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    UFC boss Dana White refuses to do ‘jack s***’ with Bob Arum amid talk of Tyson Fury’s fight with Francis Ngannou

    DANA WHITE will refuse to do ‘jack s***’ with Bob Arum amid talk of Tyson Fury fighting Francis Ngannou. The UFC president has publicly clashed with Hall of Fame boxing promoter Arum in the past.
    Francis Ngannou and UFC president Dana WhiteCredit: Getty
    Tyson Fury pictured with boxing promoter Bob ArumCredit: Reuters
    And their feuding could rule out a future partnership for Fury, 33, to fight Ngannou, 35.
    White said at the UFC 271 press conference: “I’m not doing jack s*** with Bob Arum.
    “The other two guys I like, I like Al Haymon a lot and I like Eddie Hearn very much.”
    Mysterious American boxing mogul Haymon and White worked together in 2017, when Conor McGregor, 33, lost to Floyd Mayweather, 44.
    And White has long been praised by British promoter Hearn, whose boxers have used the UFC’s Performance Institute in Las Vegas before.
    But Arum’s feud with the UFC boss, which dates back to the veteran matchmaker slating MMA in its early days, shows no signs of being resolved.
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    UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou has publicly called to fight Fury but his current contract prohibits a crossover to the ring.
    Only Irish superstar McGregor was given permission to make the move to boxing for his ten round loss to Mayweather.
    But no other fighter has received the same treatment, leaving Ngannou to consider his future.
    The Cameroonian has no fights left on his UFC deal but as champion, he is still contracted to the promotion for the next 12 months.
    But if he refuses an extension, once the period is up, he will be free to cross over to boxing, where unbeaten WBC champ Fury will wait.
    FURY VS NGANNOU ‘NEXT YEAR’
    The Gypsy King has plans to fight mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte, 33, next and then the winner between Oleksandr Usyk, 35, and Anthony Joshua, 32.
    But Fury has already mapped out a plan to welcome Ngannou to the ring in 2023, predicting a record-breaking pay-per-view blockbuster.
    He told iFL TV: “I am going to fight Francis Ngannou in Las Vegas next year – in March or February.
    “There’s been no talks this year because I have got some boxing to do. But next year we can have some crazy fights. It’s a massive fight.
    “I believe it breaks all pay-per-view records in the United States. Two heavyweight champions going head to head.”
    Francis Ngannou has teased a switch to boxingCredit: AFP
    Tyson Fury wants to fight Francis Ngannou in 2023Credit: Getty More

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    What is a catchweight in boxing and UFC?

    BOXING and MMA are sports jam-packed with fighters of all different shapes and sizes. And it’d be foolish to have anyone fight whoever they please, regardless of their physical size or stature, so weight classes were introduced.
    Deontay Wilder weighs in before his second heavyweight fight with Tyson FuryCredit: The Sun
    UFC bantamweight star Amanda Nunes is one of the sport’s greatest athletesCredit: AP:Associated Press
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    In boxing, there are 17 different weight divisions, starting at strawweight and ending all the way up in the sport’s blue-riband division, heavyweight.
    In the UFC, the world’s largest MMA organisation, there are 12 weight classes, eight for the male fighters and four the females.
    But what happens when two fighters can’t agree to a fight in a particular weight class? Introducing the catchweight…
    What is a catchweight in combat sports?
    A catchweight is the weight agreed to by both participants in a fight which is stipulated to take place outside of the exciting weight classes in the sport.
    This weekend, Amir Khan takes on Kell Brook in a huge Brit grudge clash, and although both have fought their careers from super-lightweight all the way up to super-welterweight, the pair won’t be fighting in any of those.
    Instead, the fight is taking place at 149lbs, which is two pounds above the standard welterweight limit.
    Catchweights are agreed to in a contract and they’re usually brought in to accommodate a fighter who struggles to make weight, with the opposing fighter unlikely to want to move up a full weight class.
    Should a fighter weigh-in heavier than the agreed-to weight class, there are usually purse charges in place as punishment.
    In the case of Khan and Brook, if either fighter misses the 149lb limit, it’s been reported that they face a huge six-figure fine for their troubles.
    Catchweight fights don’t happen as often in the UFC as they do in boxing, but there have still been some instances.
    Current featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski fought at a 150lbs catchweight against Shane Young in 2017, taking the fight on a weeks notice.
    Boxing weight classes

