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      Floyd Mayweather reveals friendship with Gotti family ahead of exhibition fight with notorious Mafia boss’s grandson

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER revealed his friendship with the notorious Gotti family – which helped make his fight with the mafia boss’s grandson. Mayweather is set to return to the ring for an exhibition on Sunday, June 11 in Miami against John Gotti III.
      Floyd Mayweather with John Gotti III ahead of their exhibitionCredit: Rex
      Notorious New York mafia boss John Gotti in 1990Credit: Getty
      Floyd Mayweather with John Gotti Jr
      But the boxing legend’s history with the crime family goes way back, having formed a friendship with Gotti Jr.
      And the pair have been talking for a number of years in an attempt to make a bout between Mayweather and Gotti III.
      Mayweather said at a press conference: “I’m friends with his dad.
      “This is what people don’t know, I’ve always been friends with the Gotti family. That’s what a lot of people don’t know.
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      “Of course, John Gotti Jr, how you doing John? It’s always good seeing you.It’s always great talking with you.
      “And I’m glad we’re finally able to get this done, we’ve been working on this for a couple years now. For a long time.
      “And of course, a great last name for this battle, last name means everything. You’re last names matters.
      “I just want to say thank you John once again. You’ve always been a class act, a gentleman, a respectful man.
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      “And your son has been busting his ass working extremely hard, whether it’s MMA or boxing.
      “And to be the best you have to continue to fight and improve yourself that’s what I did and I’m glad we were able to come together to make this event happen.”
      Gotti Sr was famously boss of the Gambino crime family in New York City and earned the nickname the “Teflon Don.”
      He was imprisoned in 1992 and sentenced to life after being found guilty on 14 accounts of conspiracy to commit murder and racketeering.
      Gotti died in 2002 aged 61 after a battle with throat cancer while his son Jr stepped in as acting boss during the 90s.
      Jr was also sentenced to six years and five months in jail in 1999 having been indicted on racketeering charges.
      But following his release, the American claimed to have left the criminal underworld.
      Gotti III – a 5-1 MMA fighter and 2-0 light-heavyweight boxer – has no links to organised crime.
      He turned professional in MMA in 2017 but switched to boxing last year, most recently winning in January.

      And Gotti III will be the latest in Mayweather’s collection of exhibition bouts since officially retiring in 2017.
      His last came at London’s O2 Arena against reality TV star-turned boxer Aaron Chalmers, 35, which he dominated over eight rounds.
      Floyd Mayweather is set to face John Gotti III on June 11 in MiamiCredit: Rex More

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      Conor McGregor had to apologise for calling TV boss a ‘weasel’ in order to get Gervonta Davis tickets, claims old rival

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      CONOR McGREGOR had to apologise to TV boss Stephen Espinoza in order to get tickets to Gervonta Davis’ fight with Ryan Garcia. That is according to old rival Paulie Malignaggi, who famously feuded with the Irishman following their disputed sparring sessions.
      Conor McGregor at Gervonta Davis’ fight with Ryan GarciaCredit: Social Media Collect
      Floyd Mayweather, Showtime’s Stephen Espinoza and Conor McGregorCredit: USA Today Sports
      The spars came in the lead up to McGregor’s crossover boxing match with Mayweather in 2017, which he lost in ten rounds.
      And during the heated build up to the blockbuster bout, the UFC superstar called Showtime’s Espinoza a “weasel”.
      So when McGregor, 34, wanted entry into Davis’ super-fight with Garcia six years later, he allegedly had some grovelling to do.
      Malignaggi claimed on his YouTube channel: “This happened because I’ve got all the inside sources, Conor McGregor had to apologise to Stephen Espinoza in order to get tickets to the Gervonta Davis versus Ryan Garcia fight.
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      “Everybody knows that McGregor has had issues, his run ins with Espinoza in the past and they were enemies as well.
      “But Espinoza now controls the tickets, it’s a Showtime fight. He had to apologise and this p****y apologised just to get tickets to the fight.
      “Conor McGregor, Connie, how does Stephen Espinoza’s d taste? Can you let me know?
      “Because I told them to f*** off when they wanted me to apologise.”
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      Malignaggi, who retired in 2017, was sacked as an analyst for Showtime in 2020 over comments about race.
      McGregor watched as Davis, 28, stopped Garcia, 24, in round seven with a brutal body shot.
      He was later seen backstage and bumped into Mayweather Sr, where he revealed an interest in training with his ex-opponent’s dad.
      And McGregor also visited Garcia’s changing rooms after the American’s defeat and called to see a rematch with Davis.
      Ryan Garcia with Conor McGregor after defeat to Gervonta DavisCredit: Golden Boy More

