sir Bobby Charlton, Eusebio and Pele, plus Franz Beckenbauer.
      A complete album from that tournament in Mexico recently sold at auction for more than £2k. More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul announces boxing return just days after knocking out Andre August… but YouTube star will NOT be main event

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      JAKE PAUL has announced his boxing return just days after knocking out Andre August.The YouTuber-turned boxer stopped August in the opening round of their December 15 bout.
      Jake Paul will make his return on March 2Credit: Getty
      And now Paul has taken to social media to announce he will be back in the ring in just 11 weeks time in Puerto Rico on March 2.
      But the social media sensation will NOT be the night’s headliner, with women’s boxing legend Amanda Serrano instead at the top of the bill for her homecoming fight.
      Paul said: “Fighting for the first time at home in Puerto Rico alongside one of the greatest fighters ever, Amanda Serrano, promises to be the event of a lifetime.
      “I’m honoured to be the co-main event on Amanda’s homecoming card, and I could not be more excited to bring this historic event to Puerto Rico as I continue my path to becoming a world champion.
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      “Our latest MVP signee, Wanna Walton, is making his global debut on this card, Bomba Gonzalez and Krystal Rosado are continuing their rise to stardom, and the whole island of Puerto Rico will finally get a chance to properly celebrate the greatness of Amanda Serrano.
      “She is going to sell more tickets in one event than Katie Taylor did in two in Dublin.
      “This is going to be the biggest night of boxing the Choliseo has ever seen and the world will be watching.”
      The last time Paul did not top the bill was in November 2020 when he knocked out basketballer Nate Robinson, 39, on Mike Tyson’s undercard.
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      Serrano, 35, looks set to defend her unified WBA, IBF and WBO belts in the 20,000-seat arena in her first bout back in Puerto Rico since 2017.
      Paul, 26, meanwhile is coming off his first victory over a recognised boxer in August, 35, who was 10-1-1 before the KO defeat.
      The American was beaten by Tommy Fury via split-decision in February but bounced back by beating ex-UFC star Nate Diaz in August.
      And Paul has since confirmed his focus will be on rising the traditional ranks as he intends to face seasoned boxers going forward.
      He said when asked on his next move: “More boxing prospects, more experience, more time in the ring under the bright lights staying active.
      “And if the money fights want to come, I’ve got smoke for them too but right now I’m focussed on being one of the best in the world and creating one of the greatest sports stories in the history of sports.
      “Being able to become a world champion from Disney channel, three years ago not even knowing how to throw a jab or what an uppercut was.”
      Jake Paul knocked out Andre August in round oneCredit: Esther Lin More

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      in Boxing

      AJ Bunker vs Elle Brooke 2 announced with Love Island star looking for revenge against OnlyFans influencer

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      FORMER Love Island star AJ Bunker will go up against Elle Brooke in a rematch as the two renew their feud.Their first fight in July was full of bad blood and saw Elle come out on top.
      Elle lost her last fight to Jully PocaCredit: Rex
      AJ Bunker is looking for revenge after their first fightCredit: andreajanebunker/Instagram
      The judges scored the fight 40-36 in Elle’s favour.
      The two are set to throw it down again in January on DAZN.
      The fight will take place as part of Misfits Boxing – which has launched the careers of several influencer boxers.
      Elle announced the fight on her Instagram alongside the caption: “Repeat or revenge, what we saying? Let’s fucking gooooo 🥊 @misfitsboxing.”
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      The bout will take place in Leeds.
      Meanwhile AJ announced the fight on her Instagram by writing: “The rematch is on! LETS GET IT! 🥊🔥”
      The initial fight took place after Bunker stepped in for Astrid Wett at late notice.
      Astrid had to pull out after safety fears.
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      AJ has become a boxer since she left Love IslandCredit: PA
      Elle Brooke mixes boxing with OnlyFansCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledong
      Bunker said she was “really proud” of her performance in the first bout after stepping in at late notice.
      She said after the fight: “To be honest I thought I had the win.
      “Fair play to Elle she did well but I want a rematch when I can have more than two weeks’ notice.
      “I am really proud of myself and I hope that is treated as showing there is no limitations to what us girls can do.”
      AJ rose to fame in 2021 after she appeared in season seven of Love Island. More

