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      Jake Paul accused of performing ‘smoke and mirrors act’ with two-fight boxing and MMA offer to Nate Diaz

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      JAKE PAUL has been accused of performing a “smoke and mirrors” act with his recent offer to Nate Diaz.The Problem Child challenged the former UFC star to a two-fight series – one in boxing and the other in MMA – after announcing his multi-year deal with the Professional Fighters League.
      Jake Paul recently revealed he’d inked a deal with the PFLCredit: JAKE PAUL
      The Problem Child immediately called out Nate DiazCredit: GETTY
      Paul’s pursuit of Diaz has been slammed by ex-UFC champ Michael BispingCredit: GETTY
      Paul’s willingness to fight Diaz in the cage impressed many, but not former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping – who reckons the YouTuber is trying to dodge a legitimate fight in the boxing world.
      During a recent episode of his Believe You Me podcast, The Count said: ” “Now, Nate Diaz, he’s a decent boxer, he’s as tough as they come, he’s got great jiu-jitsu, but he’s not known for being the best wrestler.
      “So maybe, could he take Jake Paul down? Is Nate Diaz at the end of his career?
      “This is all smoke and mirrors.
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      “This is all just Jake Paul trying to navigate the waters of how he can continue to make money.
      “He can’t do it in boxing because in boxing if he’s going to have a big boxing fight, it has to be against a real boxer and a real boxer would more than likely beat him, which is not what they want.
      “He can’t continue calling up former UFC legends that are retired because that’s not doing it any more either.”
      Paul has got a perfect 6-0 thanks to consecutive wins over former UFC welterweight and middleweight champions Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva.
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      But the ex-Disney star had a marked size advantage over the pair and former Bellator champ Ben Askren, which Bisping believes he’s trying to utilise against Diaz.
      He added: “The point I’m making is he’s never fought a boxer.
      “But even still, these former UFC legends, they’re not pulling in the pay-per-view numbers.
      “So now he’s going to have to fight mixed martial arts, which on paper makes it sound like Jake Paul is doing the right thing.
      “He’s being courageous, he’s willing to switch sports.
      Nate Diaz signed off from the UFC with a submission win over Tony FergusonCredit: GETTY
      “But he’s not. It’s going to be hand-picked opponents.
      “Nate Diaz in a boxing match first that’ll be co-promoted by the PFL.
      “And then mixed martial arts, again, yeah Nate Diaz is the better mixed martial artist for sure, but size is a real thing.”
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      Diaz seemingly poured cold water on the prospect of facing Paul in the PFL by tweeting the logo for Japanese MMA promotion RIZIN hours after the call out.
      Fan favourite Diaz is currently a free agent after seeing out his UFC contract with a fourth-round submission victory over Tony Ferguson last September More

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      KSI admits to being inspired back to boxing by rival Jake Paul but reveals why he will NEVER fight on after grudge match

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      KSI admits he has been inspired back to boxing by bitter rival Jake Paul – but insists their grudge match will be the end of his fight career. The pair of YouTube foes are in talks to put bragging rights and reputations on the line this year.
      KSI admits he has been inspired back to boxing by bitter rival Jake PaulCredit: Reuters
      Jake Paul has become a 6-0 star and silenced many critics in the processCredit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
      Paul is desperate for revenge after KSI took his brother Logan to a draw in 2018 only to win the rematch a year later.
      That victory saw KSI – real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji – take three years out of the ring to focus on his fledging music career.
      But while doing so, Paul made a name for himself in the fight game and has quickly become a pay-per-view star at 6-0 in the process.
      Finally settling the score between the sworn enemies is what convinced KSI back to boxing.
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      But if he adds another Paul scalp to his collection, it will also be enough to see the social media sensation hang his gloves up for good.
      KSI, 29, told SunSport: “I know after Jake it’s done. I’d have no desire to continue.”
      Paul, 25, in January 2020 won against KSI’s close friend AnEsonGib, with the Brit ringside to see it.
      The American influencer has since beaten the likes of ex-UFC champions Tyron Woodley, 40, and Anderson Silva, 46.
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      It has cast doubt on KSI’s chances of beating Paul, which is the same fuel he used to beat brother Logan, 27.
      KSI said: “For me, after Logan I was like, ‘Alright, that’s it, it’s done.’ There was no one after it that I was like, ‘I want to fight this person.’ 
      “I beat the best person in this whole influencer space, why else do I need to fight anyone else? 
      “I was like cool I’ll focus on music, focus on the foundation of music and making sure it was where I wanted it to be. 
      “Then Jake really started picking up steam and I bigged Gib up to beat him and then he was able to beat Gib. 
      “Obviously Jake’s beaten all these other people and everyone thinks, ‘He’d destroy KSI.’ 
      “I was like, ‘Nah, nah, nah, nah. They have short-term memories, I swear. Do you not understand what I did when I fought Logan?
      “I wasn’t even at the best of my abilities when I beat Logan. Everything was in his favour, I had to gain weight to reach Logan’s level. 
      “All these things were in Logan’s favour and I was still able to overcome it. I had no interest in fighting again and now everyone thinks Jake Paul is that guy. 
      I know after Jake it’s done. I’d have no desire to continue.KSI on his boxing career
      “It piqued my interest and I was like, ‘OK cool, new goal: let me come back to boxing and I’ll knock him out.’ After that, I won’t have a goal again. I’ll be good.” 
      KSI first returned in August and made up for lost time by beating rapper Swarmz, 26, and boxer Luis Alcaraz Pineda, 23, on the SAME NIGHT.
      He was due to face Dillon Danis, 29, on Saturday but the 2-0 MMA fighter pulled out.
      KSI will instead fight gamer Faze Temperrr, 29, who has two wins and one loss in the ring, live on DAZN PPV.
      And it is all one step closer in KSI’s eventual plan to fight and retire from boxing after getting his hands on Paul at last.
      He said: “I don’t care who’s in front of me, I just know that I’ll destroy them. 

