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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul will ‘wish he was still a Disney kid star’, says ex-UFC star Ben Askren as he predicts round 7 TKO win

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      BEN ASKREN said Jake Paul will ‘wish he was still a Disney kid star’ after their bout.
      The ex-UFC welterweight, who retired in 2019, will become internet sensation Paul’s third professional boxing opponent on April 17.

      Ben Askren predicted he will TKO Jake Paul in round seven Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Jake Paul was formerly a Disney Channel actor Credit: Alamy

      And, despite going in as underdog with the bookies, he predicts he will KO the YouTuber in the seventh round.
      Ahead of the fight Askren, 36, poked fun at his opponent’s prior career as a Disney Channel actor while he broke down how he thinks the fight will go.
      He told MMA Junkie: “It’ll probably maybe be relatively competitive in the first couple rounds (until) he starts to slow down and I start to land a lot more punches, a lot of volume.
      “The seventh round I’m going to TKO him and he’s going to wish he was still a Disney kid star.”

      Askren left the UFC after consecutive defeats, to Jorge Masvidal and then Damian Maia.
      Masvidal’s win was the quickest in UFC history, after he won in five seconds following a flying knee.
      Askren has since had hip replacement, last September, in retirement before accepting a deal to fight Paul, 24.
      Social media star Paul won his pro debut in January 2020, stopping fellow vlogger ‘AnEsonGib’ in round one.

      He followed it up with a viral knockout against ex-NBA player Nate Robinson in November.
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      Paul has since campaigned to fight UFC superstar Conor McGregor, and even went after Dana White in the pursuit.
      Askren, who himself had a frosty relationship with White, revealed he spoke with the promoter about his boxing debut.
      He needed permission from the UFC to take the fight, having still been under contract with them.
      And while they appear to have patched things up, they both share a similar view on Paul.
      Askren said: “He does not seem to like Jake Paul too much, that’s seeming to be totally true.
      “We had a nice phone call. Probably the most cordial phone call Dana and I have ever had.
      “Both Dana and Hunter (Campbell) were relatively easy. They didn’t really have many complaints.”

      Jake Paul works out with Jorge Masvidal who knocked out Askren in 5 seconds More

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      Manny Pacquiao accuses Conor McGregor of ‘underestimating’ Dustin Poirier in build-up to stunning KO defeat at UFC 257

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      MANNY PACQUIAO accused Conor McGregor of underestimating Dustin Poirier before his stunning UFC 257 knockout loss.
      McGregor had previously stopped Poirier in under two minutes of their featherweight fight in 2014.

      Manny Pacquiao reckons Conor McGregor underestimated Dustin PoirierCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Dustin Poirier knocked out Conor McGregor at UFC 257Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      But in last week’s rematch, the American returned the favour and subjected Notorious to his third UFC defeat.
      It also put McGregor’s return to the boxing to face Pacquiao on the shelf with the Irishman compelled to fight for his reputation in the UFC instead.
      But PacMan will still have one eye on how his fellow southpaw bounces back from the devastating setback.
      Pacquiao, 42, told ABS-CBN News: “Losing is part of the game. In sport there are winners and losers, that’s all. 

      “It is not about defeat, but about how you accept defeat in your life: how you get over that difficult time in your life.
      “McGregor had already beaten his rival before and I think that made him underestimate him.”
      McGregor, 32, lost his boxing debut in 2017, as Floyd Mayweather finished the fight in round ten.
      But the former UFC champion fancied another lucrative escapade in the ring against boxing royalty.

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      He revealed before his return to the octagon that talks were intensifying between himself and Pacquiao, with the pair both managed by Paradigm Sports.
      But McGregor can forget all about the Filipino icon for now, after his representative confirmed the eight-division champion is no longer pursuing McGregor.
      Sean Gibbons, president of Manny Pacquiao promotions, told SunSport: “Very unfortunate, it looked like Conor looked past Dustin and got knocked out.
      “Maybe he had the Senator on his mind. I think the demand for the fight is not there presently.
      “Conor has some business to clean up and handle in the UFC. 
      “It’s a bummer, it could have been fun for as long as it lasted and know leg kicks would have made a world of difference.”

