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      Nate Diaz looked like he was ‘DYING’ in training for Jake Paul fight as sparring partner issues worrying warning

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      NATE DIAZ looked like he was “DYING” in training to fight Jake Paul – his sparring partner worryingly claimed. Diaz makes his professional boxing debut on August 5 in Texas against YouTuber-turned prizefighter Paul.
      Esquiva Falcao with Nate Diaz after sparringCredit: Twitter
      Jake Paul in training to fight Nate DiazCredit: @jakepaul
      And in preparation for the pay-per-view bout he sparred with Robert Garcia-trained middleweight Esquiva Falcao.
      But 30–0 Falcao – an Olympic and world champion amateur boxer from Brazil – was less than impressed by Diaz.
      He said in a social media video: “At first I thought he was tired, and in the end it looked like he was dying.
      “His fighting style is crazy. You look at him and say, ‘Oh, he’s tired,’ and then we started sparring.
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      “Robert told me in the second round, ‘He’s tired already, hold back a little bit and keep the rhythm so he does at least 10 rounds.’
      “I held back and kept boxing, and we did 12 rounds. He was tired but taking punches and throwing, too.
      “[He] is bad, [he] is bad, but since he’s too heavy – he’s overweight, probably around 220lbs or more – and I’m the only big guy in the gym, I had to do it. But I liked doing it.”
      Diaz, 38, walked out on the UFC last year in pursuit of a lucrative switch to boxing.
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      And Paul, 26, snubbed a rematch with Tommy Fury, 24, to face the MMA veteran despite his loss in their celebrity grudge match.
      The American has beaten three ex-UFC stars in the past, Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 41, and Anderson Silva, 48.
      And Paul is expecting to add Diaz to that list as he revealed his prediction for the bout.
      He said: “I think he’s gonna be sharp for a couple of rounds but there’s nothing he can do to stop me.
      “I’m faster, I’m stronger. I’m the better boxer. “He’s gonna be coming forward. He doesn’t have head movement.
      “He’s trying to pressure me. He’s gonna get diced up. I see it ending in four rounds or less.”
      Jake Paul facing off with Nate DiazCredit: @mostvaluablepromotions More

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      Tommy Fury vows to ‘END’ YouTube boxing in 12 months as he confirms talks for KSI fight and Jake Paul rematch

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      TOMMY FURY has vowed to “END” YouTube boxing by taking down KSI and Jake Paul. The 2019 Love Islander handed social media star-turned prizefighter Paul his first defeat in February.
      Tommy Fury facing off with KSICredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing
      But the American, 26, opted to forgo a rematch to instead return on August 5 in Texas against ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38.
      So Fury, 24, and KSI, 30, have decided to turn their attention to each other with talks ongoing for the two to fight.
      Paul has claimed he will look to rematch his celebrity boxing rival next February, exactly one year on from his split-decision loss in Saudi Arabia.
      So that falls right into Fury’s 12-month plan to KO the new school crossover boxing era which has divided opinions.
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      He told Sky Sports: “Everybody knows what’s next for me, it’s being teased at the minute.
      “Hopefully we can get this KSI fight over the line and I’ll knock off another YouTuber.
      “That’s my plan for this year. I want to end YouTube boxing within 12 months.
      “So that’s my plan. So we’ll see. I don’t know. I just take it one fight at a time. All these guys are the same to me.
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      “There’s not one that stands out from the rest. They’re all about the same. So anyone can get it. I’m not bothered.
      “I’m used to, growing up fighting against proper boxers. These guys are a bit of a joke.”
      KSI was last in the ring in May in what turned out to be a no-contest after an accidental but illegal elbow knocked out Joe Fournier, 40.
      He went face to face with Fury afterwards and both camps have confirmed that a deal is imminent.
      Fury said: “I’ve said my hitlist. Jake Paul’s already been struck off, KSI is next.
      “Then from what I’ve seen the other day Jake Paul wants it again in February. Listen, I’m happy. I’m happy keep these fights rolling in.”
      Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul on pointsCredit: Reuters More

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

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      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.
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      “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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      “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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      “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.
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      “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.
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      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

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

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      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. 
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      “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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      “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.
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      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

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

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      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.”
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      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.
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      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