More stories

  • in

    Rap superstar Drake has bet more than $1BILLION on sport in the last year, including losing $1m on football match

    RAP superstar Drake enjoys the thrill of high stake bets on sports events and casinos, and has risked nearly £1BILLION in the last year.Drake joined crypto casino, Stake, under the name DeepPockets6 in December 2021.
    Drake has risked close to £1BILLION on sports and casino betsCredit: Getty
    Drake’s latest high stakes bet is on Jake Paul to knock out rival Tommy Fury on SundayCredit: Skill Challenge Entertainment
    And the 36-year-old isn’t shy about posting his gambling activity to his social media sites.
    The figures often send heads spinning.
    In fact, Casino.org say Drake wagered cryptocurrency worth over £800million in just two months after joining Stake on various sports and casino bets.
    Jake Paul is next on Drake’s tip list, with the artist slapping down over £300,000 on the American to KNOCK OUT rival Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    If the bet comes in, Drake is set to take home an incredible £1.2m.
    Drake’s sports bets range from combat sports, to Formula One, to football and even American football.
    And unfortunately, he is not often lucky with the notorious ‘Drake curse’ becoming legendary folklore online.
    SunSport takes a look at some of Drake’s BIGGEST sports bets.
    Most read in Boxing
    BETTING SPECIAL – JAKE PAUL vs TOMMY FURY ODDS, BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
    Drake’s UFC bets
    In March 2022, Drake slapped £230,000 on Jorge Masvidal to defeat UFC rival Colby Covington.
    A win would’ve seen Drake pocket over £862,000.
    However, Masvidal lost via decision.
    Two months later, Drake lost £357,000 after tipping Justin Gaethje to beat Charles Oliveira.
    The payout would’ve been north of £800,000 again.
    July, however, was a better month for Drake.
    Drake bet £113,000 on fellow Stake ambassador, Israel Adesanya, to beat Jared Cannonier.
    Adesanya won via decision and Drake saw a return of £750,000.
    And just ten days later, Drake bet on Liverpudlians Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann.
    Drake wagered £1.84m on McCann to see off Hannah Goldy and Pimblett to beat Jordan Leavitt.
    The bet came in and Drake saw a return of over £3m.
    As a thank you, Drake sent both McCann and Pimblett a Rolex.
    However, the next month it was back to losing on UFC.
    In August, Drake lost tow consecutive bets totalling £359,000 on Kamaru Usman and Jose Aldo.
    And in November, £1.67m was put on the line for Adesanya to beat Alex Pereira in a UFC 281 title fight.
    But in what could’ve been a £2.42m payout resulted in a £1.7m loss.
    Drake lost £1.7m on Israel Adesanya to beat Alex PereiraCredit: Reuters
    Drake’s dabbling in football
    Drake keeps a watchful eye on football and hasn’t been scared to bet big bux.
    In October last year, £502,000 was bet on both Arsenal and Barcelona to win their respective matches.
    Arsenal came through on their part of the bet, winning 1-0 away at Leeds.
    Barca, however, lost 3-1 to rivals Real Madrid.
    To rub salt into the wounds, Barca’s kit featured the OVO owl ogo in a sponsorship courtesy of Spotify.
    Drake was honoured after becoming the first artist to hit 50bn Spotify streams.
    He also joined billions from around the world in watching last November-December’s World Cup.
    Drake bet £837,000 on Argentina to win the World Cup in the final against France – but lost on a technicality.
    The global sensation would’ve seen a return north of £2.26m had Argentina beaten France in regular time.
    Kylian Mbappe’s late equaliser forced the game into extra-time.
    Argentina went on to win the 3-3 final on penalties, despite Mbappe scoring a hat-trick.
    Drake lost money on Barca, who were donning his OVO logo against Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Better luck with US sports
    In February 2022, Drake took home over £449,000 on the LA Rams to win the Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals and Odell Beckham Jr to score an anytime touchdown.
    Though he lost a separate prop bet on ODJ worth £328,000.
    He did manage to recover £196,000 on his Californian namesake, Drake London, to be the 1st drafted Wide Receiver.
    Drake’s good fortunes with NFL bets continued into the recent season.
    Despite losing £174,000 on the Miami Dolphins in September last year, Drake cashed out a whopping £1.67m on a £240,000 bet in November.
    He tipped the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs to be victorious in their Week Four matchups.
    For the Super Bowl earlier this month, Drake won BIG.
    The Certified Lover Boy won over £1.25m after the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Arizona.
    Drake has seen good returns in basketball, baseball and hockey.
    In April, Drake took home a combined total of £610,000 on NBA bets thanks to the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks.
    In baseball the same month, Drake won over £96,000 thanks to the Toronto Blue Jays beating the Boston Red Sox.
    Drake’s baseball luck continued in May in a Game 7 parlay.
    The Dallas Mavericks, Calgary Flames and the New York Rangers saw Drake turn his £258,000 stake with 8.64 total odds into an impressive £1.97m.
    In June, Drake lost £376,000 after predicting the New York Rangers to win the NHL Eastern Conference Finals, as well as the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Championship series.
    Unfortunately, the slip was ruined before it got started and Drake missed out on a cool £1.33m.
    Drake won big after the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win this monthCredit: Rex
    Drake’s need for speed
    Drake is also an F1 fan.
    He tipped Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to win the 2022 Spain Grand Prix with the Monegasques starting the race on pole position.
    Drake placed £251,000 on Leclerc to win – but the Ferrari ace retired on lap 27 with a turbo and MGH-U failure.
    Read More on The Sun
    Max Verstappen, who went on to win the world title in 2022 defending his 2021 crown, went on to win the race and captured the lead in the driver standings.
    Drake missed out on £627,000.
    Drake bet on Charles Leclerc to win the 2022 Spain Grand Prix only for the Ferrari driver to retire on lap 27 despite starting on poleCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Jake Paul’s brutal win over UFC star Tyron Woodley meant he beat Tyson Fury to Knockout of the Year in 2021