      Justin Gaethje threatens to never fight in the UFC again if Conor McGregor is handed title shot in his next bout More

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      in Soccer

      UFC icon Khabib receives ‘offer’ to join ‘ambitious’ Russian third tier football side FC Kamaz after showing off skills

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      KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV has received an ‘offer’ to join an ‘ambitious’ Russian third tier football side FC Kamaz.
      It comes after the UFC icon showed off his skills during a match at a Spartak Moscow training school in Dubai.

      Khabib received an ‘offer’ to join an ‘ambitious’ Russian third tier football side FC Kamaz

      Khabib pictured with Virgil van Dijk Credit: Instagram / @khabib_nurmagomedov

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      Kamaz caught wind and wrote on Instagram, via RT: “We offer you to make your football debut as part of our team.
      “PFL is the football UFC… we play every match only to win [and are] an ambitious team with the task of entering the FNL.”
      “We have prepared for you a certificate for [Khabib]. If everything goes well, you just have to insert the date of issue.”

      Kamaz, who are pushing for promotion, have asked Nurmagomedov to take part in a three-week training camp in Novorossiysk starting on February 12.
      Khabib, 32, is a Real Madrid supporter, but recently posed for a picture with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
      The Russian has long been a football fanatic, and appears to have time to focus on a career switch after retiring from the UFC.
      He made the call in October after the first fight since the loss of his influential father Abdulmanap, who passed away aged 57 in July.

      But, with Nurmagomedov one win away from completing his dad’s dream of 30-0, UFC chief Dana White tried to tempt him back in a meeting on Fight Island this month.

      White revealed Khabib would consider a return, but only if a lightweight contender convinced him to do so.
      However, after Dustin Poirier stunned Conor McGregor – two of Nurmagomedov’s former opponents – he seemed to shut down the notion.
      White said: “I did talk to Khabib. He said to me ‘Dana be honest with yourself, I’m so many levels above these guys, I’d beat these guys’.
      “It doesn’t sound very positive so we’ll see. I’ve told you guys before he won’t hold the division up. He’s basically retired.”
      Khabib later joked that he was a ‘free agent’ and training to become a footballer.

      Khabib is retired from the UFC
      Nurmagomedov even once admitted he prefers football to MMA.
      He told UFC Russia:”For me, football is the number one sport.
      “When I was a child, I dreamed of being a football player and I have always watched football.
      “In a way, football is better, you don’t have to fight or smash somebody – you just go onto grass and show everyone what you are capable of doing professionally.
      “Of course, it is hard but I like it more, more than UFC, more than MMA.”

      Watch as UFC icon Khabib leaves football opponent for dead with shock burst of speed in match with Dutch legend Seedorf More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul thinks ‘too highly of his own skills’, says Ben Askren as ex-UFC star vows to ‘beat up’ YouTuber in ring

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      BEN ASKREN claimed Jake Paul thinks ‘too highly of his own skills’ and vowed to ‘beat up’ the YouTuber.
      Askren, a former UFC welterweight who retired in 2019, will face the internet sensation on April 17 in the boxing ring.

      Ben Askren will fight Jake Paul on April 17 Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Jake Paul has won his first two fights as a pro boxer Credit: AP:Associated Press

      It will be Paul’s third professional bout, having already beaten social media rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and ex-NBA star Nate Robinson.
      And, with the Askren not renowned for his striking skills in the cage, the vlogger has again been made favourite by pundits and fellow fighters.
      But Askren, who lost just twice in his 22 MMA bouts, warns Paul, 24, won’t have it so easy now he comes face-to-face with an experienced fighter.
      Asked if he was surprised by Paul being favoured by the masses, Askren told SunSport: “Nope, a lot of stupid people exist.  

      “I was literally only rocked one time in 21 fights and ten-plus years of training.”
      Askren won titles in Bellator and ONE Championship before finally signing for the UFC in 2018.
      He beat Robbie Lawler on his debut, but suffered a historic loss against Jorge Masvidal four months later.
      Masvidal’s flying knee FIVE SECONDS into the fight made it the quickest win in UFC history.

