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      Conor McGregor responds after Carl Froch says he would BEAT two-time UFC champ in the cage as he is ‘too small’

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      CONOR McGREGOR was left in hysterics after Carl Froch claimed he could beat him in MMA. The pair have rowed in the past but Froch took it one step further when he claimed he had the beating of the ex-UFC champion in the cage.
      Carl Froch with boxing promoter Eddie HearnCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Conor McGregor called to fight FrochCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He said on his YouTube channel: “I’d fight Conor McGregor in the cage.
      “I could be getting myself in trouble here or into a position I can’t wiggle out of, but I think I’d take him on in the cage. He’s too small.”
      McGregor hit back with a laughing face and tweeted promoter Eddie Hearn: “Get this signed up lad.”
      The Irishman, 34, has boxed professionally just once before, losing to American legend Floyd Mayweather, 45, in 2017.
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      Froch, 45, commentated that night and was full of criticism for McGregor.
      And the former featherweight and lightweight UFC champ fired back last year in a furious rant about Froch.
      McGregor tweeted: “I’ll grab his head and twist it clean off at a 1er with my bare hands.
      “Little wally of a thing I’ll slap you around you little toffee nose toss pot.”
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      Froch – who retired from boxing in 2014 – insisted it would be a mismatch if the two were to fight in the ring.
      He told Boxing UK: “He’s not a boxer, he doesn’t want to fight me, he’d get absolutely f***** up, but he might do the same to me in the cage and that is why we are both champion in our own right.
      “He knows, if he wants a roll around, he knows where to come, but he ain’t going to want this smoke.”
      Floyd Mayweathe beat Conor McGregor in 2017Credit: GETTY More

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      I quit professional football because of discipline issues but have shed nine stone to become full-time MMA fighter

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      A FORMER footballer is shedding nine stone in order to become a full-time MMA fighter. And now he is nearly ready to make his debut fight in the cage.
      Kevin Pannewitz is losing nine stone to be ready for his MMA debutCredit: Getty
      The former footballer piled on the pounds as he struggled with disciplineCredit: Getty
      He is determined to get himself back in shapeCredit: Getty
      Kevin Pannewitz, 31, was once on the books of Wolfsburg after earning a 2012 transfer following his impressive displays at Hansa Rostock.
      But the German journeyman midfielder struggled with weight and discipline issues, though.
      And his football career crumbled away with a series of short-term stints at various clubs around his homeland.
      However, Pannewitz is now set to go into six months of intense training to prepare for his dramatic career change.
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      And he even has an MMA fight lined up against fellow ex-footballer Martin Fenin for the autumn.
      Fenin, 35, had a more successful career on the pitch, playing for Eintracht Frankfurt and earning 16 Czech Republic caps.
      But Pannewitz is confident he can get the better of Fenin when they do battle in the octagon.
      The Berlin-born star said: “I want to prove to myself, and everyone out there, that I can achieve anything if I really want to.
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      “The athlete in me will now conquer the toughest sport in the world in MMA.”
      Pannewitz’s intense training regime and strict diet will be tracked for a film documentary.
      He needs to lose a staggering 56kgs – or 8st 12lbs – in order to make the 83kg weight limit for the bout.
      Promoters Oktagon Deutschland plan to post fortnightly updates of his progress on YouTube.
      Ex-Fulham boss Felix Magath was the manager who signed Pannewitz for Wolfsburg in 2012.
      But the midfielder was released a year later due to drink-related problems.
      Magath said at the time: “Kevin’s lifestyle got in his way.  We hoped his performances would make him forget his thirst.
      “But it soon became clear that he was not behaving in a professional way.”
      Pannewitz is set to face fellow ex-footballer Martin Fenin later in 2023Credit: Getty
      He is on a strict diet and training regimeCredit: Getty
      The former footballer needs to lose 56kgsCredit: Getty
      The progress is being tracked by a TV documentary film crewCredit: Getty
      He had a short stint at Wolfsburg but spent most of his career in the lower German leaguesCredit: Getty More

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      Swarmz shows off incredible seven-month body transformation since KSI fight as he targets Deji bout

