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      Evander Holyfield still open to exhibition with Mike Tyson at combined age of 116 but makes strict rules for trilogy

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      EVANDER HOLYFIELD is still open to an exhibition against Mike Tyson – so long as there is no real fight involved. The heavyweight legends shared one of boxing’s most iconic rivalries in the 1990s, with Holyfield twice winning.
      Mike Tyson biting Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997Credit: AFP
      He stopped Tyson in an upset in 1996 before having his ear bitten into a year later with the rematch ending in a disgraceful disqualification.
      But the pair have patched things up and even talked about fighting once more in a trilogy.
      And Holyfield has not totally ruled out the cash grab idea – but does not want to fight his old rival for real.
      He told SunSport in Florida: “Well, if we do fine. My whole thing is it’s not all about me, it’s about both of us. 
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      “We do it, make some money that we probably wouldn’t be able to make, so the big thing is finding something that we both can do that we understand that it’s not a fight. 
      “It’s showing some kind skills, showing skills but it’s not a real fight. We’re not trying to kill each other.” 
      Tyson, 56, made a shock return in 2020 for an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr, 54, which went eight rounds and ended a draw with both unscathed.
      A year later Holyfield, 60, made a comeback of his own but he was shamelessly beaten up by ex-UFC star Vitor Belfort, 46.
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      Although the former two-weight world champion still supports exhibition bouts, where the likes of Floyd Mayweather continue to make millions.
      Holyfield said: “Well, exhibitions are showing that you took care of your body and you’re still entertaining. 
      “But it’s not supposed to be real, it’s supposed to be a point of just having fun.” 
      Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield are still linked with a trilogyCredit: Rex More

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      Ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou in talks to fight Tyson Fury’s heavyweight rival as he gives update on bout with Gypsy King

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has held negotiations over a blockbuster showdown with Deontay Wilder.The former UFC heavyweight champion is looking for a mega-money boxing fight following his departure from MMA’s top promotion earlier this year.
      Ex-UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is eyeing a big-money boxing matchCredit: GETTY
      The Predator has set his sights on a showdown with Deontay WilderCredit: GETTY
      The pair are in talks over a big-money crossover fightCredit: YOUTUBE@FRANCISNGANNOU
      Ngannou, 36, set his sights on throwing down with the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Wilder after leaving the UFC.
      And The Predator has revealed he’s held talks with the Bronze Bomber over a multi-million-pound crossover clash.
      The PFL newboy told The Schmo: “We were having conversations earlier this year before they came out with the potential fight in December.
      “So that’s why we’re going to hold that up, in order to finish his business in December, but we were serious about a two-fight deal.”
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      Former WBC king Wilder is open to fighting Ngannou in boxing AND mixed martial arts.
      He said: “I thought about this many times. Even with Ngannou, we were talking about getting together.
      “You always see the MMA guys crossing over, but you never see the boxers crossing over.
      “So I said I’m willing to make it more interesting for the fans and just the whole combat family as in a whole.
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      “I said why don’t you come to my backyard, and after we handle business, I can come to yours and crossover, and I really meant it.
      “So things are still up in the air, but I have seen myself on this side of the field.
      “People will be very impressed on what I can do in my abilities to be here.”
      Ngannou initially set his sights on a showdown with current WBC heavyweight champion Fury, who he’s called out multiple times on social media.
      UFC president Dana White, however, has recently tried to goad Fury into fighting new heavyweight king Jon Jones – a pursuit Ngannou believes his former promoter has no chance of being successful in.
      He said: “I don’t care about that. There’s a difference between what Dana White says and what Tyson Fury wants.
      Francis Ngannou insists Tyson Fury won’t fight him in a hybrid fightCredit: GETTY
      “So, as for right now, I think we are more likely to also have that fight, but nothing has been set up yet.
      “[Fury is] not going to fight MMA. He’s not going to fight in the cage.
      “He was clear about that. He’s gonna be in the ring, period.”
      Ngannou also reckons Fury has no intention of following through on his vow to throw down in a hybrid boxing match.
      Read more on The Sun
      He said: “Tyson would not be willing to do that.”
      “Of course, I’d be willing to do that. Martial arts is my comfort zone, so I would definitely be happy to do that. But no, he doesn’t want that.” More

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      Muhammad Ali’s grandson Biaggio is the MMA prospect who juggles his fight career with security gig at Vegas nightclub

