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      Conor McGregor invited to make brutal bare-knuckle boxing switch after UFC superstar strikes deal with BKFC

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      CONOR McGREGOR has been invited to make a switch to brutal bare-knuckle boxing after striking a sponsorship deal. McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout is now partnered with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
      Conor McGregor with BKFC founder David FeldmanCredit: BKFC
      The Irishman himself talked up the idea of one day taking the gloves off for a brutal bout with exposed fists.
      In 2017, he crossed over to the boxing ring to face Floyd Mayweather, losing in ten rounds but making around £100million in doing so.
      The UFC gave McGregor special permission to do so and co-promoted the money-spinning spectacle.
      So it leaves BKFC founder David Feldman refusing to rule out the 35-year-old stepping into the world of bare-knuckle boxing.
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      He told SunSport: “Look, theoretically he can’t because he’s under contract with the UFC and we actually have a great relationship with the UFC.
      “But I think Conor plays by a different set of rules any maybe there’s a way to partner on an event, who knows?
      “But as far as us doing it by ourselves, I don’t think that ever happens. But maybe a collaboration? It could happen, he likes it.”
      McGregor was ringside in April when his former opponents Eddie Alvarez, 40, and Chad Mendes, 38, fought at BKFC 41.
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      Later that night, ex-UFC star Mike Perry, 32, defeated Luke Rockhold, 39, and McGregor jumped in the ring afterwards for a face off.
      Feldman said: “They’d both stand there and bang and Mike Perry talks good, Conor talks good and it wold be really, really fun to watch.
      “There’s a lot of guys out there too. A lot of guys in the UFC that would be fun; Justin Gaethje, he would be really fun to watch here.
      “I think Conor versus Mike Perry, the whole world would tune in.”
      McGregor paraded around with a BKFC championship belt and squared up to their biggest star in Perry.
      And it gave Feldman quite possibly the greatest bit of marketing possible.
      He said: “It’s huge and since that time we were able to sign a deal with him for his Forged Irish Stout, which is now a sponsor of ours.
      “He’s going to be an ambassador and it was a great thing. He liked what he saw, it’s had not to like it if you’re a real fighter.
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      “It’s hard not to get excited about it and he got excited about it. Now it’s turned into a good relationship.
      “It’s amazing, you’ve got the number one combat sports guy in the whole entire world who likes your product and want to be involved with you in some shape or form.”
      Mike Perry squaring up to Conor McGregorCredit: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship More

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      Francis Ngannou’s ex-sparring partner reveals prediction for Anthony Joshua fight… and opens door to working with Brit

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has been backed to beat Francis Ngannou by the ex-UFC champion’s former sparring partner. The humongous heavyweights collide on March 8 in Saudi Arabia in just Ngannou’s second boxing bout.
      Francis Ngannou with ex-sparring partner Darren SealyCredit: Instagram @darrensealy
      Anthony Joshua with Ngannou ahead of their March 8 fightCredit: Getty
      He put his MMA career on hold last year and in October faced WBC world champion Tyson Fury.
      And to prepare for the bout, he called on 6ft 9in British heavyweight Darren Sealy.
      Sealy is now in camp with Oleksandr Usyk, again mimicking Fury, but he has tipped AJ to defeat former sparring partner Ngannou.
      He told SunSport: “It’s a tricky one, both extremely powerful but I feel the last two, three fights, especially the last fight in December with Otto Wallin, AJ looked brilliant. 
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      “Everything was firing on all cylinders and I do feel that AJ will be victorious on the night. 
      “I don’t know how in terms of round by round or decision but I do feel he will definitely get the better of Ngannou.”  
      Ngannou and Usyk – Fury’s last two opponents – both called on Sealy’s towering frame to prepare for the Gypsy King.
      And if Joshua, 34, beats Ngannou and Fury defeats Usyk, the long-time rivals will be on course to finally stage their Battle of Britain.
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      So again Sealy is willing to offer his hard-to-come-by services to AJ.
      He said: “It’s a business and a sport and all boxers and athletes understand that so you have to go where the wind blows. 
      “If the opportunity is there and Fury’s the opponent or another very tall opponent and they call me in, then I’ll be there.” 
      When Ngannou’s crossover clash with Fury was announced, Sealy messaged the MMA star’s boxing coach Dewey Cooper.
      And following a press conference in London, the two sparred and before long Sealy was invited out to his camp in Saudi Arabia.

      ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT
      Two weeks of sparring followed before Ngannou, 37, dropped Fury, 35, and was deemed unfortunate to walk away with a split-decision loss.
      It means Fury now faces Usyk, 36, in an undisputed title decider on February 17 in Riyadh.
      And it allows Sealy to be a part of another historic fight in boxing history.
      He said: “I reflect on it when I’m not sparring, when I’m having my own personal time.
      “I think it’s important to reflect and live in the moment because if I’m thinking too far ahead or thinking what’s next then I’m not soaking up the atmosphere, not relishing the opportunity. 
      “I know there’s not too many people that are my height and have the privilege to be a part of these camps. 
      “So by all means I am living up to the opportunity but I am living up to the expectation. It’s been two amazing experiences, two amazing camps.”
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      Sealy, far right, is now in camp with Oleksandr UsykCredit: instagram More

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      Francis Ngannou’s boxing coach hails MMA star as ‘the hardest puncher in the world’ in stark warning to Anthony Joshua

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has been warned he faces “the hardest puncher in the world” in Francis Ngannou. The humongous heavyweight pair meet in a crossover clash on March 8 in Saudi Arabia.
      Francis Ngannou with his boxing trainer Dewey CooperCredit: Reuters
      And when they came face to face for the first time at a press conference, Ngannou questioned Joshua’s punch resilience.
      His boxing coach Dewey Cooper has now clarified those comments – with the MMA star possessing the power to be ultra confident.
      Cooper told DAZN: “The bottom line is when you bring pressure and an imposing style to break your opponent down, like Anthony Joshua going on the front foot against Otto Wallin, there is a level of trepidation, a level of danger when you are fighting a guy who has knockout power.
      “Especially against a guy who has one punch knockout power like Francis Ngannou does. Me as a coach, I don’t discount Joshua’s chin.
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      “He’s an Olympic Gold medallist, a two-time heavyweight boxing world champion, I know his pedigree, I know his talent.
      “But when you are Francis Ngannou, when you are registered as the hardest puncher in the world you feel that way about everyone you come up against. That’s a great way to feel going into a fight.”
      Ngannou, 37, astonishingly dropped Tyson Fury, 35, on his boxing debut in October before controversially losing on points.
      Despite defeat, the ex-UFC champion proceeds to fight Joshua, 34, in only his second boxing bout and aimed a dig at the British superstar.
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      ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT
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      He said: “I’m going to fight him, so what do you think I’m going to do? Look for his chin.
      “I mean, that’s what happens in a fight. In a fight, you try to hit somebody in the chin or wherever you can hit him, right?
      “Yes, I heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I don’t know if it’s true or not. We are going to find out.
      “I hope I get the opportunity to test that out. That’s my wish, that’s what I’m wishing for.”
      Anthony Joshua and Ngannou ahead of their fightCredit: PA More

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      Anthony Joshua to receive No1 world title ranking for Tyson Fury’s belt if he beats ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA will be in line to challenge for Tyson Fury’s WBC world heavyweight title if he beats Francis Ngannou. Joshua returns on March 8 in Saudi Arabia against ex-UFC champion Ngannou, in only his second boxing bout.
      WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman with Tyson FuryCredit: Reuters
      Anthony Joshua is the No1 rated challenger for Fury’s beltCredit: Reuters
      AJ currently stands as the WBC’s No1 ranked challenger meaning if he is victorious, he could be mandated to face Fury.
      WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told Gambling.com: “He has had a sensational career and if he beats Francis Ngannou, then he is number one in the WBC while Francis Ngannou is number 10 so the winner will certainly be positioned for great things in the immediate future.”
      Ngannou put his MMA career on hold last year to fight Fury on his boxing debut.
      And he amazingly scored a knockdown only to be beaten via controversial split-decision.
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      Fury, 35, now faces Oleksandr Usyk, 36, on February 17 in Saudi for the undisputed heavyweight crown.
      Meanwhile Joshua, 34, takes on Ngannou, 37, just three weeks later.
      Winners of the two super-fights could meet but as it stands, Fury and Usyk are already contracted to a rematch.
      But WBC boss Sulaiman would consider altering plans if promoters requested.
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      He said: “The WBC already sanctioned Fury v Usyk and the rematch.
      “We received the request and have already accepted a rematch if the promoters put it together so that’s where the WBC stands.
      “If the promoters change their request for the rematch, we will certainly address it.” More

