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      ‘It made me want to hurt him’ – KSI accused of ‘very disrespectful’ contract talks with ex-UFC champ Tyron Woodley

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      TYRON WOODLEY has slammed KSI over his “very disrespectful” contract talks. The ex-UFC champion was in negotiations to face KSI earlier in the year.
      Tyron Woodley slammed KSI’s contract talksCredit: Nick Levya/SHOWTIME
      KSI was set to fight Tyron Woodley this yearCredit: Getty
      But instead, the YouTube, music and crossover boxing star agreed to fight Dillon Danis, who later pulled out.
      Woodley, 40, leaked his proposed contract with KSI, 29, which had an agreement to weigh 175lb and a rehydration clause of 185lb.
      And he said on The MMA Hour: “The negotiation of the contract was very disrespectful, and it made me want to hurt him.
      “So I told this to his manager. I was on a call with his manager and I said, ‘Never in my life have I been disrespected like this in a contract.’”
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      The plan was initially for Logan Paul, 27, to face MMA fighter Danis, 29, with KSI against Woodley.
      But Paul got injured while starring in the WWE, so KSI instead turned to Danis.
      Eventually the American former training partner of Conor McGregor pulled out.
      YouTuber Faze Temperrr, 29 instead replaced Danis but was knocked out in round one.
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      KSI is set to return in the summer as he builds towards an end of year grudge match against Paul’s brother Jake, 25.
      And he included Woodley – twice beaten by Jake in the ring – alongside 9-0 boxer Joe Fournier, 40, as potential opponents.
      KSI said on Twitter: “Look, I’ve got several options. I think tomorrow I’m going to have a little call with my team, figure out what we’re going to do.
      “There’s plenty of options. We can have a few Misfits events to try and help with our options.
      “But obviously a lot of people are saying me versus Salt Papi, and you know that could be an option.
      “A lot of people are saying me and obviously Fournier, me and Woodley, etc.”
      KSI squaring up with potential opponent Joe FournierCredit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul says Tommy Fury had more chance in their first two axed fights as rival is now ‘getting knocked the f*** out’

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      JAKE PAUL said Tommy Fury stood more of a chance the first two times they were set to fight – as now he is “getting knocked the f*** out.”The celebrity boxing pair have announced the latest rescheduling of their grudge match, on February 26 in Saudi Arabia.
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury ahead of their fightCredit: PA
      It marks the THIRD time they have attempt to put bragging rights, reputations and unbeaten records on the line.
      Fury, 23, was forced to pull out twice before due a rib injury and US visa issue.
      And Paul, 26, claimed his rival missed his chance of success as he stands primed to end it all with a KO.
      He told Queensberry Promotions: “Me and my team have said it, he should have fought me back then. It would have been probably a much more competitive fight.
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      “I think I still would’ve won, but I don’t know if I would’ve knocked him out. Now, he’s getting knocked the f*** out.”
      Paul first signed to face Fury in December 2021 in his fifth professional bout in Tampa.
      He was 4-0 at the time, having beat YouTuber AnEsonGib, ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, 38, as well as former UFC pair Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren, 38.
      Woodley, 40, replaced Fury and was brutally knocked out by Paul in their short-notice rematch.
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      The two then renegotiated for last August in New York until Fury was denied entry to America.
      Paul would go on to beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, two months later over eight rounds, his biggest win to date.
      And he insisted the time since first putting pen to paper on a fight with Fury has benefited his development more.
      Paul said: “It’s definitely helped me way more. Because like I’ve said, I’ve only been boxing for two years and 364 days as a pro.
      “So I’ve got exponentially better and beating a guy like Anderson Silva, that experience is literally priceless.
      “Going eight rounds with Anderson Silva is priceless experience and he hasn’t been in the gym dedicated like I have.
      “So I’ve definitely ran laps around him in the past year.”
      Jake Paul beat UFC legend Anderson Silva on pointsCredit: Esther Lin/ SHOWTIME More

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      Jake Paul compared to Floyd Mayweather by Mike Tyson’s ex-coach but says YouTuber will never be a ‘world-class fighter’

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      JAKE PAUL has been compared to Floyd Mayweather – despite being told he will never be a “world-class fighter”. The YouTuber-turned pay-per-view boxer is 6-0 since making his debut just three years ago.
      Jake Paul has been compared to Floyd MayweatherCredit: Reuters
      Floyd Mayweather after his last pro fight in 2017Credit: AP:Associated Press
      And in 2022, he celebrated being named the sixth highest-paid athlete under 25.
      Paul’s ability to sell tickets and PPVs has seen Hall of Famer trainer Teddy Atlas liken him to an all-new “Money” Mayweather.
      Atlas said on his YouTube channel: “He’s almost been an understudy of the great Floyd Mayweather, really, and that’s a positive thing.
      “We’re not talking about as a fighter. We’re talking about in this business, as a businessman, as a matchmaker, as a manager, just as a smart calculated man.
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      “Jake Paul has been every bit of Floyd Mayweather.”
      Paul has beaten ex-UFC champions Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 40, and Anderson Silva, 47, in the last two years.
      But he faces his first opponent with a recognised boxing record in Tommy Fury, 23, who twice pulled out of the grudge match before.
      Atlas, Mike Tyson’s first coach alongside Cus D’Amato, credited Paul, 26, for upping his class of opposition but claimed the American’s boxing potential is limited.
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      He said: “He’s still trying to get better. He’s never gonna be a world-class fighter.
      “We understand that, but he’s gonna be the best he can be, and he’s trying to be the best he can be.
      “He respected the sport enough to go about it the right way. Yeah, he’s careful picking [his opponents], but there’s still risk.
      “There’s still risk. He deserves respect. There’s still a risk when he gets into that freakin’ ring.
      “He’s getting in there with real people that throw real punches.”
      Boxing trainer Teddy AtlasCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Sorry what?’ – Boxing fans STUNNED by Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers PPV price… which is more than Fury fight

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      BOXING fans have been left outraged after the record cost to buy Floyd Mayweather’s exhibition bout with Aaron Chalmers on pay-per-view was announced.Former five-weight world champion Mayweather will be back in action on February 25 in an exhibition fight with the Geordie Shore-turned-MMA star.
      Fans are being charged a fortune on PPV for Floyd Mayweather’s next exhibitionCredit: Getty

      Fight fans were fuming back in November when it was revealed they would have to fork out a UK TV record £26.95 to watch Tyson Fury’s last title defence against Derek Chisora.
      However, now they will have to cough up EVEN MORE to watch this EXHIBITION.
      The bout with Chalmers will be screened on the Zeus Network online in the UK.
      And they are charging a whopping £32.26 to buy it.
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      “LOOOOOL WHAT,” replied one disgusted fan to the news, while another tweeted: “I’d rather pay to watch literally anything else!”
      Another asked: “Sorry, what?”
      While a fellow fan declared: “Ha ha they would have to pay me to watch that s***e.”
      Mayweather was last in action at the end of 2022 when he stopped KSI’s brother Deji in the sixth round of their fight.
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      The 50-0 boxing icon also beat Mikuru Asakura and Don Moore in exhibition fights last year.
      Chalmers, best known for his stint on reality TV show Geordie Shore, has turned his hand to combat sports in recent years.
      Having won a few MMA bouts, most notably with Bellator, Chalmers launched his boxing career last year, winning on points.

      PPV fans will have to fork out a whopping £32.95 for the boutCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather More

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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