More stories

  • in

    Francis Ngannou ready to end Tyson Fury’s search for an opponent and fight Gypsy King NEXT after revealing talks

    FRANCIS NGANNOU is ready to end Tyson Fury’s search for an opponent and fight him NEXT. The WBC heavyweight champion has been left in the lurch after talks to unify the division against Oleksandr Usyk collapsed earlier in the year.
    Francis Ngannou is ready to end Tyson Fury’s search for an opponent and fight
    Tyson Fury is without a next opponentCredit: Getty
    And Fury has found no luck in his pursuit of finding a fill-in fight before revisiting talks with Usyk.
    So Ngannou urged the Gypsy King to put his money where his mouth is to end their years of online feuding.
    He said: “Of course, it’s been like three years that we’ve been going back and forth on socials. Yes, I would be very happy to take that fight.
    “It’s always what I wanted. But apparently Tyson Fury is pretty good at bouncing here and there, I don’t know exactly.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “But I’m here and I want that fight. So whenever he really want it, I’m here.”
    Ngannou, 36, is free to make a move to boxing after leaving the UFC, who contractually prohibited the switching of sports.
    The Cameroonian has instead signed with rivals The Professional Fighters League, where he is set to make his MMA return in 2024.
    But first Ngannou is eyeing a mega-money boxing bout and was in discussions to face Deontay Wilder.
    Most read in Boxing
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    Although those negotiations were put on hold when Wilder, 37, entered advanced talks to fight Anthony Joshua, 33, in Saudi Arabia.
    So Ngannou is looking back in Fury’s attention after the unbeaten boxer claimed he wanted a mixed-rules bout.
    The former UFC champ confirmed talks to fight the boxing star but admits he is struggling to keep up with Fury’s social media antics.
    Ngannou said: “I have seen a lot of comment from Tyson Fury, at this point I’m a little confused.
    “I don’t know if he enjoys doing comments or enjoys fighting at this point. As I said, I’m here and I’m ready.
    “My team has been working on getting in touch with him and his team, which we’re not there yet. But yes, we’re in the conversation.”
    Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou at WembleyCredit: BT SPORTS More

  • in

    Watch Muhammad Ali’s grandson Biaggio score brutal KO as MMA star opens up on ‘pressure’ of being related to icon

    MUHAMMAD ALI’S grandson Biaggio scored another first-round KO as he continues to fight the pressure of being related to the boxing icon. The amateur lightweight returned in Atlanta against Travell Miller for his fourth bout with The Professional Fighters League.
    Muhammad Ali’s grandson Biaggio beat Travell MillerCredit: PFL
    Biaggio Ali Walsh moves to 4-1 as an amateurCredit: PFL

    And Biaggio, 24, recorded his fourth successive finish in the opening round with a stunning sequence of punches.
    The American had Miller in trouble with a right hand and a follow up combination forced a knockdown.
    Biaggio sensed the finish and swarmed Miller with a set of ground and pound shots which left the referee to stop the bout.
    The ex-American football prospect extended his record to 4-1 and said: “My existence, just existing and being related to who I’m related to is pressure.
    READ MORE IN MMA
    “I had pressure when I was playing football and that’s a whole different sport.
    “I’m definitely going to have a lot more pressure participating in a combat sport.
    “But I’ve had that since I was a little kid, I don’t care, I think how you deal with the pressure is more important.”
    Biaggio does not yet have plans to turn pro as he continues to rack up wins and experience.
    Most read in Boxing
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    He said: “I wanted to be more patient, that’s something I’ve definitely got to work on.
    “I’m still an amateur, I’m getting the experience, I’m just trying to get better every fight.”
    Biaggio got the win in front of younger brother Nico, 22, a middleweight boxer and their godfather, rapper Flavor Flav.
    Biaggio Ali Walsh celebrates his winCredit: PFL More

  • in

    Tyson Fury vs Jon Jones major update as text messages between pair detailing fight talks are revealed

