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      Jake Paul ‘made a mistake’ by having Mike Perry as backup for Tommy Fury fight with ex-UFC star backed to KO YouTuber

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      JAKE PAUL has been warned he has “made a mistake” by having Mike Perry as the backup replacement for his fight with Tommy Fury. Celebrity boxing rivals Paul and Fury announced the latest rescheduling of their grudge match, on February 26 in Saudi Arabia.
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury ahead of their fightCredit: Reuters
      Mike Perry with Karate Combat star Samuel EricssonCredit: Karate Combat
      But it is the THIRD time the pair will attempt settle their score in the ring following a pair of previous pullouts.
      Fury was forced to withdraw due to a rib injury in December 2021 and then amid a US visa issue last August.
      So Paul has come prepared this time by placing ex-UFC welterweight-turned bare-knuckle boxer Perry on standby.
      And Perry’s sparring partner – karate combat star Samuel Ericsson – says the YouTuber better hope Fury makes it this time.
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      Ericsson said: “I think Jake Paul has made a mistake putting Mike Perry on standby for if Tommy Fury drops out.
      “Because I am positive Mike will knock him out. He doesn’t care about anyone’s hype and he’s just too tough.
      “He’s also got a really intelligent fighting mind. Look at his BKFC fight with Michael Venom Page.
      “Everyone was predicting that Page would pick him apart and be too clever for him, plus Mike was the smaller guy in the fight.
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      “But in the fight Mike not only overwhelmed him with aggression but was also the one setting traps and tricks.
      “Look what Page has done to people and then look at how Mike outboxed him.
      “So I think Jake Paul is biting off more than he can chew here, but I do respect Jake’s willingness to step up and take challenges like this.”
      Swede Ericsson, who knocked out Tarek Khelifi in the karate combat pit in December, has been sparring with Perry recently.
      The American was considered as an alternative for Paul, 26, when talks with Fury, 23, dragged on.
      But Perry, 31, will instead be patiently waiting after it was confirmed he was the substitute opponent.
      Paul said: “We have Mike Perry on standby. Let’s go Mike Perry. He’s ready to jump in if Tommy pulls out.”
      Mike Perry beat Michael Venom Page in a brutal bare-knuckle boutCredit: Rex More

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      Eddie Hearn reveals talks with ex-UFC star Nate Diaz over ‘fascinating’ boxing match with Canelo amid Ngannou pursuit

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      EDDIE HEARN has revealed he’s held talks with Nate Diaz – who is gunning for a clash with Canelo Alvarez.MMA legend Diaz is looking to enter the boxing world after ending his 15-year-long stint with the UFC last September.
      Nate Diaz became a free agent last November after seeing out his UFC contractCredit: GETTY
      MMA legend Diaz is keen to enter the world of boxingCredit: AP
      Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn has reached out to the former UFC starCredit: Getty
      Diaz has set his sights on a showdown with former P4P king Canelo AlvarezCredit: AFP
      Matchroom Boxing chief Hearn wasted little time in contacting Diaz after the UFC’s exclusive renegotiating period ended but was left stunned by the fan favourite’s aspirations in the squared circle.
      During an appearance on The MMA Hour, he revealed: “It was just a friendly conversation to say, ‘What are you thinking?’
      “And Nate Diaz’s mindset is, ‘I want to fight Canelo Alvarez.’ And who knows?”
      Although a Canelo vs Diaz fight would do well at the box office, Hearn has reservations about making the fight.
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      He said: “I like to make competitive fights. That’s the problem again with Jake Paul, for example.
      “Jake Paul against Nate Diaz may be a fight that happens over time.
      “But at least with [Francis] Ngannou and AJ [Anthony Joshua], you’ve got two huge punchers were something could happen.
      “It’s very difficult to give Nate Diaz a shot in a Canelo Alvarez fight.
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      “But again, Nate Diaz can box. I’m not saying he’s going to compete with Canelo Alvarez.
      “But he’s got a big fanbase.
      “And I think there’s a fascination behind seeing these guys do something different.
      “It’s the unknown. What’s going to happen?
      “I have no idea. What if Francis Ngannou came out and they traded up and he knocked Anthony Joshua out?”
      Bar hinting that he wants to compete in Japanese combat sports promotion RIZIN, Diaz has kept his cards close to his chest since his UFC exit.
      Hearn would love to bring the enigmatic Stockton slugger into his stable of fighters but won’t move heaven and earth to sign him.
      Nate Diaz closed out his UFC career with a submission victory over Tony FergusonCredit: GETTY
      The 43-year-old said: “I’m not the type to turn outside of someone’s house and camp out and harass people and phone people.
      “At the end of the day, I say to these people, ‘I believe I’m the best at what we do.
      “‘We’re straighter than anybody in boxing and we’re going to deliver on every single promise we give you.
      “‘If you want to be with me and us, it would be an absolute pleasure.
      “We’ll have a nice conversation and we’ll go from there.
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      “‘If you want to go out and just talk with everybody and go with the one that pays you the dollar more, not really for me.’
      “I just find that it fascinating, again, I think Diaz is in a different kind of position to [Fancis] Ngannou.” More