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      Conor McGregor releases boxing sparring footage and drops biggest hint yet he WILL fight Michael Chanlder at UFC 300

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      CONOR McGREGOR dropped the biggest hint yet that he WILL fight Michael Chandler at UFC 300 – all while releasing sparring footage. The Irishman has been eagerly awaiting confirmation of his return, having been out the cage since July 2021.
      Conor McGregor facing off with Michael ChandlerCredit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
      And with a UFC 300 headliner yet to be announced for April 13, fans were hoping it would mark McGregor’s comeback.
      Now, the former two-weight champion has teased the news supporters around the world have all been waiting for.
      He posted on X, formerly Twitter: “McGregor on 300 seals the deal.”
      Chandler, his expected opponent, replied: “I accept. See you soon.”
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      McGregor, 35, has not fought since breaking his leg in the first round against Dustin Poirier, 34.
      He last year coached reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter alongside Chandler, 37, with the two expected to face each other afterwards.
      That never came to fruition, putting the bout in doubt.
      But before the new year, McGregor took to social media to claim he would fight Chandler on June 29 at middleweight.
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      UFC president Dana White was quick to shut down the announcement by saying: “When Conor’s ready to fight, you know we’ll announce it. That’s what we do.”
      White did suggest McGregor will fight in 2024 but did not commit to revealing when.
      He told SportsNet: “So McGregor will be back this year – possibly him and Chandler. We’ll see how this whole thing plays out.”
      McGregor recently celebrated the release of his Hollywood debut, starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in a Roadhouse reboot.
      But he assured fans that training is still resuming behind the scenes and gave a glimpse into his sparring.
      McGregor shared rounds of boxing footage at the Crumlin Boxing Club, where he first began training aged 12. More

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      Jake Paul called out by MMA star Cedric Doumbe for fight at 80,000-seat stadium… despite TWO STONE weight difference

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      JAKE PAUL has been called out by MMA star Cedric Doumbe – and reckons 80,000 fans would show up to see it. Doumbe signed for the Professional Fighters League last year and won his debut in just NINE SECONDS in September.
      Cedric Doumbe called out Jake PaulCredit: PFL
      Jake Paul is set to debut in MMA with the PFL in 2024Credit: PFL
      He now returns on March 7 in Paris against Baissangour Chamsoudinov.
      But should Chamsoudinov fail to make weight, Doumbe, 31, wants Paul, 27, who is also signed to the PFL, on standby as a backup replacement.
      He said on The MMA Hour: “Maybe I’m gonna fight, I don’t know. I’m gonna choose maybe Jake Paul! Maybe Jake Paul.
      “But I mean Jake Paul is the guy. If I fight against Jake Paul, I think the Stade de France would be full in an hour.”
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      The Stade de France – where France play their football – has a capacity of 80,000 fans.
      And Doumbe is one of the nation’s biggest stars, with Kylian Mbappe among the PSG players to turn out for his last fight.
      Paul meanwhile is 8-1 in boxing and returns on March 2 in Puerto Rico – but he is also signed to the PFL and set to make his MMA debut in 2024.
      The YouTuber-turned prizefighter last fought at the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb.
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      Doumbe meanwhile fights at the 170lb welterweight limit of 12st 1lb – meaning there is a massive TWO STONE weight difference between them.
      But Doumbe said: “He’s bigger than me, for sure. Same height but bigger than me.
      “But I like when I’m fit. I don’t like to do the weight cut.” More

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      Tyson Fury’s promoter hails ‘fearless’ Oleksandr Usyk and admits Gypsy King ‘wasn’t prepared’ for Francis Ngannou fight

