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    Jake Paul reveals stunning behind-the-scenes talks to fight Oleksandr Usyk after teasing shock world title shot

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    JAKE PAUL revealed he is in stunning behind-the-scenes talks to fight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk after teasing a world title shot. The YouTuber-turned-boxer was called out by the heavyweight king with the two camps now in negotiations. Jake Paul pictured with Oleksandr UsykCredit: @mostvaluablepromotionsBut, Usyk has challenged Paul to a bout in the MMA cage and not the boxing ring. Paul is signed to the Professional Fighters League and eyes an MMA debut next year with Usyk among his options. Accompanied by UFC and boxing legend Holly Holm, he said: “I want to be like Holly here and test my skills in the cage. “That’s something I’m super, super interested in and I think it would be a very, very big spectacle. READ MORE IN BOXING”Nate Diaz is still ducking but we need to find the right opponent, Usyk maybe.” Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian added: “Usyk has called out Jake multiple times in MMA. “They’ve been in touch with us behind the scenes saying they want to do that in 2026. So something we definitely want to pursue.” Bidarian added that the PFL have shown interest in promoting the crossover fight. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut first Usyk, 38, returns on July 19 at Wembley Stadium to rematch Daniel Dubois, 27, who he beat in 2023. And it will be for the undisputed heavyweight titles following the Ukrainian’s two points wins over Tyson Fury, 36, last year. Jake Paul has ‘money fight’ green lit by boxing world champUsyk has warned he has just two fights left and has called out UFC star Alex Pereira, 37, in the past. Paul, 28, meanwhile faces former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, in his next bout on June 28 in California. It comes off the back of his points win in November against Mike Tyson, who controversially made a comeback aged 58. Paul moves back from to cruiserweight after moving up to heavyweight and revealed talks to fight WBC champ Badou Jack. He said: “I’m super interested. I had Nakisa contact his team behind the scenes so those discussions are happening.” It comes after Jack, 41, told SunSport: “It’s a money fight. It’s an easy fight and it’s a money fight So, why not?”Badou Jack is linked with fighting Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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      If the World Cup started today Marcus Rashford wouldn’t be in the XI – latest England performance sums up his struggles

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      MARCUS RASHFORD was given another chance by Thomas Tuchel — but again failed to shine.If you were to scribble down your starting XI for next year’s World Cup, Rashford would not be included.Marcus Rashford must do better to stay in the England pictureCredit: GettyRashford only had one attempt on goal against LatviaCredit: RexNearly all his touches were out wide in the attacking thirdThe Aston Villa loanee created six chances but lacked a killer passCredit: RexAnd the 27-year-old’s frustrating performance in the 3-0 victory over Latvia summed up his struggles at club level over the past couple of seasons.He created six chances according to the stats — but it did not feel like it.The Manchester United forward, currently on loan at Aston Villa, played with bags of positivity in the first half.He had too much pace for the ­Latvian right-back Roberts Savalnieks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he also supported his defenders on the rare occasions the visitors attacked.Rashford was certainly acting on the criticism dished out by boss Thomas Tuchel for not being direct enough in the 2-0 win over Albania.Equally, the killer pass was not there. And after switching to the right in the second half, he barely had a kick before being replaced by Curtis Jones.Rashford is not the only player to fail to cause havoc in the final third during two lacklustre England performances.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut the competition down that left position is nowhere as strong as it has been in the past.Jack Grealish’s career has gone backwards while Phil Foden has under-performed for England and moaned about being played out on the left during Euro 2024.Here’s what has happened to England’s lost football groundsAnthony Gordon, injured for this game, would be your man in that spot if the World Cup started tomorrow.Eberechi Eze also looked decent on the left when he came on and scored a deflected third.But Rashford still has a chance — purely because his international boss seems desperate for him to succeed.Tuchel has started him in back-to-back games, a luxury he has barely been afforded for club or country over the last 18 months, and an indication of just how far Rashford’s star has fallen.He lasted 74 minutes before being replaced against Albania on Friday and was afforded just five more minutes than that at Wembley last night.Tuchel has only signed a short-term contract and although he has thrown Myles Lewis-Skelly into the mix, looks determined to stick with experience.Rashford — who won his 62nd cap — comes into that bracket.And when the German announced his squad for these two games, Tuchel praised Rashford’s workrate for Villa —  something he was often criticised for at United.It is still early days for him under Villa boss Unai Emery. His nine appearances have included just two starts and he is yet to score.The last time Rashford found the net was his brace in United’s 4-0 win over Everton on December 1.When Rashford did find his way past Savalnieks in the first half last night, his final pass was not good enough.After swapping flanks with Jarrod Bowen following the break, he played a small role in the build-up to the second goal scored by Harry Kane — but otherwise was still not involved enough.Maybe fatigue due to his lack of games was a cause.But you would still expect Rashford to remain in the squad for England’s next two games in June — a World Cup qualifier in Andorra and a friendly with Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen you consider the rotten time Rashford has endured of late — much of it self-inflicted — he is lucky to be back in the England team.The jury remains out on whether he can make the most of that good fortune.Rashford struggled to create clear-cut opportunities on Monday nightCredit: Rex More