    JAKE PAUL already has one win over the Fury family ahead of his grudge match with Tommy Fury. It came back in 2021, as YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul battled against former UFC Champion Tyron Woodley.
    Jake Paul brutally KOd Tyron Woodley in 2021Credit: AP
    And beat Tyson Fury’s knockout of Deontay Wilder to the Knockout of the Year awardCredit: AP
    Paul is facing Tommy Fury later todayCredit: AFP

    🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    Paul struggled in his first match against the ex-welterweight champ, before facing him in a rematch four months later and landing a thumping punch which KOd Woodley.
    This saw Paul win ESPN’s “Knockout of the Year” award.
    And it turns out he beat Tommy’s brother Tyson in the process.
    The “Gypsy King” landed his own brutal knockout punch that year in his fight with Deontay Wilder.
    READ MORE ON BOXING
    Fury was looking to put his rival down once and for all in the final instalment of their thrilling trilogy.
    A 2018 draw between the pair was followed by a Fury TKO victory in 2020 before Fury put an end to the trilogy in 2021.
    Despite dropping Fury to the floor a number of times in the early rounds, the “Bronze Bomber” was unable to capitalise and soon found himself on the ropes.
    Fury then landed the final blow with a right hook which left Wilder sleeping on the canvas.
    Most read in Boxing
    BETTING SPECIAL – JAKE PAUL vs TOMMY FURY ODDS, BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
    Fury and Paul were subsequently both nominated for the fan-voted knockout of the year award.
    The result saw Paul win by a significant margin as he picked up 56 per cent of the vote.
    Meanwhile, Fury only received 37.3 per cent of the votes.
    The remaining votes saw 5.3 per cent go to Oscar Valdez’s 10th-round KO of Miguel Berchelt in the WBC super-featherweight title fight.
    While the other 1.5 per cent went to Gabe Rosado’s stunning punch and weave move on the previously unbeaten Bektemir Melikuziev.
    Paul will be once again hoping to land a KO over the Fury family, this time in a more direct fashion when he faces “TNT” later today.
    However, backup fighter Mike Perry posted a document claiming to be a so-called “script” for the fight.
    The baseless document, which promoters confirmed to SunSport is “fake”, suggests Paul will win the fight by TKO.
    Paul and Fury came face to face for the final time before their showdown in their weigh-in yesterday, with “The Problem Child” Paul antagonising Fury into pushing him. More

  • in

    Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury fight predictions – Mike Tyson, Eddie Hearn and boxing world make their picks

