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

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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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      Molly-Mae should definitely not watch me fight Tommy Fury… it’ll end in tears, says Jake Paul ahead of bitter bout

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      JAKE PAUL has brutally warned Molly-Mae Hague not to watch his fight with Tommy Fury – or it will end in tears. The American star will end over two years of feuding his Brit rival in a grudge match on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.
      Tommy Fury’s girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague has been warned not to watch his fight with Jake PaulCredit: instagram
      Paul told Molly-Mae it will end in tears if she doesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Fury is joined in the Middle East by his whole entourage, including dad John and heavyweight champion brother Tyson.
      But one noticeable absentee so far has been girlfriend Molly-Mae, who is at home in Manchester with new-born baby daughter Bambi.
      It remains to be seen if she will make the 4,000 mile trip over in person or tune in on pay-per-view – but Paul suggests doing neither.
      He told SunSport in Riyadh: “She’s going to cry, no one wants to see that. She shouldn’t watch the fight, definitely not.”
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      Paul has beaten ex-MMA champions in Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, and most recently UFC great Anderson Silva.
      But never has he faced an opponent with prior professional boxing experience, with Fury, 23, marking his first.
      BETTING SPECIAL – JAKE PAUL vs TOMMY FURY ODDS, BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
      The YouTuber believes the step up in competition, and an emphatic enough win, will finally bring the respect he feels is owed.
      Paul, 26, said: “I know I’m going to win but my goal is to knock him out and I know I’m capable of that if I excuse my game plan properly. 
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      🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
      “So I think knocking out the professional boxer in a cold, decisive, crazy way like I knock people out, that will get the respect. 
      “If it’s just a win, I think people will admit I can really box but it won’t be the full level of respect that I think I deserve. I have to earn it though on Sunday.” 
      Paul has been dismissed so much Fury has agreed to RETIRE from boxing and give up his purse if he loses.

      But the prankster-turned-prizefighter expects to leave his rival with no other choice but to respect him – like has been the case for all his fights.
      Paul said: “After I knock him out I hope he realises that I’m just a really good fighter. 
      “I think that’s what all my other opponents realised, they feel less bad about it the more people I beat. He shouldn’t feel bad. 
      “I’ve put Anderson Silva down, I’ve put Woodley down, I’m going to put him down. It’s not that big of a deal when you look at it like that.” 
      Don’t miss the True Test on Sunday as Jake Paul takes on Tommy Fury, exclusively on talkSPORT for FREE. Download the app.
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury face off in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP More

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      ‘I don’t care what he says’ – Jake Paul’s coach says Tommy Fury is no puncher and slams claims of breaking jaws in gym

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      JAKE PAUL’S coach talked down Tommy Fury’s punch power – and laughed off claims of breaking jaws in the boxing gym. BJ Flores will be in Paul’s corner for the celebrity grudge match in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
      Jake Paul ahead of his fight with Tommy FuryCredit: AFP
      Paul’s coach has laughed off talk of Fury’s punching powerCredit: AFP
      His opposite number – Fury’s dad John – claimed his son was knocking out sparring partners and hospitalising them with snapped jaws.
      But Flores – an ex-cruiserweight world title challenger – insisted talk is cheap.
      He told SunSport in Riyadh: “Tommy’s going to come out and jab. Shoot his punches down the middle and try to use his jab to keep Jake off him. 
      “But I don’t care what he says in the media or the press about, ‘I’m coming to knock Jake out,’ or breaking sparring partners’ jaws. 
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      “He’s just not a puncher, I don’t care what he says. He’s going to come out, try and do what he’s always done and that’s try and box. 
      “But once he gets hits, he’s gonna go back to moving, backing up, backing up and he’s going to have to find a way to keep Jake off him.” 
      Fury, 23, is also joined by his heavyweight champion brother Tyson, 34, in the Middle East.
      But Flores warned the support counts for nothing once the first bell rings.
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      He said: “Tommy’s got good hand speed, he’s in good shape, he comes from a fighting bloodline. 
      “Look, the Fury name is legit. Tyson’s the best heavyweight in the world, he’s a great, great fighter but unfortunately for Tommy, they’re not the same. 
      “Tyson can’t fight for Tommy, John can’t fight for Tommy, so Tommy has to go in there and fight Jake all by himself and he’s in trouble. 
      “He’s going to see first-hand on Sunday that this ‘YouTube boxer’ is no joke.”  
      Fury has twice pulled out of fighting Paul before, firstly in December 2021 due to injury and then last August following US visa issues.
      YouTuber-turned boxer Paul is now 6-0, after adding two wins over ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley and victory against Anderson Silva.

      🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
      Flores added that the introduction of his old trainer Danny Smith has accelerated Paul’s skills to new heights.
      He said: “Jake’s really, really stepped it up. Big credit to Danny Smith coming into camp. 
      “Danny was my trainer when I was a professional boxer, one of the best boxing minds that I know. 
      “We brought him into camp last October, about a year and a half ago, and Jake’s come on leaps and bounds. 
      “He’s improving at such a fast rate, he’s got so much better over the last year and a half, it’s incredible. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “Tommy should have fought him in 2021, before we fought Tyron the second time. 
      “But the fight is here now and people are gonna see on Sunday. It’s gonna be a big surprise for some people.” 
      Don’t miss the True Test on Sunday as Jake Paul takes on Tommy Fury, exclusively on talkSPORT for FREE. Download the app.
      BJ Flores pictured with Jake PaulCredit: @bjflorespro
      Jake Paul with boxing trainer Danny SmithCredit: @jakepaul More

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      Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers fight rules: How many rounds is it and can you win by knockout?

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER is set to fight in a UK ring for the first time in the latest of his boxing exhibitions. The American legend officially retired in 2017 after a cash-grab victory over ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor.
      Aaron Chalmers with Floyd Mayweather ahead of their exhibitionCredit: EPA
      But he has since returned for five exhibitions across the globe, boxing in Asia, USA, the Middle East and now Britain.
      And welcoming him across the pond is Geordie Shore TV star-turned fighter Chalmers.
      Ahead of the exhibition bout on Saturday night at the O2 Arena, SunSport runs down the rules.
      How many rounds?
      The bout is scheduled for eight rounds of two minutes.
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      Mayweather’s exhibitions have varied over the years, his last one against YouTuber Deji in Dubai was six two-minute rounds.
      But for his KO wins in Japan, against martial arts pair Tenshin Nasukawa and Mikuru Asakura, four rounds over three minutes were scheduled.
      The longest he has gone since retirement was against YouTuber Logan Paul, 27, in June 2021.
      That went the full eight, three minute rounds, as Paul used his TWO STONE weight advanatage to take Mayweather the distance.
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      Last May, the Hall of Famer’s ex-sparring partner Don Moore also went eight rounds in Abu Dhabi, but over two minutes.
      Don Moore took Floyd Mayweather the distance in their exhibitionCredit: AFP
      Can you win by KO?
      Yes, knockouts will be permitted as has been the case with all of Mayweather’s exhibitions.
      Kickboxer Nasukawa, 24, and MMA’s Asakura, 30, learned that the hard way, both being counted out.
      Deji, 26, was also stopped but did so conscious and on his feet, meanwhile, Paul and Moore both heard the final bell.
      Chalmers, 35, has vowed to risk taking one to give one in order to land an almighty upset against Mayweather, 46.
      He told SunSport: “I will be wanting to get my shots off, so the answer to that is yeah, I will be taking risks. 
      “Just hopefully not too many risks where I’m going to get clipped on the end of the chin.” 
      Aaron Chalmers training to fight Floyd MayweatherCredit: EPA More

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      KSI is a MACHINE and has been improving as a boxer more than Jake Paul, says man who has trained with BOTH rivals

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      BOXER Hasim Rahman Jr has backed KSI to beat Jake Paul as their bitter grudge match edges closer. The pair of arch enemies are in talks to finally settle their score in the ring, with talks of a December blockbuster in the UK. 
      KSI pictured with Hasim Rahman JrCredit: @hasimrahmanjr

      Jake Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr sparred beforeCredit: https://twitter.com/_HasimRahmanJr/status/1314032111276290049
      Rahman sparred Paul before the American’s second professional fight, which turned out to be a brutal KO of ex-NBA star Nate Robinson. 
      But two years later, they actually signed to fight each only for the bout to be cancelled with a week to go amid a row over the weight. 
      Rahman would go on to sign for KSI’s Misfits Boxing banner, while striking up a training partnership and friendship with the British celebrity. 
      And having witnessed first-hand KSI’s famed work ethic, the American believes Paul will be no match. 
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      Rahman told SunSport: “I think that JJ outworks Jake and drowns him. 
      “I think that the deep waters that JJ would take Jake to, he just hasn’t been to before. 
      “Jake’s workrate, even in his last fight, is nowhere near what it needs to be for JJ. 
      “JJ is an incredible machine, that boy doesn’t stop and he’s only getting better.
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      “I sparred Jake before he fought AnEsonGib and I’ve been watching his career up till the Anderson Silva fight. 
      “I’ve been watching JJ since he fought Logan the first time and he took some time off and came back but the rate of improvement from JJ is much better than Jake’s. 
      “That’s just my honest opinion.” 
      Paul has now given Tommy Fury, 23, THREE chances to fight him, following two prior pullouts, amid injury and US visa issues. 
      The second of which was when Rahman signed as a replacement for a 200lb cruiserweight fight. 
      But the New York State Athletic Commission later changed it to 205lb, although still the two teams clashed, resulting in a fight collapse. 
      Rahman still held a weigh in the day before the planned bout and came in slightly over the catchweight at 206.6lb. 
      Like I told people from the beginning, Jake Paul doesn’t really want to fight me. He never wanted to fight me. Hasim Rahman Jr
      But would refuse to reschedule – unlike with Fury – and chose to fight UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, instead winning in October. 
      Rahman said: “Like I told people from the beginning, Jake Paul doesn’t really want to fight me. He never wanted to fight me. 
      “The world saw him weight 206.6lb – and that was in three weeks – imagine if he gave me the time to prepare like he’s given to Tommy or Anderson Silva. 
      “He definitely had the opportunity to do that, even after our fight fell out. 
      “Now he can’t go back and say, ‘Oh, I don’t want to give you another chance because the fight fell out the first time and we wasted money.’ 
      “When they’ve been through this twice this Tommy and then turn around and give Tommy another fight. 
      “I don’t think Tommy’s going to win, I think Jake will win but it still shows he already pretty much admitted a fight with me meant more and was tougher than with Tommy.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He’s still going to have to answer that question after this fight. But he’s going down in weight and I’m not going nowhere lower than 200. 
      “That’s the absolute lowest I would go. But we’ll see about Jake, but Logan can get it, even though I don’t think Logan will be interested in fighting me.” 
      Jake Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr before their fight cancelationCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Tommy Fury compares Jake Paul’s opponents to his DAD John, 58, in bitter row over rival’s records ahead of grudge fight