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      ‘It would be interesting’ – Jake Paul called out by Oleksandr Usyk’s team for stunning MMA fight

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      JAKE PAUL has been called out by Oleksandr Usyk’s team for a stunning MMA fight.Usyk has admitted he has just two fights left in his career and he wants to rematch Daniel Dubois next for the undisputed title. Jake Paul has been called out by Oleksandr Usyk’s team for a stunning MMA fightCredit: GettyUsyk says he only has two more fights leftCredit: ReutersBut afterwards, he has opened the door to a crossover bout against UFC star Alex Pereira, 37, or an MMA fight with Paul, 28. One of his trainers, Sergey Lapin, told OLBG: “Usyk has always cared only about fighting the best and creating a lasting legacy in the great sport of boxing. “But in the future, as he further solidifies his place as one of the true great fighters, we’ll see what other opportunities open up for him.”It might be great to step into the cage with Jake Paul under MMA rules, it would be interesting if there is money to be made from it. READ MORE IN BOXING”Also, we never say never about fighting the dangerous Alex Pereira, possibly partnered with Dana White. “Dana’s move to boxing could open the door for more fights between boxers and current UFC stars. “Dana is a capable guy, and with Turki’s abilities, they would create a very interesting project. “It will bring attention to our great sport, expand the fan base, attract new investment and possibly increase the purses of the athletes.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPaul has 11 wins and just one loss in the ring, coming against Tommy Fury, 25, in 2023. His last bout was against 58-year-old Mike Tyson which he won on points amid huge controversy due to the age gap. Jake Paul reveals talks for Tommy Fury rematch and slams Canelo Alvarez over failed fight And Paul has recently called out Anthony Joshua, 35, after losing out on a deal to face Canelo Alvarez, 34, in May in Las Vegas. Joshua has not returned since his knockout loss to Dubois, 27, in September. Dubois defended the IBF title that he inherited after Usyk, 38, vacated it to rematch Tyson Fury, 36. Usyk beat Fury for the undisputed crown in May but had to relinquish the IBF belt to proceed with the December rematch – which he won on points. Dubois was elevated from interim champ to the full version and was due to defend it again against Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh. But he had to withdraw with just days to go through illness as Parker, 33, instead beat late substitute Martin Bakole, 31, in just one round. Parker has since been ordered by the WBO to fight Usyk next but the Ukrainian prefers to face Dubois for all the belts. Usyk beat Dubois in 2023 but only after going down in round five to a controversial low-blow. READ MORE SUN STORIESLapin said: “Oleksandr Usyk wants to make his next fight against Daniel Dubois. Dubois is our priority, because he has the belt. “We are waiting for the date of the fight with Dubois, we assume it will take place in Riyadh or London, one of the world capitals of boxing and Usyk will once again prove that he is the best fighter of our generation.”Usyk wants to rematch Daniel DuboisCredit: GETTY More