    ANTICIPATION is building ahead of Jake Paul’s clash with Tommy Fury – and the boxing world is split on who will come out on top. It’s the most high-profile clash for both stars so far and could have a huge effect on their future fighting careers.
    Fury and Paul went head-to-head at the weigh-in ahead of their fightCredit: YouTube / Seconds Out
    Paul has won all six of his bouts so far but is yet to face a full-time professional with a background in boxing.
    But the stakes are high for the outspoken American with a WBC cruiserweight ranking place up for grabs.
    And Fury, who has a 8-0-0 record, will give his career a shot in the arm with victory – but faces a serious hit to his reputation if he loses to his long-time rival.
    Everyone in boxing has a view on will win this huge contest in Saudi Arabia.
    READ MORE ON BOXING
    Mike Tyson
    Mike Tyson knows a thing or two about winning big grudge matches in the ringCredit: AFP
    Boxing legend Mike Tyson attended the final press conference between Paul and Fury as he got a chance to see the pair up close.
    And he does not fancy the younger Fury brother for the win at all.
    Tyson, 56, said: “I never saw Fury fight. I don’t know — I don’t think he’s gonna be able to beat Jake Paul.
    “Jake Paul, he’s getting better and better as he fights, and I don’t know if they brought him here to lose. So, we’re gonna find out.”
    Most read in Boxing
    BETTING SPECIAL – JAKE PAUL vs TOMMY FURY ODDS, BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
    Floyd Mayweather
    Money has his own fight to worry about this weekend but still found time to cast an eye towards events in Saudi Arabia.
    And the legendary fighter, 46, believes that Fury’s experience gives him the edge.
    He said: “It’s good that Jake Paul is able to take his social media following and get some new eyes on the sport of boxing.
    “But this sport is something you can’t play with. Boxing is something you can’t play with. When you finally face a fighter who can really, really fight, then you’re going to find out what you’ve really got in the sport of boxing.”
    Eddie Hearn
    Anthony Joshua is among the fighters promoted by the experienced HearnCredit: Getty
    Eddie Hearn has seen plenty during his eventful career setting up big fights.
    But even the opinionated boxing promoter has admitted he’s completely changed his mind on the outcome of the fight.
    He said: “I have had a total U-turn on this fight. I thought Jake Paul was going to win this fight. I think Jake Paul has absolutely no chance to win this fight at all.
    “If Tommy Fury comes out aggressively and puts it on Jake Paul, this fight will not go two rounds.
    “This is a massive U-turn for me because both are limited. But Tommy Fury as limited as he is as a professional boxer, has been boxing for ten, 12 years, maybe more.
    “He has been in the ring against professional fighters, he has experienced that, he’s done the hard spars.”
    KSI
    KSI has faced Jake’s brother Logan on two occasionsCredit: Rex
    KSI has had a long-running rivalry with Paul and the pair are regularly involved in online spats.
    So it slightly surprising to hear that the Brit has tipped his old foe to win – but he thinks the clash won’t live up to expectations.
    He told the Zach Sang Show: “I do see Jake Paul winning … but I think it’s going to be a bit of a boring fight, if I’m being honest.
    “Both fighters are very standoffish. Jake is a lot more of a counter-puncher so he reacts to what you’re doing. And Tommy is also a bit more of a counter-puncher.”
    Anthony Taylor
    Anthony Taylor has the distinction of having shared a ring with both Paul and Fury.
    The MMA veteran turned boxer was Paul’s sparring partner in 2021 while he lost in a competitive fight with Fury in the same year. He has no doubt who will come out on top tomorrow.
    Taylor told SunSport: “Jake is just going to outbox Tommy. He’s just a far better boxer. Jake is going to control him with his countering.
    “Jake is more flexible and more fluid than Tommy, he’s got a higher ring IQ. 
    Derek Chisora
    Derek Chisora has faced Tommy’s brother Tyson three times in his career.
    Despite originally opting for The Problem Child, Del Boy has changed his mind.
    He told the Mirror: Jake right now looks to be the favourite. So all the odds are favouring Jake and everything, all the fans are saying ‘Jake, Jake, Jake’.
    “But I’ve got a feeling that Jake might get stopped by Tommy but if that happens then – oh wow.”

    🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    Michael Bipsing
    Retired UFC star Michael Bipsing has had his say on tomorrow’s big fight – and predicts an uncomfortable evening for Fury.
    He said: “Listen, Jake Paul isn’t just a YouTuber. He’s a boxer. He used to be a YouTuber, probably still is one, but he’s also a boxer.
    “Just because you discover your love for the sweet science later in life doesn’t mean you have to be labelled a YouTuber your entire life. The reality is Jake Paul is doing a lot of great things in the boxing world.
    “I thought it was a bad night at the office for Tommy Fury against Anthony Taylor. Some of his other fights he looked explosive, powerful, aggressive.
    “Against Anthony Taylor I didn’t see those. If he struggled against Anthony Taylor, he’s going to struggle against Jake Paul. That’s just my two cents, and I believe that he loses.”
    Ryan Garcia
    American lightweight boxer Ryan Garcia, who has a 23-0-0 record, kept his prediction short and sweet.
    The 24-year-old said: “Jake Paul [to win]. Funny, honest at times, and my friend.”
    Devin Haney
    Unbeaten boxer Devin Haney is expecting a good fightCredit: Getty
    Undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney, 24, expects a close battle.
    The American told iFL TV: “Jake’s fought some former MMA champions, but Fury comes from a fighting family and has experience behind him, with it being in his bloodline.
    “I think it’s going to be a good fight! I think Jake will win, but it will be a tougher fight than people think.”
    Liam Smith
    Liam Smith’s stock is high after last month’s dramatic win over Christ Eubank Jr. He revealed he was backing his countryman.
    Read More on The Sun
    Beefy said: “I do think it’s a good fight, I’ve always said I think that Jake is the best of the YouTubers. 
    “I think Tommy Fury is still learning his craft. I think he didn’t have much amateur pedigree but I think I’d have to go with Fury, just for the boxing.”  More

  • in

    Jake Paul’s most controversial call-outs from X-rated McGregor slur to telling ex-world champ to fight on his undercard

    JAKE PAUL is known for being a highly-controversial figure.And his life in the boxing ring has proven no different.
    Jake Paul has controversially called out numerous fighters in the pastCredit: AFP
    Conor McGregor was subjected to an X-rated rant from the YouTuber-turned-boxerCredit: Getty
    The YouTuber-turned-fighter, 26, takes on Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia tomorrow night.
    And insults have been flying back and forth after a heated weigh-in on Saturday.
    Earlier this month, Paul told SunSport he’s “matured” and no longer has to make crass personal insults to get under the skin of potential opponents.
    But there have been plenty of fighters who have been brutally called out by Paul in the past.
    READ MORE ON BOXING
    CONOR McGREGOR
    Just over two years ago, Paul fired a crazy shot at UFC legend Conor McGregor in an explosive video posted online.
    That was despite only having two pro wins under his belt.
    Paul said:  “What the f*** is up you Irish c***? Good morning Conor McGregor.
    “I know you’re probably beating up old dudes in a bar right now or maybe you’re j***ing off as you’re sick of f***ing your wife, I mean, she’s a four [out of ten], Conor you could do a lot better, but happy Monday!
    Most read in Boxing
    BETTING SPECIAL – JAKE PAUL vs TOMMY FURY ODDS, BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS

    🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    “My team sent you a $50 million offer this morning, $50 million cash, proof of funds, the biggest fight offer you’ve ever been offered.
    “But you’re scared to fight me Conor. You duck me as you’re scared to fight a YouTuber.
    “You’re 0-1 as a boxer, I’m 2-0 as a boxer. I just came off the eighth biggest pay-per-view event in history.
    “But you want to fight Dustin Poirier, who has less followers on Instagram than my f***ing dog, that’s a fact.
    “And Dana White, you’re a f***ing pussy, you ugly f***ing bald b***h.
    “You said there’s zero per cent chance of this fight happening but there’s zero percent of you getting some p****.
    “Conor, you’re scared, Dana, you’re scared. Sign the f***ing contract you idiots. Irish b****, f*** these guys.”
    Carl Froch made his feelings known about Paul last weekCredit: https://twitter.com/Carl_Froch
    CARL FROCH
    Former world champ Froch took an unexpected pop at Paul last week, calling him a “clown.”
    This prompted a furious reaction from the American, who demanded Froch fight on the UNDERCARD of his next bout.
    Paul said: “Carl Froch mad because I made more in one year than he made his whole career.
    “You want the payday. I get it. So let’s do this, fight Anderson Silva on my next card.
    “If you get lucky and beat him, we can step in the ring and you make your career payday. Let me know.”
    Paul fights rival Tommy Fury tomorrowCredit: AP
    TOMMY FURY
    This one comes as no surprise considering the pair had been verbally sparring for years ahead of tomorrow’s battle.
    But they almost came to blows after Paul beat Tyron Woodley last year after clashing in a corridor.
    Fury said: “You need to stop running my friend, let’s get it on.”
    Paul cheekily responded: “You can barely be my sparring partner for four rounds!”
    Paul previously mocked Floyd Mayweather’s legacy fightsCredit: EPA
    FLOYD MAYWEATHER
    The 50-0 Moneyman enjoyed a lucrative battle against Paul’s brother Logan, and his latest bout sees him take on Aaron Chalmers at the O2 Arena tonight.
    But that didn’t stop the younger sibling from slamming Mayweather’s “legacy” fights last year.
    Paul said: “Floyd Mayweather is ruining his legacy fighting no-name guys, wasting his fans’ money, wasting his fans’ time.
    “He doesn’t even know the names of the guys he’s fighting, and then he chooses to fight Comedy Shorts Gamer (Deji), influencer, to make some money to pay his tax bills.
    “Floyd Mayweather telling Jake Paul that you will only fight Jake Paul if he comes down to his weight, 140 pounds or something.
    “I can’t believe what’s going on in the world. I can’t believe this is real.
    “Floyd, I will fight you, and you know that’s one of the biggest fights to make in boxing.
    “I weigh 175, you weigh 165. We can get that done, make a couple 100 million.”
    Daniel Cormier did not hold back from giving Paul a piece of his mindCredit: Getty
    DANIEL CORMIER
    Not many people are willing to mess with a two-weight UFC ex-champ.
    Cormier was left incensed by Paul’s disrespect to Woodley in 2021, saying: “The way this dude talked to T-Wood makes my skin crawl.
    “All these kids are going to get taught a less I swear.”
    This saw Paul respond: “OK fat boy, so me vs you and J (J’Leon Love) vs T?”
    Things then spilled over at UFC 261 as Cormier and Paul clashed in the stands.
    Cormier said after: “I pointed at him, said ‘don’t play with me’. Because I’ll slap that s*** out of him, I don’t play those games.”
    Paul believes he could beat pound-for-pound No1 AlvarezCredit: EPA
    CANELO ALVAREZ
    Widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter, Alvarez is one of a kind.
    But with just six pro wins under his belt, Paul reckons he could put the Mexican in his place.
    That’s after beating UFC legend Anderson Silva in a shock result.
    Paul said: “This is just the start. I want Nate Diaz. Canelo, you too.
    “You guys said, ‘You can’t beat a striker, you can’t beat a legend like Anderson Silva.’ I just did it. So why can’t I beat Canelo?”
    Paul has made no secret of his desire to fight MMA star Nate DiazCredit: AP
    NATE DIAZ
    After beating Silva, Paul also fixed his sights on fellow MMA star Diaz.
    He said: “I’ll be down. I just beat one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.
    “Nate Diaz is easy work. Anderson Silva is way more difficult than Nate Diaz.”
    Paul also called out Diaz for engaging in a mass brawl during the fight, saying: “Nate Diaz was here acting like a b***h.
    “Everyone wants that fight. He tried to fight people in the hallway. Nate, stop fighting people for free.
    “Let’s do it in the ring, okay? I know you’re a little slow, buddy. But we can make that fight happen.
    Read More on The Sun
    “It’s typical of him. That’s what he likes to do. He’s a street gangster.
    “He likes to act tough and he’s really not. Why are you trying to beat someone up in the hallway?” More

  • in

    Meet OnlyFans and MMA star Sammy-Jo Luxton who’s set to make boxing debut on Floyd Mayweather undercard