      “For me my main goal is Jake Paul and I don’t want to fight Jake Paul instantly because I know once I fight him and beat him then it’s done. 
      “I wouldn’t want to fight anymore because I wouldn’t have any more goals in boxing, I would have achieved what I strived for. 
      “I’m quite a goal-driven person, so once I get my goal I’m like, ‘OK, on to the next thing.’ 
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      “For me, I’m just kind of enjoying the whole boxing space and enjoying and training, getting better and improving as a person and as a human physically and mentally. 
      “I’m like, do you know what? Let me have a few fights under my belt just so I’m the best of the best that I can be, then fight Jake and show him he’s absolutely nothing.” 
      Jake Paul and KSI are in talks to fight in 2023Credit: GETTY More

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      KSI vs Faze Temperrr tale of the tape: Net worth, fight record, weight compared for HUGE Misfits Boxing main event

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      KSI puts YouTube bragging rights on the line when he faces replacement opponent Faze Temperrr. The social media, rap and crossover boxing star was due to return to the ring on Saturday against MMA’s Dillon Danis.

      But Danis, 29, pulled out of the bout, with gamer Temperrr – real name Thomas Oliveira – filling in.
      KSI prepares for his sixth boxing match, having beaten online rivals Joe Weller, 26, and Logan Paul, 27, in the past.
      He initially drew with Paul in 2018 but won their rematch after turning professional a year later.
      After three years out of the ring, KSI, 29, returned in August to beat rapper Swarmz, 26, and boxer Luis Alcaraz Pineda, 23, on the SAME NIGHT.
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      Oliveira was on the undercard at the O2 and was brutally knocked out by Slim Albaher.
      The Brazilian beat Brit “King Kenny” on his YouTube boxing debut and bounced back from defeat to Slim by knocking out Overtflow in November.
      Oliveira, 29, shot to fame after helping launch the Faze Clan, one of the biggest gaming entities in the world.
      He also grew up with a martial arts background, which has helped his transition to boxing.
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      According to Inspiration Feed, Oliveira has a net worth of $3million (£2.4m).
      As a boxer, he stands 6ft 4in and has a massive 77 inch reach and in his last bout he weighed in at 189lb, or 13st 5lb.
      KSI stands smaller at 6ft and has a shorter reach of 76in, last fighting at 12st 8lb.
      His bout with Danis was set to be contested at 12st 6lb.
      KSI is one of the wealthiest content creators in the world, with a net worth of £20m.
      Not only does he make money from boxing, but the Londoner is also a stadium sellout artist and founder of hydration drink Prime.
      KSI and former opponent-turned business partner Paul believe their drink could be worth BILLIONS in the future.
      Despite the pair’s new found friendship, KSI still wants to fight Paul’s brother, 6-0 rival Jake, 25.
      The two bitter enemies are hoping to finally fight in a massive grudge match this year.
      Luis Alcaraz Pineda was beaten by KSICredit: Reuters
      Faze Temperrr fights KSICredit: @Temperrr More

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      Tommy Fury offers to fight Jake Paul for ‘FREE’ as boxer challenges YouTube star to UK showdown with talks rumbling on