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      Jake Paul and UFC star Conor McGregor called out for ‘gritty’ never-before-seen boxing fight with ELBOWS allowed

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      MIKE PERRY has called out Jake Paul and Conor McGregor to a fight under his Dirty Boxing rules. The former UFC star-turned-bare-knuckle champion last year launched his promotion – which consists of hybrid rules. Jake Paul has been called out to a rematch by Mike PerryCredit: GettyConor McGregor was also called out by PerryCredit: GettyPerry’s Dirty Boxing involves bouts using MMA-style gloves with elbows permitted in smaller-sized rings. The American was beaten in six rounds by YouTuber-turned-prizefighter Paul in their July boxing bout. But Perry, 33, told SunSport: “It would be a dream match up to have a rematch with Jake Paul over in Dirty boxing.”You know, see how our styles match up when I get to do a little bit more dirty fighting style in a clean manner which goes with the rules, not against the rules.READ MORE IN boxing”I’m all about the technique and the style. Me and Jake had a boxing match and I would love a chance to redeem that and face him in Dirty Boxing. He’s talked about it as well, so that’s one match up.” Perry filled in on three weeks notice to fight Paul, 27, after Mike Tyson, 58, pulled out amid a health precution.Tyson did eventually make it to the ring – after 20 YEARS in retirement – and lost to Paul on points in November.Perry meanwhile also has his eyes on McGregor, 36, who has not fought since July 2021 when he snapped his leg against Dustin Poirier, 36. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I was just watching a video of his last fight against Dustin Poirier and he was doing well.”I mean, his striking is crisp, his hands, speed and all that. I feel like that fight. Jake Paul blasts Anthony Joshua and vows to KO heavyweight superstar”He had like an old school style of kick like UFC we kick the old ways, they kicked the thigh and Conor was doing the thigh kick.”And nowadays, the game has evolved a bit and all the kicks are to the calf now. “All the calves are getting kicked, which is I think stopping people from getting that injury that he got.”Yes, he is talented with his legs, but I know he loves boxing and I think boxing with elbows over here in Dirty Boxing would be a great way to get himself back in the fight and face me.”Perry’s Dirty Boxing returns for its second event on Saturday in Miami with Yoel Romero fighting Ras Hylton and Andrei Arlovski taking on Terrance Hodges.And Perry said: “It’s very rough and gritty, it’s very in your face and all action all the time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I mean, when I fight, I bring it and now I got huge names fighting under my banner, my promotions banner like Yoel Romero and Andrei Arlovski.”Two kings of the fight game really and I make myself a third one. Dirty Boxing, it’s here to explode onto the scene this Saturday, March 22nd.”Yoel Romero, right, in a Dirty Boxing fightCredit: @DirtyBoxing_ More

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      Oleksandr Usyk teases shock MMA fight with UFC superstar but only after undisputed Daniel Dubois showdown