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      SWARMZ revealed his shocking body transformation just seven months after his fight with KSI.The rapper, real name Brandon Scott, lost his debut boxing fight against the YouTuber inside four minutes.
      Swarmz revealed his stunning body transformation on social mediaCredit: @HappyPunchPromo
      Swarmz was out of shape before his boxing fight with KSICredit: Reuters
      Swarmz accepted the KSI fight at just two week’s noticeCredit: @HappyPunchPromo
      The 26-year-old looked out of shape during the weigh-in and the fight as KSI did press ups between rounds.
      But that was because Swarmz accepted the fight at just two weeks’ notice.
      KSI’s original opponent Alex Wassabi had to withdraw after suffering a concussion.
      The YouTuber was in top form at The O2 as he also beat Luis Pineda on the same night.
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      But Swarmz bounced back five months later when he beat Ryan Taylor at Wembley.
      The Londoner is now looking for more and proved it with his incredible body transformation.
      Swarmz looked flabby before his match with KSI but he is now completely shredded.
      The musician shared several clips in which he is showcasing his ripped muscles in the dressing room after training.
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      He is now targeting a boxing fight against YouTuber Deji in the near future.
      The Tank, though, would also be coming with experience after sharing the ring with the legendary Floyd Mayweather in November.
      The two had an exhibition bout in Dubai that Mayweather won in the sixth round via TKO.
      Swarmz is now targeting a boxing fight against YouTuber DejiCredit: @HappyPunchPromo
      Swarmz bounced back after his loss to KSI by beating Ryan TaylorCredit: @HappyPunchPromo More

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      Joe Rogan reveals reason Conor McGregor lost to Floyd Mayweather as UFC star accuses boxing legend of snubbing rematch

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      UFC commentator Joe Rogan reckons Conor McGregor came up short against Floyd Mayweather because he lacked ‘composure’.The MMA superstar entered the boxing world in the summer of 2017 to lock horns with the former five-weight world champion in a multi-million-pound bout aptly dubbed ‘The Money Fight’.
      Conor McGregor turned in a valiant display in his showdown with Floyd Mayweather in 2017Credit: GETTY
      But the MMA superstar ended up suffering a tenth-round TKO defeat to MoneyCredit: GETTY
      UFC commentator Joe Rogan reckons McGregor’s lack of ‘composure’ was his undoingCredit: GETTY
      McGregor started the contest well and landed some good shots on Money but ultimately succumbed to fatigue and was stopped in the tenth round of the Sin City showdown.
      And veteran UFC broadcaster Rogan reckons the Irishman would’ve had more success if he’d remained calm under the bright lights.
      During the latest episode of his Joe Rogan Experience podcast, he said: “He just wasn’t composed enough to go ten rounds with one of the greatest of all time.”
      Rogan was, however, impressed by McGregor’s display against the undefeated Mayweather, who is considered by many to be the greatest
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      He said: “Conor could’ve been a great boxer.
      “He could’ve been a great boxer. He’s got a tremendous uppercut, too.
      “The uppercut he caught Floyd with and he snapped Floyd’s head with.
      “Floyd was like, ‘Okay.’ That was legit. He just wasn’t composed enough to go ten rounds with one of the greatest of all time.
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      The greatest of all time.”
      McGregor, 34, has campaigned for a rematch with Mayweather in the years since their desert dust-up but the fight has yet to materialise.
      And The Notorious recently accused the boxing legend of going back on his word for a second bout.
      During an appearance on Fox Sports, he said: “That was the original [plan].
      “It was a verbal agreement, I box him, and he fights me.
      “But you know, he didn’t honour it. He didn’t honour it yet. Who knows?
      “I would go against him in another boxing bout, I’d like another crack at it.
      “I can always say it is another boxing fight and then just bend the rules a little bit when we’re in there maybe.”
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      MMA icon McGregor is set to return to the octagon later this year for a mouthwatering showdown with Michael Chandler, although a date for their clash has not yet been announced.
      The Dubliner hasn’t set foot inside the cage since breaking his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021. More

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      Watch Mike Tyson fight Hasbulla, pick him up, cradle him like a baby and bite his ear in ‘crazy’ video