    MMA and OnlyFans star Sammy-Jo Luxton is set to make her boxing debut on Floyd Mayweather’s undercard this weekend.Mayweather, 46, is taking on Geordie Shore’s Aaron Chalmers in an exhibition bout at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday.
    Sammy-Jo Luxton has made her name in Muay ThaiCredit: @sammyjoluxton1
    She has also accumulated a fanbase on social mediaCredit: @sammyjoluxton1
    She has more than 30,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @sammyjoluxton1
    Luxton frequently shares pictures for her followersCredit: @sammyjoluxton1
    Luxton wants to become a world champion in Muay Thai, MMA and boxingCredit: @sammyjoluxton1
    But among those on the undercard is Muay Thai, MMA and boxing prospect Luxton, 23.
    Earlier this month, she revealed she had signed with the Professional Fighter’s League in a bid to further a career in MMA.
    Announcing the news, Luxton, who also has an OnlyFans account, said: “Best kept secret – I’ve signed to PFL! @PFLMMA.
    “I’ve made the switch to MMA and I have been grinding away at @McrTopTeam. I will be making my debut in the smartcage later this year.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    She is planning to compete in three separate disciplinesCredit: @sammyjoluxton1
    Luxton recently signed for the Professional Fighter’s LeagueCredit: @sammyjoluxton1
    “Can’t wait to show the world what I’m made of 👊🏻”.
    The move into MMA comes after picking up a world silver medal in Muay Thai to go with her European and British titles.
    But before her PFL debut, she is set to attempt a third discipline as she steps into the boxing ring at the O2.
    Luxton, also known as the “Ghetto Cinderella”, will face another MMA star and boxing novice Hayley Barraclough, 32, on the Mayweather show.
    Most read in Boxing
    BETTING SPECIAL – JAKE PAUL vs TOMMY FURY ODDS, BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
    And her mentality is something that will stand her in good stead as she eyes a winning start to her boxing journey.
    Speaking to Sporting News, she said: “Everyone says I’m like a robot because I will get smacked silly and I’ll just keep walking forward.
    “When I get hit, I’m not one of those people who’s like ‘oh, that hurt’ and then starts stepping back.
    “I get angry and I want to hit you back twice as hard for hitting me like that.”
    She has also attracted interest through her OnlyFans accountCredit: @sammyjoluxton1 More

  • in

    I’ll smash Jake Paul for what he said about Molly-Mae – this fight is personal, says Tommy Fury