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      MUHAMMAD ALI’S grandson Biaggio is the MMA prospect picking fights in the cage but preventing them at his nightclub security job. Biaggio Ali Walsh is 3-1 in the cage and currently signed to the Professional Fighters League.
      Muhammad Ali’s MMA prospect grandson Biaggio
      Biaggio Ali Walsh awarded a certificate of appreciation for preventing a would-be assault
      But he also works on the Las Vegas strip as a security guard in between training sessions and bouts.
      Biaggio, 24, told SunSport: “They’ve got me in the DJ booth right now, so me and my colleague, that’s our area. 
      “We’re only concerned with what’s going on in the booth and when he talent or the DJ is done performing, we have to escort them back and then I’m off. I actually like this position right now.” 
      Biaggio – who was once awarded a certificate of appreciation by the police for preventing a would-be assault on a woman – usually works on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
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      He sometimes finishes as late as 4am after keeping punters in their place and admitted: “Oh, they get rowdy. For sure. 
      “We have some guys that we have to like shove out of the booth, but I don’t mind it, I’m a fighter, I’m kind of used to confrontation. 
      “But it’s cool, it’s fun, I enjoy it and they pay me well. 
      “My supervisor, he used to be a fighter as well so he really understands my training schedule and how important it is to me. 
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      “It’s a great job to have on the side if you want to make some extra money.”
      Despite his iconic surname, Biaggio enjoys getting no special treatment the famed Xtreme Couture gym that he trains at.
      And he finds it just as amusing that partygoers have no idea of his legendary bloodline whenever he works the doors.
      Biaggio said: “When we were very young, we kept it very secretive who me and my brother were related to. 
      “My mum always told us that we were going to have to work a little bit harder if we were to be successful in sports, just because of the name. 
      “People are going to say, ‘You only got this opportunity because of this or that.’ They’re always going to relate it back to my grandfather, no matter what I do. 
      “So it just makes us work harder, my grandfather gave me some great advice as a kid, he always told me to be humble, always stay humble. 
      “That’s a piece of advice that I’m going to take with me for the rest of my life, because being humble is a good thing, it keeps you grounded. 
      “I’m a very religious and spiritual person, I have a great relationship with God, so that keeps me grounded as well. I think it’s a good way to live.” 
      Having not turned professional, Biaggio is unable to compete in the PFL’s $1m winner-take-all season, which consists of qualification and knockout stages.
      But he has had two amateur bouts with the PFL and returns on Saturday against Travell Miller in the latest of his experience-building bouts.
      Read more on The Sun
      Biaggio said: “I’m still trying to figure out the right mentality, the right style, I’m still trying to get as much experience as possible. 
      “So going into this fight, I just want to fight. It’s kind of hard to convey it, I just want to go in there fight and get as much experience as possible.”
      Biaggio Ali Walsh is 3-1 as an amateur MMA starCredit: Matt Ferris / PFL More

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      Jake Paul agrees to shock late rule change for boxing bout against UFC icon Nate Diaz

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      JAKE PAUL has agreed to a shock late rule change for his boxing return against Nate Diaz. The YouTuber-turned prizefighter faces Diaz on August 5 in Dallas.
      Jake Paul facing off with Nate DiazCredit: @mostvaluablepromotions
      And the bout – which will be Diaz’s professional boxing debut – is scheduled for eight rounds.
      But both the American and Paul are happy to go an extra two and will now lobby with the Texas commission to have the requested accepted.
      Paul tweeted: “Nate Diaz wants 10 rounds. I guess he has good cardio. Ok Nathan, 10 rounds it is.”
      The social media sensation is coming off his first loss, which came via split-decision in Saudi Arabia against Tommy Fury, 24, in February.
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      But Paul, 26, decided to snub a rematch and instead fight Diaz, 38, who walked out on the UFC last year after his contract expired.
      Although fans were recently left fearing for the MMA vetrean after footage emerged of his training footage on the pads.
      But unbeaten Hall of Fame boxer Andre Ward – who formerly trained with Diaz – warned not to count him out.
      Ward, 39, told The MMA Hour: “People look at that mitt session that they had and they just misread the play, man, [because] those type of shots, they don’t look pretty, but they keep coming.
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      “They keep coming from different angles and he’s got some miles on him. He’s been around a long time.
      “[Diaz has] to show that he can take the shot from Jake Paul, because Jake has a natural right hand, it’s got power on it.
      “So if he can take that right hand from Jake Paul, it’s gonna be a tougher fight than people realise, man, because Nate’s going to keep coming.”
      Andre Ward formerly trained with Nate Diaz More

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      UFC legend Jon Jones begs Dana White to make Tyson Fury fight and reveals he’s willing to box Gypsy King