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      MIKE TYSON picked up Hasbulla Magomedov and cradled him like a baby before nibbling his ear in a “crazy” video. TikToker Hasbulla – who has growth hormone deficiency – is a fight fan and has befriended the likes of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
      Hasbulla picked up Hasbulla and cradled him like a baby before nibbling his ear
      But he may have got off on the wrong foot with heavyweight legend Tyson after a play around with the pair.
      Iron Mike let Hasbulla unload some punches on him as he showed off his trademark bobbing and weaving.
      But then Tyson grabbed hold of the social media star, took off his hat and give him a little bite.
      The hilarious clips had fans in disbelief as one reacted: “Mike Tyson picking up Hasbulla like he a two year old is crazy.”
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      Another said: “Mike, you do know Hasbulla is 20 years old, right?”
      One asked: “Hasbulla is like 20 why is he holding him like a baby.”
      Another joked: “Mike still going for the ear.”
      Hasbulla recently signed with the UFC in what is believed to be a brand ambassador role.
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      UFC president Dana White confirmed the deal to Barstool Sports but did not comment on his role within the promotion.
      He said: “Yes, we did sign Hasbulla. What he’s going to end up doing remains to be seen.”
      Due to Hasbulla’s friendship with Nurmagomedov, 34, he has by default feuded with Conor McGregor, 34.
      But White jokingly warned: “[McGregor] shouldn’t f*** around because he will get his ass whooped if he runs into him on the streets.”
      UFC president Dana White poses for a photo with Hasbulla MagomedovCredit: Getty More

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      Katie Taylor’s camp welcome homecoming bout sponsorship by Conor McGregor – but warn they don’t need him to sell it out

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      KATIE TAYLOR’S team said “cheers” to Conor McGregor — as his drinks brand will sponsor the boxing superstar’s homecoming bout — but warned: “It’s not the McGregor show.”Taylor will finally box in Ireland for the first time ever as a pro when she takes to the ring at Dublin’s 3Arena on May 20.
      Katie Taylor’s team said “cheers” to Conor McGregor — as his drinks brand will sponsor the boxing superstar’s homecoming boutCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      Katie Taylor will challenge Chantelle Cameron for the undisputed light-welterweight titles on May 20Credit: PA:Press Association
      The Bray bomber will attempt to become a two-weight undisputed champ when she challenges light-welterweight queen Chantelle Cameron from Britain.
      But promoter Eddie Hearn said it is very much “The Katie Taylor Show” despite McGregor’s cash injection.
      Hearn explained: “Like I said, it’s not the Conor McGregor show.
      “He reached out to help in any way and if he is to support the event commercially, fantastic but it’s obviously the Katie Taylor show.”

      UFC star McGregor’s Proper 12 brand sponsored the Tyson Fury v Deontay Wilder II clash in Las Vegas in 2020 — plastering its logo in the centre of the ring — and Hearn could cut a similar deal.
      But the Essex fight boss is adamant he does not need a hand bringing eyeballs to the event.
      Hearn insisted: “No, when we say ‘adding his name to fight’ we mean one of his companies, one of his brands, may sponsor the fight. That’s as far as it goes.
      “We don’t need him to sell the fight out. We don’t need him to be part of the promotion.
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      “I just take people as I find them and I see a genuine character that really is excited by the event and wants to support Katie so you are not going to see him at press conferences and walking out Katie Taylor.
      “It’s not that kind of association. It’s, ‘if I can help’.”
      Asked if she was happy for dad-of-three McGregor to be involved in her homecoming, Taylor looked to her promoter before smiling and shrugging: “Yeah.”
      MMA superstar McGregor publicly offered a cash injection in a bid to get the GAA HQ bout over the line but while that plan failed to materialise, for now, his immediate involvement appears to have been copper-fastened.
      ‘The Notorious’ heads up the Proper 12 whiskey brand and has recently launched Forged Irish Stout.
      Matchroom Sport boss Hearn — who flew to Dublin for talks with McGregor last month at his Black Forge Inn — says they are ready to do business.
      Eddie Hearn met with Conor McGregor to discuss sponsoring Katie Taylor’s homecoming fight
      Hearn explained: “We’re talking still and genuinely, forgetting the PR and promotion of it, he has a couple of brands that are Irish-based that would fit very well with the show.
      “Behind the madness, he is also a massive fan of Katie. He genuinely wants the best for her. And he genuinely wanted to help with the Croke Park stuff. He’s just excited.
      “Like every fight fan, he can’t believe it’s on. He was like, ‘Oh they’re going to fight at The Point?’ and I was like, ‘No it’s not, it’s the 3Arena’ — and he was like, ‘No it’s not — it’s The Point’.
      “And he was talking about the atmosphere there and stuff, so yeah, we expect him to be involved.
      PLAN B
      It had originally been hoped that Taylor’s Irish bow would take place at Croke Park in a rematch with Puerto Rican Amanda Serrano. But while the venue and opponent have changed, the date has not.
      Hearn continued: “Even through the whole Serrano stuff, he was messaging me non-stop, following it on social media, ‘so what’s happening now?’
      “Then it was like, ‘wow, I can’t believe it’s still on — so what’s the plan?’
      “He genuinely –— away from the publicity and stuff like that — cares that she’s coming home to fight. He’s been to her fights before and he’s a big help and supporter.”
      Meanwhile Taylor laughed off the idea of asking Roy Keane to walk her to the ring on the night.
      The Manchester United and Ireland legend is one of her heroes — and he is a huge admirer of the champion boxer. But, asked if he might be willing to accompany her on the lonely walk to meet Cameron, she grinned: “I’m not sure he’s the type of guy that would want to do something like that!
      “Every now and then he sends me a message after a fight so that’s really, really cool.
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      “Roy Keane’s my favourite athlete of all time. His mentality is second to none, he’s someone I really admired and looked up to growing up.”
      Taylor added: “This is a fight I’ve wanted for a long time. This is one of the best fights in boxing, two undisputed champions going head to head. It is going to be an amazing night and amazing celebration. Pro boxing is coming home.” More