    AS major boxing grudge matches go they don’t get much bigger – or unlikely – than the upcoming fight between Tommy Fury and Jake Paul.The Love Island star and the US YouTuber will finally meet in the ring after years of trading verbal blows, and two postponements, in the most eagerly-anticipated bout of 2023.
    The upcoming fight between Tommy Fury and Jake Paul is finally happening after years of trading verbal blowsCredit: Rex
    23-year-old Tommy is pumped up for the fight against the US YoutuberCredit: AFP
    Tommy Fury said of Jake ‘He’s absolutely rubbish, I’ve been in boxing all my life. He can’t fight’Credit: Getty
    To say 23-year-old Tommy is pumped up for the fight is an understatement, thanks in no small part to Jake, 26, ruining his rival’s baby announcement and branding Tommy’s influencer fiancée Molly-May Hague the couple’s “breadwinner”.
    Ahead of the fight at the Diriyah Arena, Tommy left those in Saudi Arabia in no doubt of his determination to exact a bitter revenge on rival Jake for his barbed comments about Molly-Mae.
    As one insider at the build-up in Riyadh said: “Tommy says he wants to get revenge, and he won’t feel like he’s got it until he has knocked him clean out.
    “He’s angry, and he means every word — they’re not empty threats. This is personal.”
    READ MORE ON TOMMY FURY
    Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Tommy said: “He can say what he wants because talking is his game. Fighting is mine.
    “On Sunday night, it is not about who can talk the best. It is about who can fight the best. He’s absolutely rubbish.
    ‘Jake can’t fight’
    “I’ve been in boxing all my life. He can’t fight.
    “Jake Paul, he is what he is. He’s a white-collar boxer.
    Most read in Boxing
    “He’s going in there with somebody who wants to take his head clean off with every shot and he’s going to be dealing with everything that comes with a boxer.
    “He’s not dealt with that before and it’s a big jump.”
    Never before has there been a buzz this big around a fight between two such inexperienced boxers, who have just 14 official fights between them.
    The bout is expected to break pay-per-view records, which will handsomely top up their fight fees — which are believed to be around £4million between them.
    So for the fans tuning in to watch or listening for free on talkSPORT, how much action does Tommy think they will actually get to witness?
    “Tommy TNT Fury wins the fight. 9-0. Here we come,” he predicts.
    “It will be very, very lucky for him if he escapes the fourth round. Don’t be surprised if he goes in one or two.
    “Whenever I hit this guy, it’ll be over.”
    Jake, 26, ruined his rival’s baby announcement and branded Tommy’s influencer girlfriend Molly-May Hague the couple’s ‘breadwinner’
    It will be hard to see the reality TV star, half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, taken seriously in the sport, should the bout end in defeatCredit: Social Media
    It will be hard to see the reality TV star, half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, taken seriously in the sport, should the bout end in defeat — especially as he put his boxing career on hold in 2019 to appear on Love Island, where he met his other half.
    Even his own family have joked they’ll disown him if he loses.
    Tyson said: “I expect Tommy to chin him. If he doesn’t, he can stay in Saudi Arabia.”
    A defeat for Jake, meanwhile, is unlikely to derail his career.
    Many experts believe he will just reinvent himself in another sport, having previously dabbled with Mixed Martial Arts and even featured in WWE wrestling, while his promotions firm continues to go from strength to strength.
    But despite having only previously fought six fights, all of them with non-professional boxers such as retired NBA star Nate Robinson, Jake is the bookies’ favourite to win in what they predict will be an incredibly tight contest.
    And he also has the extra incentive of being awarded a ranking in the sport, should he win.
    Former Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson has tipped him to do just that, saying anyone who disrespects Jake “is out of their minds”.
    Speaking to talkSPORT’s Spencer Oliver, Iron Mike, 56, said: “He’s won against people that he shouldn’t beat. And listen, I don’t think they brought him here to lose.
    “He makes more money than the champions of boxing. So he’s an enigma.”
    Another boxing great, Floyd Mayweather, said: “It’s good that Jake Paul is able to take his social media following and get some new eyes on the sport of boxing.
    “And it’s a good match-up with those two. May the best man win.”
    Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr, is expected to be among the 15,000 fans in the Diriyah Arena, while A-listers including US comedian Kevin Hart and superstar rappers Drake and Kanye West are also tipped to attend.
    It is yet to be confirmed if Tommy’s fiancée Molly-Mae will be joining the rest of the Fury clan in the Middle East, given she only gave birth to the couple’s daughter Bambi last month — which Jake informed the world about days before they did, much to their annoyance.
    During his pre-match trash talking, Jake claimed Tommy was forced into taking on the fight for a much-needed payday.
    The American said: “Molly is probably sitting there going, ‘Yo, I just had a baby — I can’t be the one to pay the bills the entire time’.
    “He is going to be paid 20k a fight, minus taxes. He can only pay for so many diapers. It’s a hard business.”
    Jake is so confident of a victory he even offered to change the terms of the bout during a pre-fight press conference, turning it into a winner-takes-all contest.
    He has been in Saudi Arabia for weeks on his training camp, which has been compared to some of the Rocky movies after he was filmed jogging alongside locals on the street. And speaking to Piers Morgan on TalkTV on Thursday night, Jake was supremely confident his preparation will help him get the edge over his long-time rival.
    Asked if he has “any doubt” the fight will end in anything other than victory, he replied: “No, I don’t. I’m confident in my preparation.
    “Anything can happen in a boxing match but you work to make those things not happen. He just doesn’t have the power, the capabilities, to do anything to be able to defeat me.
    Read More on The Sun
    “You’re going to see me knock this guy out.”
    Whatever the outcome, the world will be watching.
    It is yet to be confirmed if Molly-Mae will be joining the rest of the Fury clan in the Middle EastCredit: Rex
    She only gave birth to the couple’s daughter Bambi last monthCredit: Instagram
    Jake sends Tommy warning ahead of fightCredit: Twitter @MostVpromotions More

  • in

    UFC legend Ben Askren is baffled by Jake Paul’s popularity and brands YouTuber an ‘idiot’ who is ‘too stupid to learn’