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      After Askren was beaten by Damian Maia in October 2019, he retired and underwent hip surgery.
      The ex-USA wrestling champion insists he ‘feels great’ having gone under the knife in September and predicts a round seven KO against Paul.
      Despite the millionaire video star’s lack of fighting experience, Askren admits it will not be his easiest night’s work.
      But he does feel Paul is his least qualified challenger, who has has had his ego boosted with easy knockovers against ring novices.
      Askren, 36, said: “I think that the lack of skill of his opponents has made him think a little too highly of his own skills.  
      “Seeing as I have had a few fights last under 90 seconds I don’t think it will be the easiest fight.  I do think Jake is the least skilled. 
      “April 17 I am going to beat Jake up, what he decides to do after that is up to him.”

      YouTuber Jake Paul after a sparring session Credit: Instagram / @brutalbostwick

      Ben Askren retired from the UFC in 2019 Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Askren is not the only one to questions Paul’s thin resume of inexperienced opponents, with fans calling for the American celebrity to face a real test.
      Robinson, 36, was KO’d and became a meme after he was left out cold in round two last November.
      Paul has promised the same viral treatment of Askren, but recognised he is faces a step up in competition.
      After the fight announcement, he said: “The world complained because I knocked out a basketball player and not a real fighter.
      “So now I’m giving the people what they want by taking on a ‘real fighter.’
      “After Ben Askren is added to my knockout meme collection, what can anybody say?
      “Thank you to Triller Fight Club for giving me the platform to once again put a man to sleep. April 17, it’s lights out for Askren.”

      Jake Paul hits the pads in training for April 17 boxing return More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul trains with UFC star Jorge Masvidal and predicts he’ll knock Ben Askren out in just four seconds

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      JAKE PAUL claims Jorge Masvidal  is training him to better the UFC superstar’s five-second KO of Ben Askren.
      Youtuber Paul predicts he will stop ex-ONE and Bellator welterweight champion Askren in four seconds or less when they meet in the BOXING ring on April 17.

      YouTuber and boxing pro Jake Paul says Jorge Masvidal has shown him how to KO Ben Askren in FEWER than five seconds

      Jorge Masvidal famously stopped Ben Askren in five seconds back in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And apart from calling out MMA icon Nate Diaz, Paul posted a sensational prediction as he chases his third win in three fights as a a pro fighter.
      He said of his sessions with Masvidal: “He knocked out my opponent @benaskren in 5 seconds and now will help me do it in less time.. @gamebredfighter is teaching me his secrets… 
      “April 17th the fight will last less than 4 seconds and then we coming for @natediaz209.”

      Masvidal famously destroyed Askren with a devastating knee to the head at UFC 239 in 2019.

      And Paul is favourite to beat boxing novice Askren.
      But going anywhere close to matching his sub-5ecs victory target would still be a shock.
      And UFC new boy Michael Chandler has warned fight fans his pal Askren can stun Paul.
      Chandler, who wrestled with Askren at the University of Missouri, told The Pat McAfee Show, “Let’s be honest, Ben isn’t the most talented striker.

      “If you are Jake Paul you chose the right mixed martial artist to step inside the boxing ring.

      “But I’m telling you right now, don’t overlook my man Ben.  ”
      Paul, though, told ESPN: “Go Google Ben Askren’s striking. Hahaha. It’s not going to go that long, it’s not going to go that long.
      “I don’t even think he’ll hit me. I haven’t been hit one time in the face in my past two fights.” More

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      in Boxing

      Ben Askren tipped by UFC new boy Michael Chandler to cause shock upset in boxing match with YouTuber Jake Paul

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      UFC new-boy Michael Chandler has warned fight fans not to write off Ben Askren’s chances in his showdown with Jake Paul.
      The former UFC welterweight contender, who retired from MMA in November 2019, will face the YouTuber in a boxing match on April 17.

      Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren will box Jake Paul on April 17Credit: Getty

      Jake Paul, who is 2-0 as a professional boxer, goes into his bout with Ben Askren as the favouriteCredit: Jake Paul

      Askren’s chances of beating Paul – who is 2-0 as a professional boxer – have been written off by many due to his less-than-stellar striking game.
      But Chandler – who wrestled with Askren at the University of Missouri – believes the former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion is more than capable of causing an upset.
      During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Chandler said: “Let’s be honest, Ben isn’t the most talented striker.
      “If you are Jake Paul you chose the right mixed martial artist to step inside the boxing ring.

      “But, I’m telling you right now, don’t overlook my man Ben. Number one, I hope he is getting paid a grip.
      “Number two, I’m tuning in, I might even be there boxing ringside because that will be a fun one. I think it is awesome.
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      “Truthfully, I would never hate on anybody for making a living and doing what they are doing.

      “The Paul brothers, fighting [Floyd] Mayweather and the basketball player and KSI.
      “It is not a real sport necessarily but it is fun to watch. It is good for the sport, it is entertainment and you will see it more and more.”
      Chandler is happy to see his old uni mate getting a big payday, adding: “I love it man, I wasn’t sure it was going to happen.
      “I just love every good thing that happens to Ben Askren. Say what you want about him.

      Michael Chandler has warned fight fans not to overlook Ben AskrenCredit: Getty

      “A lot of people don’t know him as I know him, he’s like a big brother to me, he’s a guy I would consider one of my best friends and teammates for life. I’m excited about it.”
      Askren is eyeing a seventh-round TKO victory over the younger Paul brother, who insists the MMA veteran won’t lay a glove on him.
      He told ESPN: “Go Google Ben Askren’s striking. Hahaha. It’s not going to go that long, it’s not going to go that long.
      “I don’t even think he’ll hit me. I haven’t been hit one time in the face in my past two fights.
      “So I haven’t even been punched as pro boxer one time. Nate Robinson landed one body shot in a clinch.
      “I don’t think Ben Askren will even hit me. That’s my prediction.”

      Jake Paul makes Ben Askren fight prediction and claims ex-UFC star ‘won’t even hit me’ More

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      in Boxing

      Canelo’s opponent Avni Yildirim calls Conor McGregor ‘arrogant and ignorant’ for thinking he could beat Manny Pacquiao 

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      AVNI YILDIRIM has called Conor McGregor ‘arrogant and ignorant’ for believing he could beat Manny Pacquiao.
      McGregor revealed before his UFC return against Dustin Poirier that he was in talks to fight Pacquiao.

      Avni Yildirim with Canelo AlvarezCredit: Instagram @avniyildirim

      Conor McGregor after defeat to Dustin Poirier Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      But after the Irishman was stopped in the octagon for the first time, his return to the boxing ring was all-but KO’d.
      Turk Yildirim – who faces Canelo Alvarez on February 27 – is happy to see the two rivalling superstars left alone in their own sport.
      He told SunSport: “Should basketball teams start playing football? Would you watch a baseball team playing hockey?
      “It‘s two different sports. If somebody wants to turn from one sport to the other that‘s fine. But it‘s surely not easy to do.

      “We are professionals at what we do. We have done it for years – training, fighting – to get to the level where we are.
      “To believe that you can just enter a sport and beat somebody who has done it his whole life is arrogant and ignorant to say the least.”
      McGregor, 32, made his boxing debut in 2017, losing to Floyd Mayweather, 43, in ten rounds.
      But he fancied another lucrative payday and crack at boxing royalty as he pursued Filipino icon Pacquiao, 42.

      Conor McGregor knocked out against Dustin Poirier Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Yildirim, 29, was not convinced, however, and urged McGregor to instead focus his efforts in the UFC, giving him no hope of upsetting PacMan.
      He said: “I think McGregor has been a big star at UFC but I don‘t see him as a boxer.
      “He clearly lost to Mayweather and I don‘t understand why he should have the desire to lose to Pacquiao.
      “If they want to fight, let them fight. No problem. Would I watch it? I don‘t think so.”
      As McGregor builds a rivalry with boxing’s legends of the past, Yildirim is going after the sport’s current kingpin.
      He challenges super-middleweight and pound-for-pound superstar Canelo for the WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine belts in Florida.
      Yildirim is the Mexican’s mandatory challenger and comes into the fight with a 21-2 record.
      Canelo, 30, will defend his throne having beaten Callum Smith in December, but right after was given 90 days to defend his WBC title.

