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      Jake Paul’s next fight announced for July 20 as fans call for major rule change after Mike Tyson replacement revealed

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      JAKE PAUL will return to the boxing ring BEFORE fighting Mike Tyson. The YouTuber-turned-boxer was due to face heavyweight boxing legend Tyson on July 20 in Texas. Jake Paul will fight Mike PerryBut the controversial clash – scrutinised for the 30-year age gap – was postponed after Iron Mike suffered an ulcer flare up on a flight. Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions – who struck a historic deal with Netflix to air the fight – pitched replacements. Ex-world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and ex-UFC star Mike Perry were among those put forward. But Netflix demanded the fight for the ages with Tyson be pushed back and a rescheduled date of November 15 was announced. READ MORE IN boxing In the meantime, Paul, 27, looked to secure a keep-busy bout and was desperate to stick with his July 20 date. And he has done just that after announcing an eight-round cruiserweight showdown with former MMA-turned-bare-knuckle fighter Perry. They actually sparred together in 2021 with Perry calling for a fight with Paul ever since. The outspoken American left the UFC in 2021 with a 14–8 MMA record to instead sign with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has since become the face of BKFC with five straight wins but crosses over to the boxing ring for only the second time. Perry lost his boxing debut in 2015 and some fans pleaded with Paul to instead take the fight in bare-knuckle. One said: “Please tell me this is bare knuckle.”Another added: “I wish it was bare knuckle.”Paul is 9-1 as a boxer with his only defeat coming against Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy, 25, in their celebrity grudge match in February 2023.He said: “When Paul vs. Tyson was rescheduled, I knew immediately that I wanted to still fight on Saturday, July 20. “Now, as I prepare for my fight against Iron Mike, there’s no better opponent for me than Mike Perry. “He’s a proven knockout artist who has shown to be a maniac in and out of the ring. “This is the perfect experience for me to gain in advance of facing Mike Tyson. But getting that experience comes with risk. “Those who know me know I’m a risk taker and while ‘Platinum’ Perry might try to end me, I’m Titanium Jake Paul and I fear no man. “I’m going to get the W and give everyone a preview of what I’m bringing to the ring against Mike Tyson. “Tune in on DAZN PPV as I return to Tampa and send ‘Platinum’ Perry the Platypus back to bare knuckle for good.” READ MORE SUN STORIESPerry, 32, said: “Jake Paul claims he fears no man, but on Saturday, July 20, the world will see the truth: he just made the worst mistake of his life in trying to get through me before Iron Mike. “I’m going to make it look easy on Saturday July 20th, and I’m going to teach Jake Paul the most he’s ever learned about fighting.”Perry is a bare-knuckle boxer and former UFC starCredit: RexJake Paul is 9-1 as a boxerCredit: Reuters More

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      I cried when Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury… he is an inspiration to our fighters back home, says Ukrainian MMA star

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      MMA star Olena Kolesnyk was left in tears following countryman Oleksandr Usyk’s heroic win over Tyson Fury. Kolesnyk watched the boxing title fight from Las Vegas, where she has lived since March 2022 amid the war between Ukraine and Russia.Olena Kolesnyk was left in tears following Oleksandr Usyk’s win over Tyson FuryCredit: PFLUsyk beat Fury to become undisputed boxing champCredit: AFPUsyk, 37, came from behind to defeat Fury, 35, on points in Saudi Arabia to become undisputed heavyweight champion. And more than just victory in the ring, Kolesnyk said it was a win for all Ukrainian soldiers fighting the heinous war against Russia. She told SunSport: “I personally cried from happiness. I rooted for him with all my heart.“It was a tough fight, Tyson Fury is one of the greatest boxers in history and Usyk is not so tall, not as much reach as Tyson.READ MORE IN BOXING“But he did what inspired all Ukrainians, he did something unbelievable.”Kolesnyk has been personally affected by the war.In April 2023, her hometown of Odessa was targeted by drone strikes just days before one of her bouts. Over 30 innocent lives were taken and Kolesnyk fears the territory could eventually be surrendered to Russia. Most read in BoxingKolesnyk also opened up on the harsh reality of serving on the front line in Ukraine. She said: “I know a lot of athletes from my country who have died trying to protect our land.Watch Tyson Fury train as he reveals he’s in uncharted territory for first time ever ahead of Oleksandr Usyk rematch “The craziest part now is so many Ukrainian soldiers have died, well-skilled soldiers, so now they make local men fight. From 18-60, they take you to the war.“And most of the guys, they’ve never even shot a gun and don’t know what to do. It’s horrible. “The more men that die the less our generation continues as Ukrainians.“One of my friends, his name is Sergey, he just won a world championship in combat jujitsu, it was in Italy. “Then, he came back as a soldier to the war. He had a week of rest and then he goes back to protect our country.” Kolesnyk, 33, must put the heartbreak of war in her country behind her to focus on her Bellator bout against Sara Collins on Saturday. But she will travel to Dublin with familiar faces waiting to cheer her on. Kolesnyk said: “I’m honoured to fight in Bellator right now.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Let’s not forget, they’re more local in Europe where I can invite more people from Ukraine who escaped from the war to Europe to watch my fight.“Even in Ireland, Dublin, a lot of girls from my hometown are there and they will come to support me.” More