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      BOB ARUM has heaped praise on Oleksandr Usyk and admitted Tyson Fury “wasn’t prepared” for his fight with Francis Ngannou. Ngannou put his MMA career on hold in October when he crossed over to the boxing ring to face Fury.
      Tyson Fury with promoters Frank Warren, Bob Arum and rival Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty
      Francis Ngannou lost a controversial decision to FuryCredit: Getty
      And he almost caused the mother of all upsets with a knockdown in round three but the ex-UFC champion was beaten controversially on points.
      Fury, 35 insisted he gave Ngannou, 37, his full respect in training camp.
      But Hall of Fame promoter Arum – who has worked with the Gypsy King since 2019 – hinted otherwise.
      He told BoxingScene: “Let’s be honest…
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      “You watch Fury’s last fight with Ngannou, either he really wasn’t prepared for that fight, or he’s lost a step. When fighters get up in age, that happens.
      “I really believe it’s the former – that Fury didn’t prepare as well as he should have [against Ngannou], who, by the way, has the tools to become a force in the heavyweight division.” 
      Fury’s historic undisputed title bout against Oleksandr Usyk was postponed from December to February 17 as a result of his fight with Ngannou.
      It will be the first time in heavyweight history that all four world titles will be on the line and Arum was full of praise for Usyk, 36.
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      He said: “I really believe [Fury vs Usyk is] going to be a fascinating fight.
      “Usyk is a very smart fighter. He prepares extremely well. He’s fearless. That will be a very big test for Fury.
      “Fury knows that. He’s been training assiduously for the fight.” 
      Fury facing off with Usyk ahead of the title unificationCredit: Reuters More

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      Floyd Mayweather, 46, called out by legendary kickboxing star after fight was dramatically cancelled

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER has been called out by legendary kickboxer Liam Harrison after their fight was dramatically cancelled. Last February Harrison – an eight-time world champion – was due to face Mayweather in an exhibition at London’s O2 Arena.
      Kickboxing legend Liam Harrison called out Floyd Mayweather
      Floyd Mayweather is retired from boxing but still competes in exhibitionsCredit: Rex
      But a horror knee injury caused him to painfully pull out of the bout.
      He told Sky Sports: “I got asked to fight Floyd Mayweather last year and I couldn’t believe what was happening.
      “After one of my fights, I got a bad knee injury. My MCL was torn, my ACL was torn, my knee was just flopping around my leg!
      “They asked me to do the fight and I thought it’s only boxing, I don’t have to throw any kicks. I thought I’ll take it, so I just said yeah.
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      “For the first couple of days I was training, hitting pads, doing pad work, I thought I’m alright here, I’ll get through this.
      “Then when I started sparring and I didn’t have control of where their movements were going, people started pushing me back, after training I was getting out, unwrapping my leg. It was all just swollen.
      “It got to the point where I was training hard for a day then I couldn’t walk for three days just because of how badly damaged my leg was.”
      Brit Harrison, 38, was even left considering postponing knee surgery to roll the dice and fight Mayweather, 46.
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      He revealed: “I said to my surgeon this is the chance to fight Floyd Mayweather here, can I get through this camp do you reckon?
      “The fight was scheduled for February 17, or something like that, and my surgery was due for January 30. I said: ‘Can I push it back and get through the fight?’
      “He said: ‘Listen I’m not going to tell you what to do, but you might do some lasting damage here.
      “‘You might end up walking with a limp, you’ll need a knee replacement by the time you’re 40.’ He said: ‘Is all that going to be worth it?'”
      Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 35, in ten rounds.
      I had to pull out and I was absolutely devastated. But you never know, it might come back around.Liam Harrison on Floyd Mayweather
      But he has continued to box in exhibitions against names from the MMA, martial arts and social media world.
      His last was against the grandson of notorious mob boss John Gotti, which ended in a disqualification with a rematch set for February.
      After Harrison withdrew, ex-Geordie Shore star-turned boxer and MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers, 36, filled in on late notice.
      But the kickboxer – signed to ONE Championship in Asia – holds out hope they he can revive the fight with boxing icon Mayweather.
      He said: “I thought I’m probably not going to lay a glove on this guy even when I’m at full fitness. I probably won’t be able to hit him, let alone if I’m on one leg.
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      “I thought: ‘Is it going to be worth just getting in there and humiliating myself where I can’t move properly?’
      “I had to pull out and I was absolutely devastated. But you never know, it might come back around.”
      Floyd Mayweather is set to rematch John Gotti III in another exhibitionCredit: Rex More