    TYSON FURY and Jon Jones have held talks over a sensational two-fight series, it’s been claimed.A crossover clash between the pair became the talk of the combat sports world last month after UFC commentator Joe Rogan ruled out Fury’s chances of besting Jones.
    Tyson Fury has flirted with the prospect of fighting UFC heavyweight champ Jon JonesCredit: REUTERS
    MMA’s P4P king has openly entertained the idea of boxing the Gypsy KingCredit: Getty
    Jones has revealed talks over a two-fight deal with WBC heavyweight king Fury to a palCredit: GETTY
    The Gypsy King reacted angrily and subsequently issued a callout to MMA’s pound-for-pound king, which prompted UFC president Dana White to offer him a straightener inside the octagon.
    And according to MMA insider FightOracle, who has known Jones for several years, preliminary talks over a two-fight series have taken place.
    He tweeted: “Just ran into the GOAT @JonnyBones in Atlanta. The talks between him and @Tyson_Fury are very much real.
    “He showed me the text messages between them. 1 boxing fight. 1 MMA Fight.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “Jon wants a money fight & has no issues going into the lions den against Tyson in a boxing ring 1st.”
    Fight fans were quick to react to the news, with one saying: “If they even make it that far Tyson would do a boxing match and then anything possible to not do an MMA fight.”
    Another said: “1 MMA fight haha. More chance me flying to the moon than that happening.”
    And another said: “Tyson [is very] unpredictable.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    “Would probably beat him in Boxing and retire.”
    Another chimed in: “No chance in hell the MMA match ever happens.”
    One remarked: “If the boxing match happens the MMA bout will happen.
    “Tyson is a man of his word. Plus $$$$$$ talks.
    WBC heavyweight king Fury recently doubled down on his willingness to fight Jones this week in yet another Instagram story rant.
    He said: “I hear that Jon Jones is looking for a fight. Me. I’m your man.”
    Tyson Fury is without an opponent following the collapse of his clash with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Reuters
    Jon Jones is seemingly set to fight Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden in NovemberCredit: GETTY
    He added: “Here’s a thought. How about this?
    “How about I fight Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou on the same night?
    “How about that? That’s how much I value them two bums. Get up! Let’s go, boys.”
    Fury, 34, is currently without an opponent following the collapse of his undisputed heavyweight showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.
    Read more on The Sun
    Jones, meanwhile, was seemingly on course to make the first defence of his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden in November.
    But there hasn’t been any movement on the fight, which Jones plans to be his last outing in mixed martial arts. More

  • in

    MMA league PFL are ‘fully financed’ to offer Deontay Wilder stunning fight against ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou

    THE Professional Fighters League are “fully financed” to offer Deontay Wilder a stunning MMA bout against Francis Ngannou. Ngannou recently walked out on the UFC as heavyweight champion to sign with the PFL, MMA’s only seasonal format.
    Deontay Wilder has teased a switch to MMACredit: Getty
    Stars compete in qualifying and knockout stages, culminating in a series of finale fights where $1million is up for grabs.
    But they are set to launch a “super-fight division” – away from the season – which will play host to Ngannou’s PFL debut.
    And former boxing champion Wilder has talked up a two-bout deal with the Cameroonian to fight in the ring and cage.
    PFL owner Donn Davis told SunSport: “What Deontay said is, he’s open to doing a fight in boxing and MMA, and MMA with Francis would be in the PFL. 
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “We welcome that fight, we’re fully financed to do that fight and I think it would be exciting if that fight came together.
    “But are we talking to him? What would be the stage of those negotiations? We always respect those private business negotiations. 
    “But I think he was pretty clear that he finds it interesting and a possibility.” 
    Wilder, 37, showed up to a PFL fight night in Atlanta, where he opened the door to crossing over to MMA.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Meanwhile Ngannou, 36, is also considering a switch to boxing before returning to MMA which was a vital factor in his decision to join the PFL.
    Davis said: “ONE Championship offered him twice as much money per fight. He didn’t want to go there. He chose the PFL.“And we’re paying him the same that the UFC offered him, per fight but what we offered him was a platform to do other things that were important to Francis. 
    “Number one, he can box. Two, he’s chairman of PFL Africa and he will build that international, regional league with us. 
    “What we saw with Francis is a businessman, who can build the global league with us and a partner. And like everyone else a fighter. 
    “And for him to choose us and partner with us is very rewarding. Because he’s the biggest prize in MMA.” 
    Francis Ngannou has signed for the PFL More