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      JON JONES is open to a dust-up with Tyson Fury – and he’s even willing to enter the boxing world to get his hands on The Gypsy King.A fantasy clash between the UFC and WBC heavyweight champions became the talk of combat sports fans last month after Joe Rogan ruled out Fury’s chances of victory.
      UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has set his sights on Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
      The Gypsy King refuses to fight Bones in mixed martial artsCredit: GETTY
      Jones is hopeful UFC president Dana White can make the fightCredit: GETTY
      UFC president Dana White entertained the crossover bout last month, much to the surprise of many.
      And pound-for-pound king Jones admits he’d jump at the opportunity to trade leather with the Brit bruiser.
      During a red carpet event in Las Vegas last weekend, he said: “I would love it if Dana could make that fight happen.
      “That’s one thing about the UFC, we always give the fans what they want to see.”
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      Jones, 35, has the utmost respect for the undefeated Fury – so much he’d want to test himself against the Wythenshawe warrior in the squared circle.
      He continued: “Tyson Fury is just such a magnificent opponent, and it would be awesome to make that fight happen.
      “I’m up for it, and I’d even be willing to box him. Let’s see what happens.”
      The ring is seemingly the only place the pair will ever throw down as Fury has no interest in trying his hand at mixed martial arts – despite numerous teases down the years.
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      He wrote in an Instagram story: “If you guys want to fight me it’s got to be under boxing rules.
      “I don’t roll round the floor, I stand up and punch.”
      Fury, 34, is currently without an opponent following the collapse of his historic undisputed clash with Oleksandr Usyk earlier this year.
      But the pair could throw down in a multi-million December dust-up in Saudi Arabia.
      UFC Hall of Famer Jones, meanwhile, hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since returning from a three-year lay-off against Ciryl Gane in March.
      Bones claimed the vacant heavyweight title with ease, submitting the Frenchman in just under two minutes to become a two-division champion.
      The UFC brass are hoping to have Jones return to action in November at Madison Square Garden, the venue for their penultimate pay-per-view event of the year – UFC 295. More

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      John Gotti III breaks silence on Floyd Mayweather brawl and brands boxing legend his ‘enemy for life’ in scathing rant

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      JOHN GOTTI III has broken his silence on the mass brawl which followed his showdown with Floyd Mayweather.Chaos ensued after referee Kenny Bayless waved off the fight for too much trash-talking, with Gotti trying to attack Mayweather against the ropes.
      tempers flare and the boxing equivalent of the benches clearing as Kenny Bayless calls a halt to the Floyd Mayweather-John Gotti exhibition. also notice Floyd drops hims at the end lmao pic.twitter.com/FnU1EU3xeN— baboon10 (@realRollingPin) June 12, 2023

      John Gotti III tried to attack Floyd Mayweather after their fight was called offCredit: ZEUS
      Pandemonium ensued, with members of both teams jumping into the ringCredit: ZEUS
      Gotti broke his silence on the mass brawl on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@JG3MMA
      Mayweather fended off the telegraphed punches and rocked the grandson of the notorious New York gangster – John Gotti – with a right hand before close to 30 people flew into the ring.
      And a fired-up Gotti took to Instagram to take aim at the boxing icon.
      Along with an aerial video of the melee, he wrote on his Instagram story: “Punk b***h @FloydMayweather. You my enemy for life.”
      Gotti then put out a backup request to Mayweather’s last professional opponent, UFC legend Conor McGregor.
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      He wrote: “@TheNotoriousMMA we need back-up.”
      The referee’s decision to stop the fight due to x-rated trash talk was perplexing, to say the least.
      And Gotti was quick to lament the Bayless’ stoppage of their Florida fight.
      The MMA fighter wrote: “But never put me down or stopped me. It was a DQ for no reason.”
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      The threats to Mayweather and his squad didn’t stop there, with Gotti’s sister Nicolette issuing a harrowing threat to the boxing legend’s daughter.
      She wrote on her private Instagram: “@Floydmayweather your daughter was ran through by a[n] animal with 12 different baby mamas – you little circus animal.
      “You’re all a pack of zoo animals.
      “I swear on my kids I’m coming for your daughter.
      “It may be 2 years, 3 years from now, but I’m coming c**t.”
      Mayweather’s showdown with Gotti was his seventh exhibition since retiring from professional boxing in August 2017.
      The former five-weight world champion called time on his pro career after extending his record to a perfect 50-0 with a tenth-round TKO victory over McGregor. More