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      Watch boxing legend Floyd Mayweather effortlessly train in his mid 40s ahead of fight against crime boss’ grandson

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER keeps proving that age is nothing but a number as he still goes strong at the advanced age of 46.Mayweather retired from professional boxing back in 2017 with a stunning undefeated record, which saw him winning all of his 50 fights.
      Floyd Mayweather proved he hasn’t slowed down despite his advanced ageCredit: Instagram / @jamielynn
      Mayweather avoided punches without even looking while trainingCredit: Instagram / @jamielynn
      Money has since been competing in exhibition bouts around the world and is set for his first US match since his fight with Logan Paul back in 2021.
      This time, the American bruiser will take on John Gotti III, who is the grandson of infamous mafia boss John Gotti.
      The two fighters will lock horns on June 11 at the LA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
      And Gotti has his work cut out as Mayweather hasn’t slowed down one bit since hanging up his boxing gloves.
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      The undefeated legend posted a video last year showing him training at the gym.
      And the session was so effortless for the star boxer that he would spar without even looking at his trainer.
      Mayweather would instead stare at the camera and still duck out of every single move that was thrown his way.
      Gotti has won two out of two boxing fights after switching to the sport from MMA.
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      The New Yorker also enjoyed success inside the octagon with a 5-1 record under his belt.
      The 30-year-old’s grandfather ran the Gambino family, which was once described as America’s most powerful crime syndicate.
      The crime boss wound up serving a life term in jail for racketeering and murder until his death on June 10, 2002 at the age of 61.
      The father of Mayweather’s opponent John A Gotti became the acting boss of the Gambino family until he was sent to prison for racketeering, and has since claimed to have left the gang. More

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      Jake Paul calls for ‘homie’ Nate Diaz to be released from prison after brawl with Logan lookalike

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      JAKE PAUL called for Nate Diaz to be freed by police after the former UFC star handed himself into custody.A warrant for the MMA superstar’s arrest was issued on Monday after footage of him being involved in a mass brawl in New Orleans last Friday went viral.
      Nate Diaz handed himself into police after a warrant for his arrest was issued on MondayCredit: AP
      New Orleans police wanted Diaz in custody over his involvement in a mass brawl last FridayCredit: INSTAGRAM@BAMBAJUICE
      Upcoming opponent Jake Paul was quick to react to the news of Diaz’s arrestCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAKEPAUL
      Diaz, 38, was rushed upon by Logan-Paul-lookalike Rodney Petersen following a Misfits Boxing event and proceeded to choke him UNCONSCIOUS – an act his team claims was “self-defense”.
      After getting wind of the warrant for his arrest, Diaz decided to cooperate with the New Orleans Police Department and turned himself
      And that prompted Paul to take to social media and urge NOPD to release his upcoming opponent.
      Paul posted a snap of the news with prayer and crying-face emojis to his Instagram story and wrote: “Free big bro @natediaz209.”
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      He then posted a snap of himself with a tear emoji and the accompanying caption: “They locked my homie up @natediaz209.”
      Paul didn’t have to wait long for Diaz to be released by the NOPD.
      The Stockton slugger was released from custody a mere four hours after turning himself in.
      Agent Zach Rosenfield issued a statement shortly after news of Diaz handing himself into custody broke.
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      It read: “Nate voluntarily turned himself into the New Orleans Police Department this morning approximately at 7:10 AM CT.
      “We continue to look forward to presenting all the evidence and videos that show Nate was acting in self-defense.”
      Diaz has yet to break his silence on his involvement in the brawl, which Petersen was happy to comment on on social media.
      The professional MMA fighter and BJJ competitor said: ” “So I don’t know what the hell I did to Nate Diaz.
      Jake Paul and Nate Diaz will throw down in a boxing match on August 5Credit: MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS
      “But I’ll telling you what, I’m going to knock him the f*** out when I know he’s coming.
      “You caught me off guard, dude. Did you think I was Logan? What the f***?”
      Diaz is set to throw down with YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in a lucrative showdown in Dallas on August 5.
      The fight will be his first since he left the UFC last September following a submission victory over Tony Ferguson. More