      Canelo faces Avni Yildirim on February 27 Credit: Instagram / @avniyildrim

      Canelo and Avni Yildirim are former sparring partners
      Having agreed terms with Yildirim, Alvarez does so with future unification bouts already on his mind.
      So much so that he penned a two-fight deal with promoter Eddie Hearn, with the view of facing WBO champ Billy Joe Saunders later this year.
      Despite the four-weight champion planning ahead, Yildirim refuses to feel overlooked – but warned that Canelo is in the dark about what he is getting himself into.
      He said: “I don‘t care what Canelo says, thinks or plans. I focus on myself and what I need to do to show my best possible performance.
      “I can only speak for myself and tell you that I am not thinking past Canelo. First things first.
      “Yes, it was a long journey. But I am not looking back, I am focusing on what‘s ahead of me.
      “I am looking forward to the fight and I will make sure that I will be in the best possible shape.
      “I don‘t want to compare myself to anybody else. But as far as I know Canelo has never faced a true Turkish warrior.”

      Canelo Alvarez looks sharp on heavy bag as he prepares for ring return against Avni Yıldırım More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul explains sick taunts at Conor McGregor’s pregnant fiancee and tells UFC star to win more to earn $50m bout

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      JAKE PAUL has revealed he verbally attacked Conor McGregor’s pregnant fiancee, Dee Devlin, because he wanted to ‘piss off’ the UFC superstar.
      The YouTuber made derogatory comments about The Notorious’ long-term partner late last year in an X-rated call-out video.

      Jake Paul has no remorse for his comments about Conor McGregor’s fiancee, Dee DevlinCredit: Reuters

      Jake Paul insists his comments about Dee Devlin were not over the liveCredit: ESPN

      Paul, 23, has no remorse for his actions, insisting insulting the mother of McGregor’s two children – who is pregnant with their third child – is not off-limits.
      He told ESPN: “I wanted to piss him off. You know? I wanted to make a lot of noise, and I wanted it to become personal right away because I truly believe I can beat Conor McGregor.
      “And people don’t want to watch a fight where everyone’s going in there being like, ‘Hey, buddy, good luck tomorrow!’
      “That’s not the type of fighter I am. If we’re going to go into a fight, no like, I’m going to destroy you, and anyone you’re affiliated with is a part of the wrath and can be attacked.”

      Paul insists his comments were fair game when considering McGregor’s previous taunts about the wife of his bitter rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, who he tweeted a picture of and called a ‘towel’.
      He added: “McGregor’s done it. McGregor has attacked Khabib’s wife, Khabib’s religion, thrown chairs at people.
      “Like, this is the fight business. If people are gonna get offended, then get the f**k over and choose a different sport. Go do gymnastics.”
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      Paul’s attempts to land a blockbuster fight with McGregor were unsuccessful and he’s had to make do with a showdown against former UFC welterweight Ben Asken, whom he’ll face on April 17.
      The ex-Disney star – who is 2-0 as a professional boxer – is brimming with confidence, so much so he doesn’t expect the former Bellator and ONE Championship champion to land a glove on him.
      After hearing the Olympic wrestler’s prediction for their clash, Paul told ESPN: “Go Google Ben Askren’s striking. Hahaha.

      “It’s not going to go that long, it’s not going to go that long.
      “I don’t even think he’ll hit me. I haven’t been hit one time in the face in my past two fights.
      “So I haven’t even been punched as pro boxer one time. Nate Robinson landed one body shot in a clinch.
      “I don’t think Ben Askren will even hit me. That’s my prediction.”

      Jake Paul makes Ben Askren fight prediction and claims ex-UFC star ‘won’t even hit me’ More