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      Jake Paul vows to become a ‘dominant world champion’ and says his boxing potential is ‘scary’ ahead of Tommy Fury fight

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      JAKE PAUL has vowed to become a “dominant world champion” and claimed his boxing potential is “scary”. The YouTuber-turned prizefighter is 6-0 since making his professional debut just three years ago.
      Jake Paul has vowed to become a ‘dominant world champion’Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      He faces his first opponent with a recognised boxing record in Tommy Fury on February 26 in Saudi Arabia
      But the American feels the step up in pedigree is just the beginning, as he voiced lofty ambitions of reaching the pinacle of the sport.
      He told Sky Sports: “I want to become a world champion.
      “I’m going to become a world champion and these fights are all just stepping stones to get there. I’m slowly improving.
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      “I’ve sparred against world champions and done phenomenal against them, so who knows what can happen in two to three years from now when I go into my athletic prime?
      “I’m starting to really, really get this sport and all aspects of it. It’s really actually scary what could possibly happen.
      “I think not only will I become a world champion, I think I will be a dominant world champion and knock someone out for the belt.”
      Fury, 23, is finally set to get Paul, 26, in the ring having pulled out twice before amid injury and US visa issues.
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      And the brother of heavyweight star Tyson, 34, scoffed at his celebrity boxing rival’s world championship goals.
      Fury said: “That’s like saying a pig’s going to fly. I’m going to teach Jake Paul a lesson on February 26.
      “I’m going to show that he can’t just pick up a pair of gloves whenever you want and say, ‘Oh I’m going to be a world champion’.
      “World champions are destined and world champions are born and he is definitely not a world champion.
      “He’s not a champion or anything of the sort in boxing and he’s going to find that out on February 26.”

      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury facing off ahead of their fightCredit: Getty More

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      Anthony Joshua in talks over shock Francis Ngannou fight as Eddie Hearn reveals ex-UFC champ wants switch to boxing

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      EDDIE HEARN revealed he has held talks with Francis Ngannou over the prospect of fighting Anthony Joshua. Ngannou is now the hottest prospect on the market after leaving the UFC, having failed to agree a contract extension.
      Anthony Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn in 2019Credit: PA:Press Association
      Francis Ngannou is now the hottest prospect on the market after leaving the UFCCredit: Getty
      Joshua’s promoter Hearn wasted no time in reaching out to the heavyweight star, who was forced to vacate his UFC title.
      And the Matchroom Boxing chief is hoping AJ beats Tyson Fury, 34, to the crossover super-fight with Ngannou, 36.
      Hearn said on The MMA Hour: “We’ll see what happens. For me, we would love to be involved with his career.
      “The Anthony Joshua fight is probably among the biggest fights that can be made in any sport. Obviously the Tyson Fury fight is there for him as well.
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      “I was pretty captivated by him. I’m not a massive MMA fan, but I still respect what he’s achieved there.
      “But I just found him to be an outstanding gentleman. We’ll see how it goes.”
      Hearn would rather Ngannou jump straight into a blockbuster fight with Joshua, 33, opposed to building his way up.
      He said: “I mean, I think he should fight Anthony Joshua. I don’t see — this is another conversation I had with Nate Diaz’s guys.
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      “These guys have a mountain to climb in terms of the challenge of fighting an elite boxer, but to go through the process of having two or three fights — one fight you might look bad because you’re learning, so the value really is the unknown.
      “What happens when two titans from the world of fight sports collide?
      “The UFC heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou and the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua.
      “The complete unknown. The unknown of how good is Francis Ngannou? We know he punches extremely hard, if he lands one on Anthony Joshua, is it the greatest upset of all time?
      “Or will AJ completely steamroll him and you’ll see Francis Ngannou get knocked out? That’s the attraction of that fight, the unknown.
      “So for me, if I’m representing Francis Ngannou, I want to make sure that this next move, I maximise every dollar that’s out there.
      “He’s done the hard work, he’s done the years of hustle. He’s done the work to get himself in a position that he can move forward with what he wants to do, take control of his career.
      “And now the freedom that he has to do that must be incredibly motivating and enjoyable for him.”
      Francis Ngannou with UFC president Dana White in 2022Credit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul reveals exact punch he wants to KO Tommy Fury with and says rival will not be ‘prepared for the moment’