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      in Soccer

      OnlyFans influencer banned from entering Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea’s penalty shootout win over Newcastle

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      ASTRID WETT was refused entry into Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s clash with Newcastle.The Blues faced off against the Magpies in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
      Astrid Wett left Chelsea’s game against Newcastle earlyCredit: Twitter @AstridWett
      She walked out of the standsCredit: Twitter @AstridWett
      She is a Chelsea fanCredit: Instagram @wettastrid
      Astrid, 23, was in the stands for the first half and saw Callum Wilson’s solo goal give the visitors the lead.
      She became unimpressed with the performance from her beloved Blues during the second half.
      Artid shared a video online of herself venting her frustration.
      She said: “I have watched 80 minutes of this s*** and I cannot take it anymore.”
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      She then ended the video by walking out of her seat and out of the stands.
      However, in her huff, she missed Mykailo Mudryk’s 92nd-minute equaliser.
      Security staff apparently stopped her from re-entering the ground in order to watch the remainder of the match.
      Astrid then posted a tweet saying: “They won’t let me back in.”
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      As well as the equaliser, Astrid also missed Chelsea come out on top in a penalty shootout.
      Fans celebrated the fact that she was blocked from returning on social media.
      One posted: “Deserved for leaving early always back your team.”
      A second wrote: “Karma. Lol never leave till the end.”
      A third commented: “That means that you are our bad luck charm.”
      A fourth said: “Good, shouldn’t leave early anyway.”
      Another added: “Hahahaha, next time stay till the end!”
      Fans also wanted Astrid banned after she wore a half-and-half shirt to Chelsea’s clash with Manchester City.
      The Blues progressed to the semi-finals of the competition with the draw to take place after Liverpool host West Ham tonight.
      Fans wanted her banned after wearing this shirtCredit: X / @AstridWett
      She wore the shirt to Stamford BridgeCredit: X / @AstridWett More

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      Jake Paul called out for ‘one of the biggest fights in boxing history’ after YouTuber reveals plan to become WORLD CHAMP

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      JAKE PAUL has been called out by Viddal Riley for “one of the biggest fights in boxing history”. The YouTuber-turned prizefighter improved to 8-1 by knocking out Andre August, the first professional boxer he has beaten.
      Jake Paul opened the door to fighting Viddal RileyCredit: Most Valuable Promotions/Esther Lin

      Viddal Riley is also open to fighting Jake PaulCredit: PA
      And afterwards, he opened the door to facing unbeaten English cruiserweight champion Riley in the future.
      The British star – who formerly coached Paul’s arch rival KSI – was quick to respond and talked up the potential bout.
      Riley said: “If that’s his aspirations, mine are the same and we both weigh 200lb, then yeah it’s inevitable that fight could happen down the line.
      “Say I’m world champion, this guy is ranked in the top 15 in the world with said governing body, I would happily, voluntarily defend the title against him, why wouldn’t I?
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      “I think it would be one of the biggest fights probably, in boxing history with the amount of back story, the amount of build-up.
      “It’d be crazy. Everyone would tune in for that.” 
      Riley, 26, added that he does not see it happening in 2024 but leaves the door open to the fight in the near future.
      Paul, also 26, suffered defeat for the first time in February, losing a split-decision to Tommy Fury, 24, in Saudi Arabia.
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      But he has bounced back with two wins since, on points against ex-UFC contender Nate Diaz, 38, and a knockout of August, 35.
      Paul talked down the chances of KSI, 30, accepting a fight against him but would welcome a showdown against his first coach Riley.
      He said: “For sure that can happen, that would be interesting and he has a name, a profile and that’s something that excites me for sure.
      “As I go down this path I’m going to continue to challenge myself and grow and grow and grow and some of those names start popping into the equation.”
      Paul took the fight with little-known August – who had a 10-1-1 record – as he looks to one day challenge for a world championship.
      He said: “I’m focused on being the best in the world and creating one of the greatest sports stories in the history of sports: being able to become a world champion from Disney Channel.”
      Jake Paul knocked out Andre AugustCredit: Most Valuable Promotions/Esther Lin More