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      JAKE PAUL and Tommy Fury exploded into a row over previous opponents ahead of their bitter fight. The pair of celebrity boxing rivals look finally set to meet in the ring, following Fury’s two prior pullouts amid injury and US visa issues.
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury facing off in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      And the bad blood carried over to the pre-fight press conference as they two put down each other’s boxing records.
      Paul, 26, said: “He can’t knock out the taxi drivers he’s been put in there with, who have a combined record of 20 wins and 250 losses.
      “And when I say that stat, my friend came up to me like, ‘Yo, I thought you was joking when you said that stat.’
      “That’s an actual stat, his opponents have a combined record of 20 wins and 250 losses.
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      “And the records of the opponents now is like 30 wins and 350 losses. So he’s never been put in there with someone who wasn’t put in there to lose.
      “So on Sunday, when he’s in the locker room warming up he’s gonna be thinking, ‘Damn, everyone has been put in there to lose, the Warrens put me in there with scrubs and now I have a real fight, eight rounds.’
      “He’s never been eight rounds, he’s going to be put in the deep waters and drowned and I promise that.”
      Fury, who has never gone past six rounds, will be Paul’s first opponent with a recognised boxing record on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.
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      That is despite wins over ex-MMA champions Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 40, and UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47.
      But Fury, 23, responded: “Tyron Woodley was 40-years-old, Anderson Silva was nearly 50, not too far off my dad’s age and he got took the full distance.
      “Everybody knows in this building who knows about boxing, MMA fighters are not boxers, we all know that.
      “I’ve absolutely took apart every single MMA fighter I’ve ever sparred with in my entire life.
      “They’re not boxers, and this guy couldn’t even deal with them. Let alone, ‘This guy is a great striker.’ Yeah, in MMA, not boxing.
      “And you still went eight rounds with him and looked like you went through the trenches.
      “On Sunday night, you’ve got a fresh, young, 23-year-old, proper legitimate fighter who will have it inside or outside the ring.
      “I’m not for lights, camera, action, this is in my heart, blood and sole and you’re going to feel that.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Let me tell you now, I’m not a 50-year-old man and when you’re in the opposite corner, and you’re getting hit all about the head, blue flashes, you’re going to wake up and realise what boxing is.
      “It’s not to fight old men, you’ve got a proper, proper fight in here who is coming to take your head off.”
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury pose with the WBC Diriyah beltCredit: Getty More

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      Tommy Fury hilariously compares Jake Paul to a motorway petrol station as he lays out career plan ahead of grudge fight

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      TOMMY FURY has laid out his plans for his boxing career after his fight against Jake Paul – and amusingly compared his rival to a petrol station. Fury and Paul finally face off on Sunday in Saudi Arabia having seen previous attempts to arrange the fight go bust twice.
      Tommy Fury and Jake Paul face off in a hotly-anticipated bout on SundayCredit: Getty
      But Fury has compared Paul to a petrol stationCredit: Getty
      The pair had to be separated during their press conferenceCredit: Getty
      The pair needed to be separated during the press conference of their hotly anticipated bout, as Paul offered an all or nothing deal.
      But Fury believes Paul “does nothing” for him, and laid out his plans for if he wins the fight.
      Asked about his next step, Fury told BT Sport: “Well this is no step up for me, this is a step down, in terms of fighting and competition.
      “So me being a realist and me being an actual boxer who knows what he is really is – (mocking Paul) ‘oh I’m going to fight Canelo [Alvarez] for the undisputed’ – no I ain’t.
      READ MORE ON BOXING
      “I beat Jake Paul, an absolute idiot. I’ll go back and fight some proper boxers, build up my resume, get some titles behind me and see how far I can take this thing.
      “My feet are on the floor, his head is in the clouds.
      “After this it’s business as usual. Like I said all along, I’m on that straight road to achieving my dream of winning a world title.
      “I need some fuel. Boom, stopping off. I’m gonna jump straight back on the road and go towards my dream. This guy does nothing for me.”
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      Promoter Eddie Hearn has done a total U-Turn on who he believes will triumph in the clash.
      Initially, he believed Paul would be able to overcome the test of Fury.
      However, he has now confessed to having a change of heart, now believing Fury’s experience will make all the difference.
      Hearn told Boxing Social: “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.”

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