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      TOMMY FURY has offered to fight Jake Paul for “free” in order to settle their feud once and for all.The social media sensations are in talks over a long-overdue showdown, although they’re currently at a financial impasse.
      Tommy Fury is locked in talks over a long-awaited Jake Paul showdownCredit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY
      But talks over a clash with the Problem Child have stalledCredit: EPA
      Fury insists he’s willing to fight the YouTuber turned boxer for ‘free’Credit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY
      But Love Island hunk Fury is seemingly so desperate to put an end to their feud that he’s willing to give up a lucrative purse to get his hands on the YouTuber.
      The 23-year-old said: “Once again I’m seeing Jake Paul s**t all over the internet.
      “You offered Paddy Pimblett a million pound to spar.
      “You offered Tyson a million-pound bet about some b****cks or other.
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      “But you don’t want to pay me much more to have a fight.
      “Well I’ll go one better than that cause it’s gone past money for me now – I’m not bothered.
      “I’ll fight you for free in Manchester or London, next month.
      “Not a problem. So let’s see how game you are.
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      “Promoters get nothing whose trying to take everything, me and you get nothing, all proceeds will go to charity.
      “I just want to fight you and put an end to you, because all this money and everything – it’s gone on too long. Take it or leave it.”
      SunSport understands Paul vs Fury is tentatively slated to take place in Saud Arabia on February 25.
      But former Disney actor Paul insists he’s willing to fight Fury on enemy territory a week earlier.
      The Problem Child told The Mirror: “I have done everything in my power to make the fight happen against this 8-0 boxer, including offering to go to Manchester on February 18 in partnership with Frank and George Warren.
      “I’m looking at any other alternative to make this fight work.”
      Fury hasn’t set foot in the ring since his Dubai exhibition with Rolly Lambert last November.
      Paul, meanwhile, was last in action last October against former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
      Jake Paul claims to be willing to fight Tommy Fury on enemy territoryCredit: REX More

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      Jake Paul willing to fight Tommy Fury in Manchester on February 18 after offering Love Island star £2m deal

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      JAKE PAUL has offered to fight Tommy Fury on February 18 in Manchester in a bid to finally settle their grudge. Fury has twice been forced to pull out of facing Paul but talks are ongoing for the pair to once again reschedule.
      Jake Paul has offered to fight Tommy Fury on February 18Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Tommy Fury is still in talks to fight Jake PaulCredit: Getty
      According to social media site The Bread Batch, a fight deal is in place for February 25 in Saudi Arabia.
      And YouTuber Wade Plem claimed Fury was being offered an improved $2.5m (£2m) sum to accept.
      Paul publicly responded: “I cannot confirm nor deny this accurate statement.
      “What I can confirm is Tommy Fury is never going to see the kind of money he is being offered to step in the ring with me. And yet he’s still on the run.”
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      Paul has gone on further and offered to fight Fury in his hometown of Manchester.
      He told The Mirror: “I have done everything in my power to make the fight happen against this 8-0 boxer, including offering to go to Manchester for February 18 in partnership with Frank and George Warren.
      “I’m looking at any other alternative to make this fight work.”
      It is believed both deals are on the table for Fury, but a UK fight would bring home less than would be the case in the Middle East.
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      Fury, 23, first withdrew from fighting Paul, 25, due to a rib injury in December 2021 and then over a US visa issue in August 2022.
      His travel woes rules out a bout in America, leaving Britain and the Middle East as frontrunners to host.
      But Paul, who last beat 47-year-old UFC legend Anderson Silva in October, claimed his efforts were being knocked back.
      And it could see bare-knuckle boxer and ex-UFC welterweight Mike Perry, 31, offered the fight instead.
      Paul said: “Mike Perry, it might be your lucky year, because Tommy is running again.
      “If only the fans knew how much I was offering Tommy and he’s still ducking me. It’s pretty sad.”
      Ex-UFC star Mike Perry could fight Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He’s still ducking me’ – Jake Paul says Tommy Fury is ‘running again’ and teases fight with ex-UFC star Mike Perry

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      JAKE PAUL has accused Tommy Fury of “running” from their fight and could now turn to Mike Perry for his boxing return. The YouTuber-turned-prizefighter plans to return by February but is still without a confirmed opponent.
      Jake Paul has accused Tommy Fury of ‘running’ from their fight
      Tommy Fury is still in talks to fight Jake Paul
      Fury’s promoter Frank Warren revealed talks to reschedule his grudge match with Paul were ongoing.
      But the American took to social media to claim his celebrity boxing rival is refusing offers sent to him.
      Paul said: “Mike Perry, it might be your lucky year, because Tommy is running again.
      “If only the fans knew how much I was offering Tommy and he’s still ducking me. It’s pretty sad.”
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      Fury, 23, has twice pulled out of fighting Paul, 25, firstly due to a rib injury in December 2021 and then over a US visa issue in August 2022.
      But the 8-0 boxer, brother of 34-year-old WBC heavyweight champion Tyson, has been given the chance to once again reschedule.
      And it was rumoured Fury was being offered $2million to fight Paul, who beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, in October to move to 6-0.
      It leaves Perry, 31, as a wildcard alternative to welcome the social media sensation back to the ring.
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      The former UFC welterweight left the MMA promotion in 2021 and signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
      He is 2-0 in BKFC and recently took to Twitter to reveal a signed bout agreement with Paul.
      And if Fury fails to agree terms with the self-proclaimed “Problem Child” – Perry could be the selected opponent.
      Mike Perry reveals he signed to fight Jake PaulCredit: Rex More

