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      Inside Tommy Fury’s inner circle – from Love Island girlfriend Molly-Mae to dad John and heavyweight champ brother Tyson

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      TOMMY FURY is rapidly approaching the most high-profile fight of his career as he prepares to square up to long-term rival Jake Paul.Victory means the former Love Island star can flaunt his boxing talents to a huge audience and potentially humiliate Paul.
      After plenty of talking out of the ring, Tommy Fury finally gets to face off with his rival Jake Paul on Sunday in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      But lose and Fury will face the lowest point of his boxing career.
      He will need a strong team in his corner to get through a huge week before the February 26 clash.
      Luckily for the 23-year-old, he just happens to have a heavyweight champion brother, a famous influencer girlfriend and an outspoken, unpredictable, larger-than-life father among those he can lean on.
      Tyson Fury
      Tyson Fury is a man in need of little introduction. Arguably possessing the biggest personality in sport, Fury has risen to the top of the heavyweight division in extraordinary fashion.

      Despite issues with his weight and addiction previously, Tyson managed to turn his good career into something great and could be the undisputed heavyweight champ soon if he can get in a ring with Oleksandr Usyk.
      The 34-year-old has long been a household name in the UK but his career hit stratospheric levels after his epic trilogy clash with Deontay Wilder between 2018 and 2021.
      If anyone can provide Tommy with some vital advice on how to handle a big fight, it’s his half-brother Tyson.
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      Tyson Fury has had an incredible rollercoaster of a career and it’s still not overCredit: Getty
      But the Gypsy King has not gotten involved with the war of words between the two rivals and if anything appears to have some admiration for Paul’s abilities.
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      But he will still be backing his brother to the hilt with Tommy and Tyson always publicly appearing to share a close bond.
      But that has not stopped Tyson joking that his brother should “stay in Saudi Arabia” if he fails to “chin” his opponent.
      Molly-Mae Hague
      Among Tommy’s biggest supporters is his influencer girlfriend Molly-MaeCredit: instagram
      Love Island viewers will need little introduction to Molly-Mae.
      Fans have gotten to see her relationship with Tommy develop from the day Molly-Mae walked into the famous villa back in 2019 to her giving birth to their first child last month.
      While Tyson has continued to grow his boxing career since the pair finished runners-up on season 5, Molly-Mae has arguably gone on far greater heights than her boyfriend.
      She has carved out an astonishing influencer career through skilful use of social media.
      The 23-year-old now has 7.2 million Instagram followers and appears to be going from strength to strength.
      The star’s online reach also means she can help bring in a different audience who may not ordinarily be interested in boxing.
      John Fury
      John Fury’s antics has seen him occasionally steal the spotlight from his sonsCredit: PA
      It’s taken years for Tommy and Paul to get in the ring together.
      But dad John almost had an unplanned confrontation with the Youtuber himself last year when he ripped his shirt off and tried to confront Paul after taking issue with some of his commentary.
      That was just one of many bizarre moments from the head of the Fury clan who can occasionally make Tyson appear shy and quiet in comparison.
      While he will be cheering on his son on Sunday, some of John’s pre-fight comments have not appeared to be particularly helpful to Tommy.
      Roman Fury
      Another half-brother, another boxer, another Fury.
      Roman faces the difficult task of trying to emerge from both Tyson and Tommy’s shadows as he looks to work his way up the cruiserweight division.
      He won his debut fight last year against Ryan Hibbert and is set for his second bout next month.
      He is also Tommy’s training partner and will be heavily involved in making sure his sibling is in tip-top shape.
      Frank and George Warren
      Frank Warren has put together plenty of fights in his career, but almost certainly nothing quite like this beforeCredit: PA
      Legendary boxing promoter Frank Warren and his son George were key to putting this fight together.
      They will know more than anyone what victory could do to give Tommy’s boxing career a shot in the arm.
      If the ex-Love Island star wins, expect his promoters to be immediately on the phone plotting Team Tommy’s next move.

      🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
      George Lockhart
      Nutritionist George Lockhart will be playing a key part in any success Tommy could have in Saudi Arabia.
      Having previously done the same job for the likes of Tommy’s brother Tyson and MMA legend Conor McGregor, Lockhart is tasked with making sure Tommy has a well-balanced diet before the fight.
      Jake Lee
      Agent to Tommy, Jake Lee will be having a very busy week ahead of the fight.
      He will be among those cheering on the star as he looks to knockout Paul.
      Coach KD
      Among the man people helping to get Tommy ready for the fight is Coach KD.
      He handles strength and conditioning training and has multiple videos of himself training Tommy up on his Instagram page.
      Alex Matvienko
      Former professional boxer Matvienko is now an owner of an elite gym in Bolton.
      It’s a place where Tommy has been training and was pictured there as recently as last month.
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      Brendan Lyons
      Despite knowing how to handle themselves in the ring, boxers need security just like any other big celebs.
      That’s where Brendan Lyons steps in and he looks after both Tommy and Tyson when they are out and about. More

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      I rejected Juventus transfer, was banned by my country and suffered with alcoholism – now I’m set for MMA debut

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      A FORMER footballer who turned down a move to Juventus and was banned by his country is now set to make his debut in MMA.Martin Fenin, 35, was one of Europe’s top prospects when he burst onto the scene in 2007.
      Ex-footballer Martin Fenin is turning his hand to MMACredit: Getty
      Fenin hopes to make a splash in the fighting world
      The striker almost led Czech Republic’s U20s to World Cup glory in 2007 before losing to Sergio Aguero’s Argentina.
      And Fenin also made a name for himself at club level after shining alongside Edin Dzeko at FK Teplice.
      The ace’s performances earned him a then-club record £3million move to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2008.
      Fenin says he could have signed for Juventus instead, but opted against a move due to the presence of legendary strikers David Trezegeut and Alessandro del Piero.
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      Fenin, capped 16 times for the Czech’s senior side, told the Daily Star: “The World Cup was life-changing for all of us in the team. 
      “I had already played in the league for quite some time, but even so, we left there as a team from which no one expected anything, but we returned as stars.
      “After returning to the Czech Republic, the situation was very difficult, there were a lot of offers and interest from journalists, and it was difficult to decide where to go.
      “I had only two offers on the table – Juventus and Frankfurt. 
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      Fenin played 16 times for the Czech RepublicCredit: Getty
      The ace almost signed for Juventus early in his careerCredit: Instagram @martinfenin
      “I myself decided for Eintracht for the reason that I was becoming the most expensive signing in the club’s history and I had at least the basic certainty and hope that I would get space to play.
      “That would certainly not have been the case at Juventus, where David Trezeguet and Alessandro Del Piero were in the team.”
      During his three-year stint in Germany, Fenin was one of several stars to be suspended indefinitely by the Czech FA for an alleged breach of discipline.
      Fenin, whose ban was lifted after a year, said: “Back then we were fired for practically nothing, it was a made-up story. 
      “At the time it was not pleasant for us when they (the press) suggested to us that we were supposed to be with prostitutes, they were standard friends, normal girls.”
      Fenin was a club-record signing for Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: Instagram @martinfenin
      Fenin’s wife got him into MMA after the star overcame his alcohol issuesCredit: Instagram @martinfenin
      Fenin is now looking to make his mark in the world of MMA with Oktagon, with his debut coming later this year.
      He added: “When I got home I told my wife and she said I’d be crazy not to try it and that she wanted to see if I still had the heart of an athlete. 
      “She was the main reason I finally said yes to the challenge and I’m so glad she did!
      “Training is much harder and more demanding than in football and I’m getting used to it. There is a completely different coordination of the body. 
      “But I’m starting to enjoy it, I’m curious to see how I’ll do when I step into the cage.”
      ALCOHOL PROBLEM
      Last year, Fenin talked to Fifpro about his previous issues with alcohol, saying: “I always fled into alcohol when I encountered problems. That was my solution.
      “Drinking alcohol was my real problem. Everything was connected with the alcohol. Now that the alcohol is gone, my problems are also gone.
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      “I don’t have any desire to drink anymore and I notice that life is better now.
      “In our country, everybody drinks. But when I’m somewhere and I tell people that I ruined my career drinking alcohol, then I feel much stronger and people react positively.” More

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      OnlyFans star Charisa Sigala suffers horrific leg break during bare knuckle bout with her foot facing the wrong way

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      ONLYFANS star Charisa Sigala suffered a horrific broken leg in her latest bare-knuckle boxing match.The mixed martial artist returned to the ring early on Saturday morning at BKFC Knucklemania 3 against Jayme Hinshaw.