    Strawweight – 105lbs
    Light-flyweight – 108lbs
    Flyweight – 112lbs
    Super-flyweight – 115lbs
    Bantamweight – 118lbs
    Super-bantamweight – 122lbs
    Featherweight – 126lbs
    Super-featherweight – 130lbs
    Lightweight – 135lbs
    Super-lightweight – 140lbs
    Welterweight – 147lbs
    Super-welterweight 154lbs
    Middleweight – 160lbs
    Super-middleweight – 168lbs
    Light-heavyweight – 175lbs
    Cruiserweight – 200 lbs
    Bridgerweight* – 224lbs
    Heavyweight – 200lbs+

    *Only recognised by the WBC in boxing.
    UFC weight classes
    Female weights

    Strawweight – 115lbs
    Flyweight – 125lbs
    Bantamweight – 135lbs
    Featherweight – 145lbs

    Male weights

    Flyweight – 125lbs
    Bantamweight – 135lbs
    Featherweight – 145lbs
    Lightweight – 155lbs
    Welterweight – 170lbs
    Middleweight – 185lbs
    Light-heavyweight – 200lbs
    Heavyweight – 200lbs+

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    Khabib backing Amir Khan in Kell Brook grudge match but predicts a ‘close fight’ as UFC legend reveals love for boxing

    KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV is backing Amir Khan in his grudge match with Kell Brook – but expects a ‘close fight’. The 35-year-old welterweight rivals finally put their reputations and bragging rights on the line this Saturday in Manchester.
    Khabib Nurmagomedov and Amir KhanCredit: @amirkingkhan
    Kell Brook fights Amir Khan this SaturdayCredit: Getty
    Khan and Khabib – both hugely popular fighters in the Middle East – have formed a friendship in the past.
    So the retired UFC legend will be rooting for his pal in the pay-per-view clash, but knows it will not be easy.
    Khabib, 33, told Sky Sports: “I’m gonna watch. I like boxing, I love boxing. I was watching like boxing, like all big fights I watch live.
    “I know he [Khan] has a tough opponent. And I was like, I don’t think like Amir Khan right now is in his prime time.
    “But it’s going to be a close fight. My opinion is it’s going to be a close fight, a very close fight.
    “He has a tough opponent, but he can beat him, but I think it’s going to be very close fight.”
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    Khabib retired from the UFC in 2020 after beating Justin Gaethje, 33, in what was his first fight after losing his influential father Abdulmanap.
    The Russian refused to return without his mentor and coach, even rejecting a $100million boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, 44.
    Khabib remains a fight fan and has even launched his own MMA promotion, Eagle Fighting Championship.
    But well as boxing, Nurmagomedov is a keen football supporter and recently visited Manchester United.
    Now one of his top priorities is convincing good friend Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, to remain at Old Trafford for next season.
    Khabib joked: “He became 37 years old, this is not his best age but even how he plays, I think affect his whole team.
    “His energy, his experience, his advice. They have a very good, strong, young team.
    “Next year I feel they will do a very good job, right now so many new players they don’t connect well.
    “I think next year Manchester United are going to be big problem for all clubs. I’m going to talk with him.”

    UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and Man Utd forward Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram / @khabib_nurmagomedov More

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    Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers signs first pro boxing deal to fight on Sky Sports and be managed by Adam Booth

    AARON CHALMERS has confirmed his switch from MMA to professional boxing. Chalmers, who had a 5-2 cage record, has signed to fight on Sky Sports with promotional stable Boxxer.
    Aaron Chalmers has confirmed his switch from MMA to professional boxingCredit: @aaroncgshore
    The reality TV and Geordie Shore star will be managed by esteemed British coach Adam Booth.
    Chalmers, 34, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in MMA but I always knew that boxing was where I wanted to be.
    “Now I’ve got the chance to fulfil that dream and over the next few years I’m going to give it my all.”
    Chalmers fought for American promotion Bellator and had two knockouts in his seven-fight MMA career.
    But he is the latest high-profile signing to join Sky and Boxxer, which is run by promoter Ben Shalom.
    Shalom said: “Millions of people know Aaron Chalmers as a television star and professional MMA fighter.
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    “But he’s very serious about boxing and I’ve witnessed his dedication over the past twelve months.
    “Adam Booth is one of the most accomplished trainers out there, so I’m looking forward to some exciting fights and seeing how far he can go.”
    Chalmers is joined by stable-mates Harlem Eubank, 27, and Josh Kelly, 27, in penning a deal with Sky.
    His pro boxing debut along with the weight division he will campaign in is yet to be announced.
    Aaron Chalmers had a 5-2 MMA careerCredit: Getty More