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      Jake Paul reveals HOUR long phone call with Tommy Fury for rematch but fears rival is already making ‘excuses’

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      JAKE PAUL revealed he spent an hour on the phone negotiating a rematch with Tommy Fury but fears his rival is already making “excuses”. The celebrity boxing pair finally ended two years of feuding in February with Fury emerging a split-decision winner.
      Jake Paul revealed talks to rematch Tommy Fury
      Jake Paul was beaten on points by Tommy FuryCredit: Getty
      But Paul has bounced back with two wins since, on points against ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, and a knockout of boxer Andre August, 36.
      And he revealed after his uppercut KO of August that talks with Fury are back underway – but money could prove an obstacle.
      Paul, 26, said on his podcast: “We had calls with him, had an hour long call with him and the whole entire thing was just kind of this thing, ‘Oh, more money, more money, more money.’
      “When he’s not getting more money by fighting anybody else and we have an amazing offer out there for him and it’s kind of just these excuses after excuses.
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      “Obviously Tommy already beat me, so people will be like, ‘Oh, he already beat you so why wouldn’t he do it again?’
      “But he sees my skillset advancing, knows he had me at my worst. Two to make it true. I’m here, I’m ready.”
      Fury, 24, went on to beat Paul’s arch rival KSI, 30, in his next bout.
      And the build-up proved to also be a bitter one, with KSI even spitting on Fury’s dad and coach John.
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      It leaves John – in charge of his son’s career – refusing to entertain a rematch with KSI.
      He told SecondsOut, via Freebets: “If Jake Paul wants to box Tommy next that wouldn’t be a problem.
      “If anybody out there wants to box Tommy that’s carrying weight, let’s talk.
      “The only man that’s not welcome at the table is not a man, is him. What do you call him? KSI. He is not welcome, not now, not ever. He is done.
      “We don’t want to do business with a spitter. Too much bad blood, he’s an ignorant man and there’s no more business, not even for $1trillion with him.”
      Tommy Fury also beat KSI on pointsCredit: Getty More

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      John Fury hints at son Tommy’s next fight as Jake Paul reveals talks but KSI rematch is ruled out even for $1TRILLION

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      JOHN FURY has given his blessing for son Tommy to rematch Jake Paul – but not even $1TRILLION could convince him to fight KSI again. Tommy leaves 2023 after beating YouTube’s two biggest boxing stars, firstly edging past Paul on a split-decision in Saudi Arabia in February.
      John Fury with his son TommyCredit: Rex
      KSI was beaten by Tommy Fury on pointsCredit: Splash
      And he followed it up with a controversial points win over KSI in October following a bitter build up.
      KSI spat at his dad John during an open workout which leaves Tommy’s dad ruling out a rematch between the two.
      He told SecondsOut, via Freebets: “If Jake Paul wants to box Tommy next that wouldn’t be a problem.
      “If anybody out there wants to box Tommy that’s carrying weight, let’s talk.
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      “The only man that’s not welcome at the table is not a man, is him. What do you call him? KSI. He is not welcome, not now, not ever. He is done.
      “We don’t want to do business with a spitter. Too much bad blood, he’s an ignorant man and there’s no more business, not even for $1trillion with him.”
      KSI, 30, lost the first stage of his appeal against Fury, 24, who still stands as a unanimous decision victor.
      Meanwhile Paul, 26, has returned with two wins since his first boxing loss, beating ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, and boxer Andre August, 35.
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      And he revealed afterwards that talks to rematch Fury have taken place but he accused the ex-Love Islander of demanding too much money.
      He said: “We had calls with him, had an hour long call with him and the whole entire thing was just kind of this thing, ‘Oh, more money, more money, more money.’
      “When he’s not getting more money by fighting anybody else and we have an amazing offer out there for him and it’s kind of just these excuses after excuses.
      “Obviously Tommy already beat me, so people will be like, ‘Oh, he already beat you so why wouldn’t he do it again?’
      “But he sees my skillset advancing, knows he had me at my worst. Two to make it true. I’m here, I’m ready.”
      Tommy Fury and Jake Paul have held talks for a rematchCredit: Reuters More