      Charisa Sigala suffered a horrific broken leg at BKFC Knucklemania 3Credit: FITE TV
      The MMA fighter and OnlyFans star tried to put her leg back into place and continue fightngCredit: FITE TV
      Sigala may have to rely on her OnlyFans for income whilst she’s crockedCredit: INSTAGRAM@CHARISA_SWEETHEART
      Sigala was rocked in the early embers of the fight and was later sent to the canvas by a crushing overhand right.
      The 38-year-old went to get back to her feet but soon realised she wouldn’t be able to as she’d snapped her right leg.
      Incredibly, Sigala tried to soldier on by putting her shattered bone back in place.
      The veteran tried to rise to her feet but couldn’t put any weight on her compromised leg, falling back to the canvas.
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      The referee didn’t hesitate to call off the contest after seeing Sigala fall on her backside.
      Fight fans were quick to comment on the insane moment, with one saying: “She deserves a bonus for that move.”
      Another said: “Just grabs it and puts it back, what a G.”
      And another said: “That’s hardcore.”
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      One chimed in: “F****n beast!
      Another remarked: “She tried to actually get up is what’s insane, she was ready to keep going.”
      The severity of Sigala’s injury is currently unknown as neither she nor BKFC have provided an update.
      Elsewhere on the Knucklemania 3 card, two former UFC fighters suffered crushing defeats.
      Former lightweight title challenger and Ultimate Fighter season one winner Diego Sanchez suffered a third-round TKO defeat to Austin Trout, who left him with a horrific cut.
      And ex-NFL star Greg Hardy was knocked out in the second round of his heavyweight showdown with Josh Watson. More

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      ‘See you soon ‘ – Ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou calls out Deontay Wilder after being challenged to boxing and MMA fights

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has sent a chilling warning Deontay Wilder’s way after being called out by the boxer.Former WBC heavyweight champion Wilder recently challenged the free agent to back-to-back fights inside the boxing ring and MMA cage.
      Deontay Wilder recently challenged Francis Ngannou to a two-fight seriesCredit: AFP
      Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou has accepted the call-outCredit: GETTY
      Ngannou and Wilder met at the UFC Performance Institute last yearCredit: YOUTUBE@FRANCISNGANNOU
      The challenge came a matter of weeks after former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou became a free man after failing to agree a new deal with the promotion.
      And Cameroonian clubber Ngannou is happy to throw down with his fellow knockout artist, tweeting: “Welcome to the free world Bronze Bomber.
      “I hope you are a man of your word. See you soon.”
      He added: “I said only boxing so he can keep his limbs.
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      “Like I said we will see if he’s a man of his word.”
      Wilder’s immediate future is currently up in the air as he’s reportedly fielding offers after being left disappointed with the potential purse for a clash with Andy Ruiz Jr.
      The American hasn’t left Al Haymon’s PBC stable but insists he’s an “open agent”.
      He told 78SPORTSTV: “I have no problem with PBC.
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      “We’re still thriving, we’re strong, and I think PBC still has some of the best fighters out there.
      “I don’t have nothing against PBC, we’re still working together as far as I know of.
      “Me and Al Haymon still communicate, ain’t no bad blood against none of us.
      “I’m still part of PBC, still looking to do fights on PBC.
      “I’m just an open agent, I’m an open fighter. I want to fight on all types of platforms. I’m willing to work with anyone in the business.”
      Wilder hasn’t fought since his brutal first-round knockout of Robert Helenius last October.
      Free agent Ngannou, meanwhile, was last in action last January in his first and final defence of the UFC heavyweight crown against Ciryl Gane. More