    BEN ASKREN admitted he is baffled by Jake Paul’s popularity and branded the YouTuber an ‘idiot’ who is ‘too stupid to learn’. The retired UFC welterweight lost to Paul at the 75-000 seater Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atalanta in 2021.
    Ben Askren admitted he is baffled by Jake Paul’s popularity
    Ben Askren called Jake Paul an ‘idiot’ who is ‘too stupid to learn’Credit: Instagram
    Askren, who had never boxed before, said not even handing the social media star his first loss would humble him.
    He told MMA Junkie: “Jake Paul’s gonna be an idiot before me, he’s gonna be an idiot after me.
    “This guy’s an idiot. That’s what he does. What kind of lesson? He’s too stupid to learn anything.”
    Askren, 38, was so unaware of who Paul, 26, or his older brother Logan, 27, were, he asked the pupils at his wrestling school about them.
    And the ex-ONE Championship and Bellator champion still cannot get his head around their massive online following, with over 50MILLION subscribers between them.
    Askren said: “I don’t think there’s any good answer. They’re all like, ‘He does a lot of dumb things.’
    “Or, ‘He says crazy stuff.’ But it’s like, OK. So? So what? There’s nothing that, I don’t know.
    “People who I liked growing up: Chris Farley, I think he’s hilarious; Chris Rock, I think he’s hilarious; Muhammad Ali, I’m inspired by this man.
    Most read in Boxing
    His third fight will be his toughest, facing for the first time an experienced and seasoned competitor.
    But Askren was renowned for his limited striking style and elite level grappling skills.
    As a result, he is the betting underdog, and has linked up with esteemed trainer Freddie Roach to enhance his boxing even more.

    Still, Askren predicts an easy night’s work against Paul, most famed for viral videos on YouTube. More

  • in

    Inside Jake Paul’s inner circle from WWE star brother Logan, celebrity parents and even a BREATHING coach

    JAKE PAUL is so diligent in his training preparations that he even has a BREATHING coach in his entourage. Behind every great champion is an even greater team – and although Paul is some way of that – he still leaves no stone unturned.
    Jake Paul with his boxing team
    The YouTuber-turned boxer returns on Sunday in Saudi Arabia against rival Tommy Fury in an anticipated grudge match.
    Ahead of the fight, SunSport runs down the familiar faces in Paul’s camp, from trainers to family members.
    Logan Paul
    Perhaps the most recognisable name is older brother Logan, also a YouTube, boxing and now WWE star.
    Jake and Logan are inseparable but do have different training teams, although they are always supporting each other.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Despite the close bond, the brothers still refuse to rule out one day fighting each other in an unprecedented bout.
    BETTING SPECIAL – JAKE PAUL vs TOMMY FURY ODDS, BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
    Logan Paul pictured with brother JakeCredit: @loganpaul
    Greg Paul
    Dad Greg is possibly to thank for the success of Jake, 26, and Logan, 27, having ingrained a tireless work ethic into them.
    He is also always there on fight night, cheering on his boys.
    Greg has even been caught in the crosshairs of Jake’s feuds, most recently with ex-UFC fighter Nate Diaz, 37.
    Most read in Boxing
    Logan Paul with brother Jake and dad GregCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Pam Stepnick
    Mum Pam – who is split from Greg – is definitely Jake and Logan’s No1 fan.
    And she even braves a ringside seat to watch her lads in action.
    Pam, like Greg, has been at every one of their fights and Sunday against Fury, 23, is no different.
    Mum Pam with her youngest Jake
    BJ Flores
    Ex-cruiserweight world title challenger Flores has coached Jake for all of his sixth professional fights.
    He has overseen his development from the get go, training everywhere from America, Puerto Rico and Dubai.
    Flores in late 2021 brought on his ex-cornerman Danny Smith to co-train Jake.
    BJ Flores pictured with Jake Paul
    Danny Smith
    Smith came on board after Jake beat ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley, 40, on points in August 2021.
    And for their rematch four months on, Woodley was knocked out with the improvements there for all to see.
    Smith is often seen holding the pads for Jake, while Flores keeps a keen eye watching on.
    Jake Paul training with coach Danny SmithCredit: @jakepaul
    J’Leon Love
    Love was once a super-middleweight contender, mentored by the legendary Floyd Mayweather.
    But he also joined Jake at the start of his boxing journey and has not fought himself since 2021.
    Love is an assistant coach within the team, helping to strategise and game plan.
    J’Leon Love with Jake PaulCredit: @jakepaul
    Lukis Mac
    Mac is Jake’s breathing coach.
    He has also been there from the beginning, helping compose the prankster-gone-prizefighter in the ring.
    Before every fight, Jake and Mac will meditate in the win and visualise a win, going six for six so far.
    Breathing coach Lukis Mac with Jake Paul
    Marcos Guerrero
    The unsung hero of the squad is Guerrero, who essentially helps run Jake’s hectic life.
    Read More on The Sun
    He started out as his assistant but has now transformed into chief operating officer in the Jake Paul business.
    Guerrero helps co-ordinate Jake’s schedule, which consists of anything from boxing, to business and content creating.
    Marcos Guerrero pictured with Jake Paul More