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      JAKE PAUL revealed the exact punch he wants to knock out Tommy Fury with and warned: “He’s just not going to be prepared for the moment.”The pair of celebrity boxing rivals have announced the latest rescheduling of their eight-round grudge match, on February 26 in Saudi Arabia
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury ahead of their fightCredit: PA
      Paul comes into it off the back of wins over ex-MMA champions Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 40, and Anderson Silva, 47.
      All three were either knocked out or floored by the YouTuber-turned 6-0 boxer’s right hand.
      But Paul, 26, wants to put down Fury, 23, with his left hook and warned the fight will not go past the half way mark.
      He told iFL TV: “Me and Tommy will be around three rounds max.
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      “He’s just not going to be prepared for the moment or what I’m bringing to the table.
      “I’m trying to knock him out with a hook actually, I want him to be the first person I knock out with my left hand so we’ve been working on that.”
      Fury has twice pulled out of fighting Paul in the past, with a rib injury in December 2021 and then a US visa issue last August.
      The travel woe still persists today and as a result has brought the duo over to the Saudi desert.
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      And Fury has been told by his champion brother Tyson, 34, to stay in the Middle East and vacate their famous surname if he loses.
      With the pressure mounting on, Paul believes he will ruin the 2019 Love Islander’s love for boxing as he broke down how he feels their bout will go.
      He said: “I think the first round will be chill and then I’ll start to figure him out after 30-45 seconds.
      “Then the second round I’ll turn it up and it shouldn’t take much more than that.
      “Tommy should get a good wealth manager, I can recommend you a few.
      “Take the money and ride off into the sunset but this is going to set your life in the direction that you should have been on before and you’re going to hate this f***ing sport after February 26.”
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury facing offCredit: Reuters More

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      Logan Paul branded ‘worst brother ever’ as he agrees massive Prime sponsorship deal with Jake’s rival Dana White

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      LOGAN PAUL was branded the “worst brother ever” as he agreed a massive Prime sponsorship deal with sibling Jake’s rival Dana White.UFC president White and Jake have been at loggerheads for years.
      Logan Paul with UFC president Dana White as he signed a deal for his Prime drinkCredit: @LoganPaul
      Logan with younger brother JakeCredit: @jakepaul
      But the rivalry has not stopped Logan from teaming up with the UFC, as Prime became the company’s new official global sports drink.
      It is the latest milestone in the American’s venture with former boxing opponent-turned business partner KSI.
      The pair launched hydration drink Prime in 2022 with astonishing success, even becoming a sponsor of Arsenal.
      That is despite brother Jake’s long-standing beef with KSI, which looks to be settled in the ring this year in a grudge match.
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      And after Logan, 27, once again linked up with an enemy of Jake’s in White, fans claimed he was disloyal.
      One said: “Logan Paul gotta be the worst brother of all time.”
      Another said: “Ain’t no way Logan Paul done became friends with his brother’s 2 rivals: KSI and Dana White.”
      One added: “Logan Paul is the worst brother of all time. His brother has serious beef with 2 guys he does business with.”
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      Jake, 26, commented on Logan’s newest partnership with the UFC and White by calling for fighters to receive a cut from the deal.
      He tweeted: “I’m always happy for my brother’s successes and while I have zero involvement in his drink, I hope UFC will share the revenue it receives with fighters.”
      In the past Jake has also been full of support in his older brother’s work with bitter enemy KSI.
      He said on a podcast: “I think it’s dope, I think it’s smart.
      “They’re doing, well, Logan is sort of carrying the whole company, but obviously KSI has got a big name, but it’s crushing it and I’m proud of Logan, and it’s very smart by him.”
      Jake has taken aim at the UFC and White’s pay structure for fighters, calling for the minimum pay to be boosted alongside health care.
      He told SunSport: “I don’t know about the fans, the feud between Dana and I has been a lot of hype and it draws a lot of media.
      “And there’s been a bunch of s**t talked back and forth but my main thing is getting the fighters paid more
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      “Raising the fighter minimum to $50,000 whereas it’s at $12,000 (£9,700) now, getting them long-term healthcare. That’s what it’s mainly about.”
      Jake Paul speaking to SunSportCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Watch Jake Paul’s legs shake during brutal training exercise as he bulks up for Tommy Fury fight