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      Inside Jake Paul’s stunning body transformation from skinny Disney star to unbeaten boxer ahead of Tommy Fury fight

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      JAKE PAUL has gone from skinny Disney star to cruiserweight boxing contender in the short space of under six years. The American starred in two series of TV show Bizaardvark, first airing on 2017 after shooting to fame on social media app Vine.
      Jake Paul was much skinnier during his Disney Channel days
      Jake Paul shot to fame on social media app Vine
      The American began boxing in 2018
      And after a successful career as one of the biggest YouTubers in the world, in 2018 Paul began his boxing journey.
      Now after nearly five years and just six professional bouts, he is one of the richest fighters on the planet.
      In 2021, he was behind only Tyson Fury, 34, and Canelo Alvarez, 32, in the list of highest-paid boxers.
      And next Sunday, in Saudi Arabia, he faces Fury’s younger brother Tommy in their rescheduled celebrity grudge match.
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      The eight-round pay-per-view bout is scheduled for 185lb or 13st 2lb, the lightest weight in Paul’s career.
      He has largely campaigned at 190lb, 13st 7lb, while following a gruelling training regime.
      Paul, 26, was a high-school wrestler, so has always maintained a good physique even during his days on the small screen.
      But he has conditioned himself into fighting shape now, packing on the muscle.
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      Paul has beaten ex-MMA champions in Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 40, and Anderson Silva, 47.
      But Tommy, 23, will be the first opponent he has faced with a recognised boxing record.
      And the stakes have been raised after the WBC announced Paul will receive a world ranking if he wins.
      A ranking within the organisation would pave the way for him to sensationally challenge for a championship title.
      It means Paul could very well complete his transition from children’s TV actor to world title challenger.
      Jake Paul has largely fought at 190lbCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jake Paul fights Tommy Fury at 185lb
      Jake Paul ahead of his fight with Tommy Fury in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Eddie Hearn sheds new light on what he and Conor McGregor discussed during ‘mad’ meeting about Katie Taylor fight

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      MATCHROOM chief Eddie Hearn has described UFC star Conor McGregor as a great promoter. The Londoner says the former UFC champion will be a massive part of Katie Taylor’s homecoming event later this year.
      Conor McGregor held a meeting with Eddie Hearn last week
      Eddie Hearn says the UFC star is a great promoter
      The top boxing promoter flew into Ireland to hold talks with the Conor McGregor in a bid to bring Taylor’s blockbuster rematch with Amanda Serrano to GAA HQ as he revealed some details from the meeting.
      Speaking with Betfred’s Lightweight Boxing Show, Hearn said: “Probably not in May. There’s a rugby game on there on that day and that’s our TV day. We know it’s £1 million more to host a fight there than Wembley, which is wild but it is what it is.
      “Everybody says ‘Just pay it, just pay it, it’s great business’, well that isn’t great business because imagine making a fight like that and losing a £1 million. Fantastic, what great business.
      “Conor McGregor talked about supporting the event and he’s just full of beans. I had a nice pint of Black Forged Irish Stout, which is better than Guinness, and it was just mad being around Conor. Imagine watching a Conor McGregor press conference and that’s basically what it was like at dinner.

      “He’s a character, he’s a great promoter and he genuinely loves Katie Taylor and wants to help. I’m sure he’ll be part of the show.”
      But a potential Croke Park date would only be possible later in 2023 as the Irish government ruled out any chance of the May 20 date for the ‘Bray Bomber’ and a stadium homecoming.
      The May 20 fight now looks certain to take place at the 3Arena.
      Hearn added: “The 3Arena is only 9,000 or 10,000 but it’s the biggest (indoor) arena in Ireland. We keep talking about these outdoor events for Katie but if I miss this slot then we may never get the chance to go.
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      “By the way it’s an unbelievable arena and Conor has fought there. The atmosphere would be wild. We won’t be very popular though as the tickets will go on day one. I just want it to happen.”
      Hearn says that Dublin’s Croke Park could see Taylor face undisputed light-welterweight champion Chantelle Cameron if the Bray native beat Serrano in the rematch.
      Hearn concluded: “Katie said to me she wants Amanda Serrano and Chantelle Cameron. The Chantelle Cameron fight could be the fight for Croke Park, but let’s get this up and running, get tickets on sale and give Katie Taylor a homecoming in Ireland.” More