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      Jake Paul offers ex-UFC star Nate Diaz two-fight deal including boxing and MMA bouts after signing for promotion PFL

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      JAKE PAUL has offered to fight Nate Diaz in both boxing and MMA after signing for the Professional Fighters League. The YouTuber-turned prizefighter announced he has penned a deal with MMA promotion PFL and plans to debut in the cage.
      Jake Paul has offered to fight Nate Diaz in both boxing and MMA
      Nate Diaz was at Jake Paul’s last fightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      So he is willing to face Diaz, who last year left the UFC, as part of a two-bout deal in both sports.
      Paul said on his YouTube channel: “I’ve already disrupted boxing and now it’s time to disrupt MMA.
      “I know this is such a tough sport and it’s not going to be easy but if I can do it in boxing, I can do it in MMA.
      “I’m so dedicated to this I offered Nate Diaz a two-fight deal; first we box, then six months later we fight MMA in the PFL SmartCage and lay it all on the line.
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      “If that’s not balls then I don’t know what is. Nate Diaz, I’m down to fight you in your own damn sport. It’s a two-fight, let’s make it happen.”
      The PFL is MMA’s only league format and consists of a Regular Season and Playoff.
      Stars in each weight have two qualifying bouts with the top four progressing to the knockout stages.
      It culminates in a championship finale where a $1million cheque and title belt is on the line.
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      Paul, 25, has signed to fight in MMA and also founded the PFL’s “super-fight pay-per-view division” in which he will also compete in.
      Diaz, 37, meanwhile is a free agent having ran out his contract with the UFC, last beating Tony Ferguson, 38, in September.
      He was ringside in October at Paul’s last fight, to watch the American beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, on points.
      The social media sensation is set to return in February but is still without a named opponent for his seventh boxing bout.
      Jake Paul beat UFC legend Anderson SilvaCredit: REX More

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      Jake Paul signs contract to fight in MMA with PFL with debut this year – but plans to continue boxing career

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      JAKE PAUL has followed through on his vow to compete in MMA – by signing with the Professional Fighters League.The YouTuber turned boxer has flirted with the prospect of competing in mixed martial arts for the last two years – although his numerous hints weren’t taken seriously.
      Jake Paul has long teased a move to the mixed martial arts worldCredit: Reuters
      The Problem Child has inked a multi-year deal with the Professional Fighters LeagueCredit: EPA
      Paul has acquired equity in the PFL and will compete in their “super fight” divisonCredit: GETTY
      But he appears to be on course to make good on his promise by inking a multi-year deal with the PFL – which is rapidly on course to becoming MMA’s second major promotion.
      Paul – who has bought equity in the company along with business partner Nakisa Baridian – plans to compete in the promotion’s newly-formed “Super Fight” division.
      According to the promotion, the division will see combatants earn a whopping 50 per cent of the revenue generated by pay-per-view sales.
      Paul’s official role with the promotion will be “head of fighter advocacy.”
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      In an interview with The New York Times, he said: “This is about changing MMA, disrupting, innovating, and creating the next big league.”
      The Super Fight division will feature on two fight cards this year, although no bouts have been finalised.
      Paul, 25, plans to compete twice this year – once in boxing and once in MMA.
      The PFL are excited to have the social media sensation on board, with CEO Peter Murray saying: “He’s got a growing boxing career.
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      “But it doesn’t prevent him from entering into the sport of MMA, and we’re excited about that.”
      In less than four years, the PFL is on the precipice of becoming the second-biggest mixed martial arts promotion in the world.
      Co-founder Donn Davis told fighters: “You’re not a prisoner anymore to [the] UFC.
      “You can now choose UFC or PFL., but what makes PFL different is we’re coming out with a true economic partnership for fighters.”
      Despite having very little MMA experience, Paul is looking forward to the challenge of fighting in the cage.
      Jake Paul admits he’ll have to get his kicking down before competing in MMACredit: Instagram @jakepaul
      He said: “The biggest thing for me would be getting the kicks down.
      “But I’m going to start now, moving forward with some extra time I have within this camp.
      “I’m going to put in some extra time, rolling around doing some jujitsu and learning some kicks.”
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      Paul hasn’t fought since his showdown with former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, whom he defeated via unanimous decision.
      Prior to that, the former Disney star brutally knocked out former welterweight champ Tyron Woodley to stretch his record to 5-0. More