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      JAKE PAUL was left with shaky legs during a brutal training exercise in preparation for his fight with Tommy Fury. The YouTuber-turned-boxer is in camp for the latest rescheduling of his grudge match against Fury, on February 26 in Saudi Arabia.
      Jake Paul was left with shaky legs during a brutal training exerciseCredit: Instagram – @mostvaluablepromotions
      Jake Paul is in training to fight Tommy FuryCredit: Instagram – @mostvaluablepromotions
      They officially came face-to-face for the first time over the weekend at Wembley Arena, as tempers threatened to boil over.
      But Paul appears to have flown back to Dubai, where he will conclude his training ahead of the fight 700 miles away.
      The American has been based in sunny Puerto Rico for the past year but has set up shop in the Middle East for his boxing return.
      And it will be business as usual for Paul, who has lofty goals of becoming a world champion in the sport he debuted in just three years ago.
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      He told Sky Sports: “I want to become a world champion.
      “I’m going to become a world champion and these fights are all just stepping stones to get there. I’m slowly improving.
      “I’ve sparred against world champions and done phenomenal against them, so who knows what can happen in two to three years from now when I go into my athletic prime?
      “I’m starting to really, really get this sport and all aspects of it. It’s really actually scary what could possibly happen.
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      “I think not only will I become a world champion, I think I will be a dominant world champion and knock someone out for the belt.”
      Fury twice pulled out of facing Paul in the past, due to a rib injury in December 2021 and amid a US visa issue last August.
      But he gets a third crack after the two renegotiated for a blockbuster in the desert.
      Paul has knocked out ex-MMA champions in Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 40, and Anderson Silva, 47, in the past two years.
      But Fury, 23, will be his first opponent with a recognised professional boxing record.
      Although Paul, 26, warned the 2019 Love Island star will suffer the same fate as the fallen trio of former UFC stars.

      🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
      He said: “You can expect Fury face down on the canvas, unconscious and it’s going to happen fast. Get your popcorn but don’t blink.
      “They hate on me beating Tyron Woodley, they hate on me beating Anderson Silva, not understanding that they are both 10 times better boxers than Tommy Fury.
      “So the critics and the sheep who believe Jake Paul hasn’t fought a real boxer, someone his age, they’re technically right and this checks that off. So that’s going to be fun to shut those people up.
      “The kid is good but he’s not great and he’s never been in there with someone who wants it more than him.
      “I’m hyper-competitive and I want to be the best at whatever it is that I do.
      “So I feel like my whole entire life has led me up to this moment.
      “To come in with a different sort of narrative, through YouTube and Disney and to change the sport of boxing, how the promotion’s done, how the fighters are paid, how the events are looking…
      “That excites me, to innovate in this sport that has needed it for the past decade or so.
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      “I’m excited to help this sport.”
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury face off for the first timeCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘F***ing different levels’ – Man Utd icon Rio Ferdinand wowed as Floyd Mayweather toys with YouTuber Jarvis in sparring

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER won the praise of Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand after he toyed with a YouTuber in sparring.The American legend shared four rounds in his Las Vegas gym with social media star Jarvis Kahttri, a 1-0 crossover boxer.
      Floyd Mayweather sparring with YouTuber JarvisCredit: Instagram / @floydmayweather
      Floyd Mayweather training for his next boxing exhibitionCredit: Instagram / @floydmayweather
      And he showed off some of his trademark reflexes and counter punching, evading shots coming his way and firing back rapidly.
      Mayweather aimed verbal digs at Jarvis, 21, throughout and boasted about his skills at the ripe old age of 45.
      At one point, he says: “I’m so sweet with this s***. Nobody can ever be better than me.
      “Come on, get back. That’s all, just light work. No matter what I’m on, I’m sweet with this s***. I’m sweet with this s***.
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      Floating around the ring, Mayweather gloats: “I ain’t boxed since last year. I feel calm, I’m almost 50-years-old. I’m cold with this s***.”
      “I already beat him up this rounds, now I’ve gotta move for the rest with my good legs.”
      Even ex-England captain Ferdinand, 44, was impressed as he commented: “F***ing different levels.”
      Jarvis, who shot to fame in the Faze YouTube clan, won his only boxing match, knocking out TikToker Michael Le, 22, in 2021.
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      For Mayweather, he officially retired in 2017 after beating ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor, 34.
      But he has returned for five exhibitions since against stars of the MMA, social media and boxing world.
      Mayweather is set to box again on February 25 at the O2 Arena, marking his UK boxing debut.
      He announced Aaron Chalmers, 35, will be his opponent, with the Geordie Shore star 1-0 as a boxer and 5-2 in MMA.
      Floyd Mayweather and Deji boxed in DubaiCredit: Lee Hamilton-Cooper More