  • in

    I want to become PFL champ and win the $1m prize to give back like my grandfather, says Muhammad Ali’s grandson Biaggio

    BIAGGIO ALI WALSH is already dreaming of winning The Professional Fighters League prize – so he can give back like his iconic grandfather. Biaggio is an amateur MMA prospect currently signed to the PFL, which is MMA’s only seasonal format.
    Muhammad Ali’s grandson Biaggio Ali Walsh
    Muhammad Ali with a baby Biaggio
    Stars compete in qualifying and knockout stages culminating in a series of finale fights where $1million is up for grabs.
    As Biaggio is yet to turn professional he is not eligible for the winner-take-all league – but he knows how he would spent the cash prize.
    He said: “I fight so that I can help people. That’s kind of ironic too, because I’m beating people up.
    “But I fight to help people, I fight so that I can one day become a champion in the PFL.
    READ MORE IN MMA
    “To become a champion you win the belt and $1million and I think $1million is enough money to help a lot of people.
    “I just want to be able to give back and inspire people the way that my grandfather inspired me.
    “I think that’s what’s most important. I just want to get to heaven when I die, that’s the main goal.”
    Biaggio, 24, has already got a head start by providing care packages for the homeless.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    He said: “I actually called one of my team-mates, Nikolas Motta, he’s fighting this weekend in the UFC, he’s an up-and-coming lightweight.
    “And we went to the Dollar Tree and got like 20 bags with some snacks, some water, some soup, toothpaste, toothbrush and we just put together 20 bags and just drove around downtown and gave it to people that were on the street homeless.”
    Biaggio is 3-1 and returns this Friday in Atlanta against Travell Miller in another bout where he carries his iconic surname into the cage.
    He said: “I think the pros is you have such an inspirational figure, almost like a superhero and you’re related to that person.
    “His blood runs through my blood and I think that is a huge pro. Another big pro is getting the opportunities that I’ve been given.
    “Getting the exposure, that’s a huge pro. But there’s cons as well, there’s pressure, there’s a huge target on my back just because of my name.
    “Just because of my existence, when I fight people are going to try their best to hurt Muhammad Ali’s grandson.
    “So with that comes pressure as well I think that’s one of the cons but what is more important is how you deal with the cons.”
    Biaggio Ali Walsh is signed by the PFLCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

  • in

    Tyson Fury wants to fight ‘bums’ Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou on the SAME NIGHT in brutal callout

    TYSON FURY wants to fight Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou on the SAME NIGHT in a brutal callout. The heavyweight boxing champion is still without an opponent with his planned summer return already facing the KO.
    Tyson Fury pictured at Brisbane airportCredit: EPA
    Francis Ngannou has traded words with Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
    Jon Jones wants to fight Tyson FuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    So he has been trading words recently with current and former UFC champions Jones and Ngannou in the meantime.
    But now Fury cannot seem to make his mind up and challenged to face the pair of MMA stars back to back.
    He said: “Here’s a though, how about this. How about I fight Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou on the same night.
    “How about that? That’s how much I value them two bums. Get up! Let’s go boys.”
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Jones, 35, recently pleaded with Dana White to allow him to box Fury, 34, but the UFC president is only interested in an MMA fight.
    Meanwhile Ngannou, 36, left the UFC to pursue a move into MMA while also signing for The Professional Fighters League.
    It would pave the way for him to face Fury in the ring or cage.
    The Gypsy King saw talks for the first-ever four-belt unification bout against Oleksandr Usyk, 36, collapse earlier in the year.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Boxing bosses in Saudi Arabia are preparing an offer to resurrect the undisputed super-fight but not until the end of the year.
    So Fury is open to returning in an interim bout and spoke out to tease imminent fight news.
    He said: “Hoping to announce a big fight very very soon.
    “Stay tuned, I’m working hard. I’m in the gym, summertime ready [and] getting them abs out. Or flabs, should I say for me.”
    Tyson Fury hinted at imminent fight newsCredit: Instagram @tysonfury More