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    Jake Paul called out by Brit UFC star Paddy Pimblett… for fight in his mum’s back garden and slams MMA switch claim

    JAKE PAUL has been called out by rising UFC star Paddy Pimblett – who wants to fight the social media star in his ‘mum’s back garden’.YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul has ruffled the feathers of several UFC fighters over the last 14 months – despite his calls for better pay in the promotion.
    Jake Paul has been singing from the rooftops about fighter payCredit: ALAMY
    The YouTuber has also teased a move into mixed martial artsCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAKEPAUL
    And UFC star Paddy Pimblett has challenged Paul to a fight in his mum’s gardenCredit: GETTY
    But Pimblett isn’t buying Paul’s claim that he wants to fatten fighters’ pockets, nor does he believe The Problem Child is keen on a transition to MMA.
    During an appearance on the Chattin’ Pony podcast, the former Cage Warriors featherweight champ said: “The way he’s saying, ‘I’m gonna end up getting in the cage.’
    “You’re not, lad. You’re not. Stop lying. If you want to have an MMA fight, I’ll fight you in my ma’s garden tomorrow. You know what I mean?
    “He’s going on, he’s trying to act like a martyr – like he’s helping MMA fighters.
    “He’s not, lad. He’s just doing that for his own publicity.”
    Pimblett is adamant Paul’s rants about fighter pay are just an attempt to make UFC president Dana White look bad.
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    The Liverpudlian added: “That’s why the only thing what’s p me off about it, people are like, ‘Ah, he’s actually being good for MMA fighters.’
    “He’s not. He just wants to make a show of Dana White, and that’s the perfect way of doing it.”
    Next Generation’s Pimblett revealed his dislike of Paul days after the former Disney star’s first victory over Tyron Woodley last August.
    He said: “I don’t waste my time with s*** like that. The only thing I’ve seen is where Woodley catches him with a punch and nearly knocks him out.
    “I’ve heard off a few people that Woodley got robbed.
    “You need to finish people like that, or you’ll get robbed.
    Pimblett is preparing to make his second octagon outing at UFC London next monthCredit: Getty
    “He’s a sausage. I’d fight him tomorrow and I’d beat him tomorrow.”
    Lightweight prospect Pimblett is currently gearing up for a March showdown with Kazula Vargas at UFC London.
    Paul, meanwhile, is eying a September return to the ring after he finishes promoting Amanda Serrano’s monumental clash with Katie Taylor.
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    Jake Paul’s coach reveals advice given by UFC champ Israel Adesanya after YouTuber’s KO of ex-NBA star Nate Robinson

    ISRAEL ADESANYA gave Jake Paul advice after the YouTube star brutally knocked out Nate Robinson. Adesanya was working as a guest commentator for the fight in November 2020, which ended in round two.
    UFC champion Israel Adesanya pictured with Jake PaulCredit: Instagram / @jakepaul
    Nate Robinson was brutally knocked out by Jake PaulCredit: Reuters
    Paul scored three knockdowns before a right hand left Robinson laid flat out and quickly sent into a viral meme.
    But after the dust settled, UFC champion Adesanya, 32, spoke with Paul, 25, and boxing coach BJ Flores.
    Flores, 43, told The Schmo: “I love Israel man, he’s so chill, so cool, so respectful and so nice to be around.
    “He said, ‘Take everyday for what it is and work you ass off.
    “Don’t look back with any regrets,’ and you know, coming from a champion, it means a lot.”
    Paul came into the fight having beaten online rival ‘AnEsonGib’ in one round of his professional debut.
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    Since knocking out Robinson, 37, the American celebrity has improved to 5-0 with four knockouts.
    He beat retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 37, in March 2021 and then Tyron Woodley, 39, in the August on points.
    Paul later signed to face Tommy Fury, 22, but the brother of heavyweight champ Tyson, 33, pulled out with a broken rib.
    Woodley, who formerly held the UFC welterweight title, filled in on short notice but was knocked out in round six of their rematch.
    Paul is now focused on promoting the women’s super-fight between Amanda Serrano, 33, and Katie Taylor, 35.
    But his trainer Flores warned there is plenty left waiting for Paul ahead of return to the ring this year.
    He said: “You’ve got to sit back and watch. He’s got a lot of options; he’s knocked out everybody he’s fought and he’s done what he had to do.
    “He’s got a lot of good options right now and people are beating down the door to fight him.
    “We’ll see what happens over the next few months and see what unravels but it’ll be good whatever happens next.”
    BJ Flores pictured with Jake PaulCredit: Instagram / @bjflorespro More