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      OLEKSANDR USYK has teased a shock switch to MMA – after being called out by UFC superstar Alex Pereira.But first Usyk wants to rematch Daniel Dubois for the undisputed heavyweight titles. Daniel Dubois lost to Oleksandr Usyk in 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunHe told Al Arabiya News: “We want to fight Dubois. My team is ready. “A lot depends on how God will give us a way to do it and the second person who can do it is His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, because he is the person who can organise this fight. “I think there would be obstacles otherwise.”Usyk, 38, beat Dubois, 27, in the ninth round of their 2023 fight but controversy struck due to a low-blow in the fifth. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Ukrainian would go on to twice beat Tyson Fury, 36, in 2024 but he had to vacate the IBF title to proceed with their December rematch. Dubois was elevated from interim IBF champ to the full belt and knocked out Anthony Joshua, 35, in September. He was then due to defend the title against Joseph Parker, 33, in February but he pulled out with just days to go with illness.Parker instead knocked out replacement Martin Bakole, 31, and has since been ordered to fight Usyk by the WBO. Most read in BoxingBut Usyk still has his eyes on Dubois in a bid to unify the belts once more. It comes after Pereira – who recently lost his UFC light-heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev – called out the boxing legend. Usyk spotted ‘giving Anthony Joshua tips on how to beat Tyson Fury’ in ringside footage at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2.mp4And Usyk revealed he would entertain a crossover bout with Pereira, 37, and even doing so in the MMA cage. He said: “Yes, I would be interested, but only after the fight with Daniel to merge our belts. “I even considered the option of fighting in a cage. It is a joke, but every joke contains an element of truth.”Alex Pereira has called out Usyk beforeCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Can’t delete anyone’ – Turki Alalshikh lifts lid on Dana White’s boxing league and futures of Hearn and Frank Warren

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      TURKI ALALSHIKH has lifted the lid on his new boxing league amid fears Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren could be “deleted”.Alalshikh has teamed up with TKO – who control and own the UFC and WWE – on a new boxing venture involving Dana White. Frank Warren, Turki Alalshikh and Eddie HearnCredit: Matchroom BoxingDetails are limited but White has teased using fewer weight classes and having just one title per division – bypassing the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO. And it has also led to fears boxing’s old guard including Hearn and Warren will be phased out by TKO. But Alalshikh said in a live video: “Last week, we announced the TKO Boxing League with Dana White. “We are focusing on this league to give the opportunity for the fighters and to make something that the fans like.READ MORE IN BOXING”We have a lot of ideas that I will keep until the right time for Dana to announce.”This league is not against anyone; it is not against the commission, not against the promoters. This is my opinion.”This is a project, and there will be space in the market. We will still see the four belts, the commissions and the promoters.”The market is huge, and no one can delete anyone from this market.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I understand the panic in the market because there are a lot of companies, and there are a lot of promoters.”What I want to say is, we care about the fans and the fighters, and we will support the fans and the fighters, and we will continue to do the big fights for the people.KSI lifts lid on meeting with Turki Alalshikh and teases fight talks… but blasts Jake Paul as ‘disgrace to boxing’ “The relationship between Riyadh Season, Ring Magazine and the promoters will continue at least for the next one or two years.”This depends on their reactions and about the options they will give us. If it is good for us, we will do it.”In this situation, I like what Matchroom and Eddie Hearn are doing.”Eddie is still discussing with me and my team about making the big fights around the world.”He has decided to continue to work with us, and we will continue to do business with him.”Also, we have had a lot of discussions with Golden Boy to have some of their fighters on different cards.”Me and my team are always happy to work with the promoters in boxing if they give us good options.”Dana White announced a boxing league with Turki AlalshikhCredit: Instagram @turkialalshik More

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      I cried after announcing my MMA retirement and got job on railway tracks… now I’ve got a second chance through boxing