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      Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather announces next exhibition fight against grandson of an organised crime gang leader

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER has announced his next exhibition fight against John Gotti III – the grandson of a notorious gang boss.The event will take place on June 11 in an event being billed as ‘Last Name Matters’.
      Floyd Mayweather is set to take on John Gotti IIICredit: AFP

      Notorious mafia boss John Gotti died in 2002Credit: Getty
      An official announcement is set to be made at 7pm BST with Mayweather in line for his first US fight since his bout with Logan Paul in June 2021.
      Gotti, 30, is the grandson of infamous mafia boss John Gotti of the Gambino crime family, which was once described as America’s most powerful crime syndicate.
      Gotti led the New York crime family and wound up serving a life term in jail for racketeering and murder.
      He died on June 10, 2002, at the age of 61.
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      His son John A Gotti, 59, was the acting boss of the crime family until he was sent to prison for racketeering, and has since claimed to have left the Gambino family
      He has six kids, including MMA fighter John Gotti III.
      Gotti has won two out of two boxing fights after switching to the sport from MMA.
      The New Yorker has a 5-1 record in MMA and he announced his next fight on Instagram saying: “Coming in June. Stay tuned ….”
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      John A Gotti replaced his father as the head of the Gambino crime family
      Mayweather, 46, has had six exhibition bouts since retiring as a professional, and he most recently fought ex-Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers at the O2 Arena in London in February.
      He plans to fight multiple times this year across the world to make as much money as possible.
      Mayweather said: “This is what my 2023 looks like so far. Five exhibitions in five countries in nine months and if any of these exhibitions don’t happen, I still get paid.
      “I’m the most active hustler in boxing, my money is guaranteed.
      “Then in 2023 we are doing Japan again, then Hawaii, Saudi Arabia, Africa and Abu Dhabi.
      “We get calls every day and it all depends on what I want to do. But I have a great team and everyone played a major role in this event happening.
      “They are getting me up every day and making sure is in certain positions so I am able to live comfortably.” More

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      KSI accepts Jake Paul fight after arrest warrant is issued for former UFC star Nate Diaz

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      KSI has offered to step up on short notice and face Jake Paul if his bitter rival’s clash with Nate Diaz falls through.Former UFC star Diaz is a wanted man following his alleged involvement in a mass brawl in New Orleans last Friday, with a warrant for his arrest being issued on Monday.
      Nate Diaz is set to throw down with Jake Paul in AugustCredit: MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS
      But the fight could be up in the air after an arrest warrant was issued for Diaz’s arrest following his alleged involvement in a street fightCredit: INSTAGRAM@BAMBAJUICE
      KSI has offered to save the day if Diaz has to withdraw from the fight – an offer Paul quickly accepted
      It’s not yet known if Diaz’s imminent legal issues will impact his Dallas dust-up with Paul, but that hasn’t stopped Brit YouTuber KSI from offering up his services.
      KSI – real name Olajide Olatunji – tweeted on Monday: “Well, if that mean[s] Jake won’t have an opponent in August.
      “Then I’ll gladly come as the replacement after I KO Joe Fournier in May.”
      It didn’t take long for YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul to get wind of KSI’s offer – which he gladly accepted.
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      He said: “Great. I accept you as the backup opponent. Fight is at 185 [lbs].
      “There are no rehydration clauses. Stay in shape and we will give you a call if needed.
      “Thanks buddy for being so humble and committed.”
      The agreement didn’t go unnoticed by Diaz, who issued an X-rated response to the social media sensations.
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      Nate Diaz has yet to break his silence on his alleged New Orleans brawlCredit: ap
      The former UFC lightweight title challenger tweeted: “”Lol.
      “Why don’t u two scared p*****s just fight each other [in] August?
      “I’ll fight someone who can really fight.”
      Diaz has found himself in hot water after reportedly choking a Logan Paul lookalike UNCONSCIOUS is a street brawl after the being attacked.
      The MMA legend has yet to break his silence on the incident, which Logan Paul impersonator and former fighter Rodney Petersen Jr spoke about on social media.
      He said: “So I don’t know what the hell I did to Nate Diaz.
      “But I’ll telling you what, I’m going to knock him the f*** out when I know he’s coming.
      “You caught me off guard, dude. Did you think I was Logan? What the f***?”
      SunSport have reached out to Diaz’s representatives for comment. More

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      Nate Diaz hints he may PULL OUT of Jake Paul fight after arrest warrant issued and tells YouTuber to fight KSI