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      ‘Welcome to boxing’ – UFC boss Dana White reacts to Tyson Fury’s unification fight with Oleksandr Usyk facing collapse

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      DANA WHITE was left unsurprised at the news Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleksandr Usyk faces collapse. The pair of unbeaten boxing champions have publicly agreed a split to unify their belts but behind the scenes a deal is still not signed off.
      UFC president Dana WhiteCredit: Rex
      And Usyk warned he could walk away from talks if terms are not wrapped up, which would KO one of the biggest fights the sport has to offer.
      UFC president White said in response: “It’s scheduled, no? Oh it’s not? Welcome to boxing, boys. Is it shocking? Yes. Is it ‘shocking’? No.
      “It’s just that is boxing, that’s the way that that sport always seems to play out, the big fights that should happen never happen.
      “And when they do, it’s always late and that’s the stuff that used to drive me crazy as a fan and it’s literally part of how I designed this company to not be.

      “We try to make the big fights when it’s time to make the big fights.”
      Usyk accepted Fury’s “greedy” 70/30 offer to unify all four heavyweight belts for the first time in history on April 29 at Wembley.
      But boxing manager Egis Klimas has vented his frustration with no deal yet agreed and Usyk himself hinted at negotiations hitting a snag.
      He tweeted: “The points for agreement were sent to Fury’s side. The deadline is set. The clock is ticking.
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      “The ball is on #Greedybelly’s side now. We did everything in our power to make it happen.”
      Klimas has previously maintained Usyk’s acceptance of 70/30 is only valid for a fight on April 29, just six weeks away.
      And any postponement will cause a renegotiation of 50/50 split between the unbeaten pair.
      Tyson Fury facing off with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul BANNED from attending Leon Edwards world title fight against Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 after Dana White row

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      JAKE PAUL is BANNED from attending all UFC events including Leon Edwards’ title fight with Kamaru Usman in London. Edwards defends his welterweight strap against Usman in a trilogy decider tonight at the O2 Arena after his head kick KO in August.
      Jake Paul is banned from attending UFC eventsCredit: AFP
      Leon Edwards facing off with Kamaru UsmanCredit: Getty
      Conor McGregor, 34, revealed he could be in attendance as he eyes a shot at the 170lb belt.
      But one man who will not be in town is YouTuber-turned boxer Paul, 26, who has long rivalled UFC boss Dana White.
      The American was at UFC 261 in April 2021 and hit the headlines after the arena was filled with chant of “f*** Jake Paul.”
      But according to the man himself, UFC president White was left fuming and banned him from ever attending events again.
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      Paul said on his podcast last October: “I’m banned from UFC events.
      “Dana banned me after [the fans] were shouting ‘f** Jake Paul in a stadium,’ and I tried to go to a different fight and all of our tickets were declined, banned.”
      Paul has hit out at White in the past and accused the promoter of underpaying his stars and failing to provide them with healthcare.
      But his older brother Logan, 27, recently signed a deal to see his Prime hydration drink sponsor the UFC.
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      Although Logan recently claimed Paul’s feud with White is not personal.
      He said: “Again, you’re just playing a game, and here’s my theory: if Jake is able to identify a target to further his agenda of fighter pay, [that’s] the way to do it.
      “Like, if you can identify a common enemy, unite everyone against that person, [then] you’re furthering your own agenda.”
      Logan Paul pictured with UFC boss Dana WhiteCredit: @LoganPaul More