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      WITH his eyes full of tears and admittedly harbouring regret, Darren Stewart announced his retirement from MMA. And after getting a job on the railway tracks to support his family – the father-of-two might have thought his fighting days were over. Darren Stewart retired from MMACredit: GettyBut an opportunity Stewart had been waiting for finally arised – offering his career a second chance. Stewart had fought professionally in MMA since 2014 – spending five years in the UFC until a losing streak saw him demoted to the domestic scene. And after six Cage Warriors bouts – the Londoner’s fight offers had dried up – prompting him to announce a heartbreaking retirement. Stewart, 34, told SunSport: “That day I was asking like, ‘What’s happening any more fights?’ READ MORE IN BOXING”And I was getting told that there might not be no more fights until the end of the year.”And I fought at the beginning of the year, so how am I gonna survive? “Remember, I got no job, how am I gonna survive from the beginning of the year to end of the year? No sponsorships, I mean, nothing”And then when I got that message, I started breaking down into tears. I was crying, I said, ‘You know what I’m done.’Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”My missus came and said, ‘What’s wrong?’ I said, ‘I’m gonna call it a day.’ I think she said something like, ‘Yeah, but you always say this.’ “I was like, ‘I’m done now.’ That’s a hard thing to do and I had to do it.” Chris Eubank Jr reveals relationship with dad has broken down completely Stewart was fighting full-time, relying only on his purses to get by and the cost of his fight camp expenses also piled up. He said: “I was getting loads of messages and saying, why, why, why? “I said, ‘What do you mean why?’ I’m not getting no help as a fighter, people just see us fight – it’s more than that.”What happens after the fight? What happens after three, five minutes (rounds). You gotta pay this, you pay that.”I didn’t have no sponsorship either, so you gotta pay this and pay that. It’s just too much, man.”And then what you’re left with that’s gotta cover your rent until so and so and when’s the next fight? You don’t know.” Stewart got a job working on a railway tracks and clocked in every evening as a retired fighter. I started breaking down into tears. I was crying, I said, ‘You know what I’m done.’Darren Stewart on retiring But everything changed when he got the call from Misfits Boxing – an avenue he had his eyes on for a while. Misfits – headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI – homes to celebrity-style crossover bouts. And Stewart will fight ex-UFC star Darren Till, 32, in Manchester on March 29 having never lost faith in a getting another break. He said: “It was a struggle, man.”I started working on the railway, so going to work every night when everyone’s sleeping. Working on the tracks, lifting heavy stuff. It’s not me.”I mean, my body wasn’t recovering, it was a big struggle, I just kept praying and saying, ‘You know what, something will come around, something will come around.'”I had good people around me and my coach I was still training with, not only do I box with him, I do rehab with him. ‘It’s sad that I’m saying it'”So I do my rehab, get my mobility back for all the years and trauma that my body took from MMA.” Stewart admits to regretting putting all his chips into the MMA basket without having a back-up plan to turn to. And he would advise his eldest so Tyler – who has just started judo – against doing the same. Stewart said in rare honesty: “I will support him, but I’ll say to him, ‘Do something else, just learn it for self defence.'”And depending what he goes into as well. If he’s really good at it, I can’t say nothing I’ve gotta support him, but if you’re just doing it for fun, no, it’s not a fun game.”Fighting’s a real thing, just do it for self defence and go do something else. It’s sad that I’m saying it. “I know people don’t wanna hear this, but I’m the only guy I tell you the truth.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I should write a book after this, honestly. A lot of people ain’t telling you this. When I speak to people, they’re like, ‘Wow, really?’ Yeah, really.”I’ll tell my son, ‘You know what, if you really want to, I’ll support you, but honestly, just learn their self defence and just keep it moving’.”Stewart with his eldest son TylerCredit: @darren_mma More

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      Dana White gives brutal response to working with rivals Bob Arum and Oscar de la Hoya after UFC boss enters boxing