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      NATE DIAZ has seemingly hinted he may PULL OUT of his clash with Jake Paul.The MMA legend – who left the UFC last September – is set to trade leather with the YouTuber-turned-boxer in a Dallas dust-up on August 5.
      Former UFC star Nate Diaz is set to fight Jake Paul in a boxing match in AugustCredit: GETTY
      But a warrant for his arrest has been issued following his involvement in a New Orleans brawlCredit: INSTAGRAM@BAMBAJUICE
      Diaz has hinted he’ll pull out of his clash with Paul after the YouTuber agreed to have KSI be a backup fighterCredit: TWITTER
      But the fight is seemingly up in the air after a warrant for Diaz’s arrest was issued on Monday following his involvement in a mass brawl in New Orleans last week.
      Diaz’s seemingly imminent legal troubles prompted KSI to offer to step in and settle the score with The Problem Child.
      And that sparked a fierce response from former UFC lightweight title challenger Diaz, who tweeted: “Lol.
      “Why don’t u two scared p*****s just fight each other [in] August?
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      “I’ll fight someone who can really fight.”
      Diaz’s x-rated message to the pair came after Paul accepted the prospect of KSI being the backup opponent for his return to the ring.
      He said: “Great. I accept you as the backup opponent. [The] fight is at 185. There are no rehydration clauses.
      “Stay in shape and we will give you a call if needed. Thanks, buddy, for being so humble and committed.”
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      Future UFC Hall of Famer Diaz found himself involved in a mass brawl following Misfits Boxing’s show in New Orleans – where he nearly clashed with Chase Demoor.
      Diaz didn’t throw any punches, opting instead to choke out his attacker OUT COLD with a standing guillotine after being rushed upon.
      The Stockon slugger then proceeded to carefully drop the man – who turned out to be Logan Paul lookalike and pro-MMA fighter Rodney Petersen Jr – on the street floor.
      Nate Diazs showdown with Jake Paul is set to take place in Dallas on August 5Credit: MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS
      Diaz has yet to publicly address the incident, although Petersen took to social media to discuss the melee.
      He said: “So I don’t know what the hell I did to Nate Diaz.
      “But I’ll telling you what, I’m going to knock him the f*** out when I know he’s coming.
      “You caught me off guard, dude. Did you think I was Logan? What the f***?”
      SunSport have reached out to Diaz’s representatives for comment. More

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      Conor McGregor bumps into Floyd Mayweather’s dad and would ‘love to do work’ with him despite rivalry with boxing legend

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      CONOR McGREGOR bumped into Floyd Mayweather’s dad and revealed he would “love to do work” with the boxing coach. McGregor famously lost to Mayweather Jr in their lucrative 2017 boxing match, which ended in round ten.
      Floyd Mayweather Sr bumping into Conor McGregor in Las Vegas
      And the Irishman had some memorable run-ins with Mayweather Sr leading up to the pay-per-view blockbuster.
      But it seems all is forgiven as the pair met up again in Las Vegas on the night Gervonta Davis knocked out Ryan Garcia.
      McGregor appeared to praise Mayweather’s padwork and professed that he would like to train with the former professional boxer.
      He said: “I’d love to do work with you. Would love to do work with you some day.”
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      Mayweather in 2018 offered to bring McGregor into his Las Vegas boxing club for training.
      But McGregor responded: “F*** the Mayweathers, except Senior and Roger. There is no peace here kid. Step up or step down.”
      Mayweather, 46, officially retired after beating McGregor, 34, but has continued to box in exhibition bouts.
      And he last year opened the door to rematching the UFC icon, in either an exhibition or professional bout.
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      McGregor has also expressed his interest in a rematch having claimed Mayweather failed to follow up on a promise to fight him in MMA.
      He said on Fox News: “That was the original, it was a verbal agreement, I box him, he fights me. But he didn’t honour it.
      “He didn’t honoured it yet you know, who knows? I would go against him in another boxing bout. I’d like another crack at it.”
      Mayweater’s last exhibition was over eight rounds against reality TV star-turned boxer Aaron Chalmers at London’s O2 Arena.
      And he later announced he would box five more times in five different locations, including America, Asia and Europe.
      McGregor meanwhile is set to face Michael Chandler in his UFC return – his first fight since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
      Floyd Mayweathe beat Conor McGregor in 2017Credit: GETTY More