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      Reality TV star and topless rapper fight in shocking backstage brawl at Mayweather vs Gotti III

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      A REALITY TV star and a rapper were seen brawling in shocking scenes after Floyd Mayweather’s fight was abandoned. Rapper Big Lex was seen in a scrap with Puerto Rican TV personality Joseline Hernandez backstage in the FLA Arena in Miami.
      Reality TV star Joseline Hernandez, left, fighting rapper Big LexCredit: Twitter
      The singer’s dress slipped, exposing her breastsCredit: Instagram
      Big Lex pictured at the fightCredit: bigbadlex_
      Joseline Hernandez attends Zeus Network’s Joseline’s CabaretCredit: Getty
      Rapper Big Lex who was at the fight in MiamiCredit: Instagram
      The American boxing legend returned for an exhibition bout, this time with the grandson of notorious mob boss John Gotti.
      But the fight in Florida came to a dramatic end when a massive punch up in the ring between the two camps saw the whole thing KO’d.
      And afterwards a shocking brawl broke out between two celebrity fans.
      Joseline – aka The Puerto Rican Princess – looked to have Lex in a headlock at one point, which forced the singer’s dress to come off and exopse her breasts.
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      Security men rushed to intervene and pull the two women apart.
      It’s not clear what started the fight, but the brawl came after an unknown woman threw water at Joseline.
      Joseline, 36, is best known for appearing on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.
      Big Lex, 31, is a rapper and TV star, who has hosted shows like Big Baddie Olympics and Big Lex: The Baddie Collection.
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      Fans were also captured in wild scenes attacking each other in other parts of the venue as police struggled to clear the arena.
      One was even hit to the ground which only sparked more mayhem amongst the charged up crowd.
      They had come to watch Mayweather in yet another non-sanctioned fight, this time against John Gotti III.
      And for the first six rounds, the Hall of Famer was in complete control landing at will and evading any danger coming back his way.
      Referee Kenny Bayless warned the pair throughout to stop trading trash talk and start boxing.
      But by round six they would not let up on the foul-mouthed insults to the point Bayless actually called off the action.
      Although Gotti was having none of it as he refused to let the fight up and immediately chased after Mayweather.
      The former pound-for-pound king backed up and defended in retreat as Bayless did his best to try and stop Gotti.
      As Mayweather got his back to the ropes, the two began trading leather once more – this time with lawlessly.
      That is what sparked the mass melee in the ring as both teams stormed in.
      Read more on The Sun
      And there was no sign of the brawling ending, causing Mayweather, 46, and Gotti, 30, to be escorted out of the arena.
      But the rivalling camps continued to scrap by the ring and backstage, until police were forced to intervene and escort everyone away.
      John Gotti III’s fight with Floyd Mayweather was abandonedCredit: Rex More

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      Floyd Mayweather boasts of having all his ‘faculties’ aged 46 ahead of next exhibition against grandson of mob boss

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER boasted of still having all his faculties intact as he prepares for another exhibition fight. The boxing legend at aged 46 is back in action, this time against John Gotti III, grandson to one of America’s most notorious crime bosses.
      John Gotti III and Floyd Mayweather ahead of their exhibition
      It will be Mayweather’s SEVENTH exhibition since officially retiring in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 34.
      And the unbeaten Hall of Famer – who was never floored in his career – is reaping the rewards of his defensive style all these years later.
      Mayweather said: “With an event like this, it’s truly amazing to still have all my faculties.
      “The aim of the game is to hit and not get hit, that’s why I was able to be in the sport of boxing as a professional for 27 years.”
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      Mayweather has faced stars of the MMA, social media and celebrity boxing world since boxing in exhibition bouts.
      His last came in February against reality TV favourite-turned fighter Aaron Chalmers, 36, at a near-empty O2 Arena in London.
      And Gotti III – whose grandfather John Gotti ran the Gambino crime family in the late 80s and 90s – will be the next to face Mayweather.
      The 30-year-old is a 5-1 MMA fighter and 2-0 boxer who brings an army of fans from New York to Florida.
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      But Mayweather said: “Remember, I’ve fought all around the world, every country I’ve fought in.
      “Remember this, when we get in the ring it’s up to the two fighters. It has nothing to do with crowd.
      “They can scream, they can holla, they can shout. This is what I do at the end of the day.
      “I don’t have to brag, I don’t have to boast, I don’t have to tell you what I can do, the world knows what I can do.
      “So he has to show the world what he can do.”
      Floyd Mayweather and John Gotti IIICredit: Rex More