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      DANA WHITE gave a brutal response to working with rivals Bob Arum and Oscar de la Hoya after entering the boxing business. The TKO group that owns and controls the UFC and WWE announced the launch of their anticipated boxing league alongside Turki Alsheikh. Dana White is moving into the boxing businessCredit: GettyUFC boss White and WWE president Nick Khan will work with Saudi supremo Alsheikh in the new boxing venture. It remains to be seen whether White will do business with promoters like Arum and De La Hoya – who he has criticised in the past. And he said on the matter: “I mean, let’s hope not! I would never say never but that is not what I plan to do.” White fell out with De La Hoya after the boxing legend slammed Conor McGregor’s 2017 crossover fight with Floyd Mayweather. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd Arum spent years blasting the sport of MMA during the UFC’s early rise – causing friction with White. But the UFC boss has praised Arum for his longevity while also speaking positively about Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren before. Details on TKO’s new boxing venture remain a mystery but White will look to follow the same model that has made the UFC a global powerhouse. White said after UFC 314: “If you think about the UFC when we bought the company we had three letters, the old octagon and 12 contracts. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We had to build the thing from the ground up. I think the sport of boxing is so broken that it needs to be built from the ground up again. “And that’s what I’m focussed on doing. (Alsheikh’s) got some commitments from the next 18 months with a lot of guys and a lot of fights and a lot of different promoters. Eddie Hearn jokes he is ‘totally finished’ after UFC boss Dana White enters boxing with Turki Alsheikh”But I talk a lot about USA Tuesday Night Fights – the best up and coming fighters all fought on that show and then became big pay-per-view stars. “And it’s the same thing that happened with the UFC. We started on Spike TV, we built stars and they became pay-per-view stars. “I want to do the same thing with boxing.” Jon Anik, with Turki Alalshikh and Dana WhiteCredit: Getty More

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      Eddie Hearn jokes he is ‘totally finished’ after UFC boss Dana White enters boxing with Turki Alsheikh

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      EDDIE HEARN joked that he is “totally finished” now Dana White has entered the boxing business with Turki Alsheikh. UFC boss White and Saudi supremo Alsheikh finally announced their long rumoured boxing venture together. Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alsheikh and Dana WhiteFrank Warren with Turki Alalshikh and Eddie HearnCredit: Matchroom BoxingIt will be spearheaded by the TKO group that owns and controls the UFC and WWE – and now has a foot in the boxing world. Alsheikh has spent the last two years using his deep pockets to help turn boxing around by spending huge sums to make the best fights happen. And he even offered enough to get rivalling promoters like Hearn and Frank Warren to do business together. But now White has teamed up with Alsheikh – fans online have goaded that boxing’s old guard will soon be yesterday’s news. READ MORE IN boxing When SunSport put this to Hearn, he said with his trademark Essex grin: “Totally finished! Yeah. “We did have a business before Saudi Arabia and obviously we’ll continue to have some.”But we’ve loved being involved with Riyadh Season and His Excellency, it’s been hugely beneficial for us and the sport and our fighters and we expect that to continue.”It is unclear yet what TKO’s boxing league will look like – with even Hearn in the dark about the sport’s new players. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I’ve known about it for probably over six months and kind of waiting for an announcement but don’t really know anything about the format of it.”I saw some aggressive things said in the press release about one belt and all this kind of stuff but we’ll see how it plays out.”When does WWE-backed TKO Saudi boxing league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren?TKO announced they will look to host “four large scale super-fights” across 2025 and 2026 as well as building up-and-coming talent. And after a recent turnaround in working with his rivals, Hearn opened the door to breaking bread with White & Co. He said: “If it suits us, if it suits our fighters, and if we’re asked to be, yeah, definitely consider it.”I mean, I think it’s great that Dana White’s getting involved with boxing. TKO is a great company, he’s a great promoter.”I think it shows you where boxing’s at, I don’t believe boxing’s broken. “I think we can always work on improving it but no, I think it’s exciting to see what kind of structure it’s gonna deliver.”Canelo Alvarez, 34, and Terence Crawford, 37, are set for a super-fight in September in Las Vegas, rumoured to be promoted by TKO. And after ESPN did not renew their contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank stable, TKO could be headed to the sports network. Hearn said: “I think in the press release said about building stars and building talent, so is it lesser known fighters?READ MORE SUN STORIES”I mean, it looks like they’ve got the ESPN deal from Top Rank which is obviously massive. “And that can build stars, so listen, they’re smart guys. I’m sure they’ll come up with a structure that has potential.”White and the TKO group announce their boxing venture with Turki Alalshikh More