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    ‘We forget it’ – Conor McGregor ends Tyson Fury feud in now-deleted tweet after UFC legend and boxing star’s online spat

    CONOR McGREGOR ended his brief feud with Tyson Fury in a now-deleted tweet. The pair have enjoyed a cordial relationship in the past, publicly congratulating each other despite never meeting in person.
    Conor McGregor ended his brief feud with Tyson Fury in a now-deleted tweetCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmma
    Tyson Fury and Conor McGregor were locked in a war-of-words with each otherCredit: PA
    But that changed when Fury posted a picture of McGregor’s bitter enemy Khabib Nurmagomedov and praised the Russian.
    He said: “This man did it right. Got in & won & got out on top. Big respect.”
    McGregor, beaten by Khabib in 2018, then reacted and referenced a video in which Billy Joe Saunders’ dad appeared to be attacked by security at his son’s fight.
    The Irishman tweeted: ” U bottled it with Billy joe Da, what were you doing there ? U Left him, Versace t*** U. Done. Nothing.”
    But in response, Fury said: “Come back when u win a fight mush,& the difference in me & you is i don’t get myself in trouble & people actually like me, your just a bully who hit old man.”
    McGregor then replied: “Oh no people don’t like me what will I ever do hahahahaaha idiot.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “You are just a little r** licker bro. That’s all. You stood there while your friends father was being attacked and done nothing.
    “That’s the be all end all bro. God luck, God bless.”
    Fury, 33, had not responded by the time McGregor, 33, buried the hatchet as he shared a video of the Gypsy King praising him.
    In the clip, Fury appeared to heap praise on the UFC legend, saying: “Conor McGregor is MMA, isn’t he? That’s it. I couldn’t name you three more fighters in MMA, I just couldn’t.”
    McGregor posted the video and captioned: “It’s all good, we forget it. Fair play Tyson. God bless ya mate.” More

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    Conor McGregor’s training partner says Jake Paul has to ‘try beat one of us first’ before getting a shot at ‘the king’

    CONOR McGREGOR’S training partner said Jake Paul has to ‘try beat one of us first’ before getting a shot at ‘the king’. The YouTuber-turned prizefighting star has long called out McGregor, building a one-sided feud.
    Cian Cowley pictured with Conor McGregor
    Jake Paul has continued to call out Conor McGregorCredit: © Matchroom Boxing
    And while the man himself has chosen to ignore the viral callouts, those around him have not.
    Cian Cowley, a 2-5 MMA welterweight and training partner of McGregor’s, told Paul he would have to earn a fight with The Notorious.
    Cowley wrote on Instagram: “Has to try beat one of us first before he gets a shot at the king.”
    Paul, 25, first called out McGregor in 2020 while only 2-0, beating online rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 37.
    But he has since improved to 5-0 with wins over former UFC pair Ben Askren, 37 and Tyron Woodley, 39.
    McGregor, 33, meanwhile is eyeing a UFC return this year, having not fought since July when he suffered a horror leg break against Dustin Poirier, 33.
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    But he had fans fearing for the worst following a few bizarre social media posts after nights out in his Black Forge pub.
    Paul took the chance to take a swipe at the ex-UFC champion while in London promoting the women’s super-fight between Katie Taylor, 35, and Amanda Serrano, 33.
    He said: “I don’t give a s*** about Conor.
    “I just want to fight him and smack him in the head – in that sense I hope that he can win some fights so that we can actually fight.
    “But the guy is a grown-ass man, he needs to figure out his life; it seems to be falling apart from what I can tell.
    “Obviously, everything’s through a lens, we don’t know what he’s going through actually.”
    Conor McGregor drinking in his pubCredit: Instagram
    Jake Paul knocked out Tyron Woodley in their rematchCredit: Getty Images – Getty More