  • in

    Conor McGregor ‘wasn’t impressed’ by Floyd Mayweather’s exhibition with John Gotti III as UFC star calls for rematch

    CONOR McGREGOR was not impressed with Floyd Mayweather’s exhibition with John Gotti III – but is still open to a rematch. Mayweather officially retired from boxing in 2017 after beating McGregor in ten rounds of their crossover blockbuster.
    Conor McGregor was beaten by Floyd Mayweather in 2017Credit: Getty
    But the American has continued to box in exhibition bouts since, most recently against the grandson of notorious mob boss John Gotti.
    Although it ended in chaos after Gotti was disqualified and then tried to attack Mayweather in the ring, resulting in a mass brawl.
    McGregor – who has not boxed since the loss six years ago – was left more entertained by the post-fight scrap.
    He told TMZ Sports: “I wasn’t that impressed to be honest with you. I wasn’t impressed. Would have a go off him, if he wants.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “I dunno what he’s at. There’s no meaning behind it, he’s just here and there, there’s no meaning behind the bouts.
    “There was nothing to it. I enjoyed the brawl afterwards more than the actual bout.”
    Mayweather, 46, was largely dominating before the fight was abandoned in round six by referee Kenny Bayless.
    But Gotti, 30, was having none of it and went after the boxing legend, causing mayhem in the ring.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    The Florida State Athletic Commission have now banned the MMA fighter-turned boxer for six months.
    A statement read: “The DBPR Florida Athletic Commission took immediate action the evening of Sunday, June 11, and suspended John Gotti III for six months.”
    Breaking his silence, Gotti branded Mayweather a “punk” and “enemy for life” following the mass melee.
    John Gotti III was disqualified in his exhibition with Floyd MayweatherCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Ex-UFC star linked with Jake Paul fight Mike Perry stuffs pink lingerie in mouth as fans ask ‘what did I just witness?’

    MIKE PERRY left fans in shock as he stuffed pink lingerie in his mouth in a bizarre video. The former UFC star-turned bare-knuckle boxer is known for his eccentric personality.
    Mike Perry left fans in shock as he stuffed pink lingerie in his mouth in a bizarre videoCredit: Instagram / @platinummikeperry
    Mike Perry sniffing the knickersCredit: Instagram / @platinummikeperry
    But Perry took it to an all new level by posting a video of himself sniffing and then stuffing a pair of knickers in his mouth.
    Unsurprisingly, it left fans bemused as they questioned just what they saw.
    One said: “What did I just witness?”
    Another added: “This dude Mike Perry is so f*****g funny.”
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    One joked: “Very Mike Perry of Mike Perry.”
    Perry, 31, left the UFC in 2021 to sign with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
    He is now 3-0 in the promotion but he was in talks to fight YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul this year.
    Perry was the backup opponent for Paul’s celebrity grudge match with Tommy Fury in February.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    But Fury, 24, went on to win the fight and Paul, 26, has snubbed a rematch to instead return on August 5 against Nate Diaz.
    Now Perry wants to be the backup in case Diaz, 38, is without an opponent.
    He tweeted: “I should be the back up fighter in case Jake Paul doesn’t show up to fight Nate Diaz.”
    Mike Perry is now a bare-knuckle boxerCredit: Rex More