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      Watch as fearsome heavyweight is stunned by brutal shot to ribs before he takes savage beating to lose first fight

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      HEAVYWEIGHT Viktor Faust lost his first fight in bizarre and brutal fashion. The Ukrainian heavyweight, now 11-1, was ahead on the scorecards against Cuba’s Lenier Pero until round eight.
      Lenier Pero stopped Viktor FaustCredit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

      A shot to the ribs caused Fraust to freeze, which left him defenceless to further strikes.
      Pero continued to rein down blows as Fraust stood motionless by the ropes, leaving the referee to jump in and end the fight.
      Faust said post-fight: “After the sixth round I had pain in my ribs, but I decided to continue the fight.
      “The pain increased and did not allow me to compete to my full potential.
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      “I understood that I was winning and controlling the fight during the bout.
      “But after missing a punch in the eighth round, the pain was so unbearable that I could no longer move.”
      Faust was then taken to hospital with suspected broken ribs after his shock loss.
      Pero said: “It was a tough fight.
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      “He’s a great fighter, so I started to build momentum and hit him. Then we finally came ahead in the final round.
      “Since the first round, I was trying to find his liver, trying to go to his body.
      “His punches weren’t that powerful, so I kept working. Then found that final shot.
      “This is pro boxing, and you can’t turn your back on anyone. You can’t turn your back, and I didn’t. I took advantage…
      “I’m setting my sights on England. Let’s see if the Brits would like to come to fight Stateside.
      “I would welcome them with open arms. I’m talking Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois. Bring them on!”
      Cuba’s Lenier Pero celebrates his winCredit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME More

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      Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury deadline passes for ex-UFC star to replace Love Islander after two previous pull-outs

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      THE deadline for Mike Perry to replace Tommy Fury against Jake Paul is set to pass. The celebrity boxing rivals have rescheduled their grudge match for February 26 in Saudi Arabia.
      Tommy Fury ahead of his fight with Jake Paul
      Jake Paul has Mike Perry on standby in case Tommy Fury pulls out
      It comes after Fury, 23, was twice forced to pull out before, due to a rib injury and US visa issue.
      So Paul, 26, prepared for lightening to again strike by having ex-UFC welterweight Perry on standby.

      But the current Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship star faces missing out on the mega-fight payday with a deadline now up.
      BKFC president David Feldman told The Mirror: “He is the back-up fighter but I don’t think it’s going to happen.
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      “We were supposed to know by the end of Monday (13th) as that was the deadline.
      “I’m hoping it doesn’t happen, but for Mike I am hoping it does happen as he will grab a very nice payday and get a lot of exposure.
      “We have something planned for him in BKFC as we are announcing a big opponent for him on April 29.
      “Does he beat Jake Paul though? I don’t know, Jake Paul is actually a pretty decent boxer but Mike Perry has got something inside of him that I’ve never seen before, he’s a different type of animal.
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      “I don’t think there’s anyone you can put in front of Mike Perry that’s going to blow him out.”
      Perry, 31, left the UFC in 2021 to sign with BKFC, where he has had two wins with brutally exposed fists.
      And promoter Feldman gave him the green light to potentially save the show if Paul needed it.
      He said: “I was open to it because of the notoriety that Mike Perry was going to get and BKFC, because they also have to do some branding for BKFC for this to have happened.
      “If Perry does step up, BKFC gets branded to fans that haven’t watched it yet so it’s an opportunity for us too.
      “I thought it was an opportunity for him to make a good payday, he gets paid very well with us so it’s not much more than that.
      “It’s also an opportunity to expand the growth of our promotion. At the end of the day it looks like Tommy Fury is going to show up and I think he’s going to put on a hell of a fight.”
      Mike Perry left the UFC for bare-knuckle boxingCredit: Getty More