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      Jake Paul offers to save UFC 303 amid Conor McGregor concern by fighting champ BEFORE Mike Tyson boxing showdown

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      JAKE PAUL has offered to save UFC 303 amid concerns over Conor McGregor’s comeback.McGregor is due to face Michael Chandler in a return bout after three years out but the fight looks to be in doubt. Jake Paul has offered to save UFC 303Credit: GettySean O’Malley called out Jake Paul to fight if Conor McGregor is out of UFC 303According to reporter Ariel Helwani, the showdown is in “limbo” for undisclosed reasons. It threw social media into a frenzy amid the UFC and McGregor’s silence with questions left over the state of UFC 303. Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, 29, was quick to comment as he posted: “I’ll fight @jakepaul to save UFC 303.”Paul, who is friends with O’Malley, responded: “MMA fight before Tyson.” READ MORE IN UFCHe followed it up with: “100% will kill Omalley in MMA He’s a small man PFL Vs UFC June 29th.”Despite both agreeing to the crossover clash, several obstacles remain in the way. Firstly, Paul is signed to the Professional Fighters League, a rivalling promotion to the UFC. And his last fight was at the 14st 4lb cruiserweight boxing limit – O’Malley is FOUR STONE lighter at the MMA 135lb limit of 9st 9lb. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Paul is due to make his MMA debut with the PFL this year. First, he has a fight scheduled for November 15 against boxing icon Mike Tyson which was pushed back from July 20. Inside McGregor’s Notorious lifestyleWith more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been an enthralling watch.
      Tyson – who will be 58 by the time of the bout – suffered an ulcer flare up when boarding a flight and was ruled out of training. SunSport understands Paul is considering fighting in a keep-busy bout before his rescheduled date with Iron Mike. Meanwhile, Helwani claimed the UFC are looking at backup options in case McGregor, 34, cannot fight Chandler, 38, in Las Vegas.McGregor’s fight with Michael Chandler is in doubtCredit: GETTY More

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      Jake Paul to surpass WWE legend Brock Lesnar for ‘largest MMA debut of all time’ with more boxing stars to make switch

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      JAKE PAUL has been tipped to surpass Brock Lesnar for the “largest MMA debut of all time”. The YouTube sensation has dedicated the last five years of his life to becoming a professional boxer and currently has a record of 9-1. Jake Paul is set to make his MMA debut with the PFLCredit: Professional Fighters LeagueBrock Lesnar crossed over from the WWE to UFCCredit: 2010 Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLCBut last year he signed to the Professional Fighters League to make his anticipated MMA debut. PFL CEO Peter Murray insisted Paul’s first MMA fight – set for 2025 – will be the biggest debut bout of all time to top Lesnar’s in 2007. Murray told SunSport: “When Jake Paul debuts in MMA and the possibility next year it will be the largest MMA debut ever, a massive global mega event. “And you’ve heard directly from Jake, he’s taking the sport seriously while he continues to compete at the highest level in boxing and blows people’s minds. READ MORE IN MMA“He’s doing it his way which is incredible to watch and he really is as a point of view as a fighters’ first, not only thinking about his own career but other careers within his camp and world. “He’s supportive of the PFL’s fighters first mission but when he debuts it will be against a big name in MMA and there are a number of athletes who are putting their names out there. “There’s a list and it’s growing. So we will be sharing more details at the appropriate time.” Lesnar made his UFC debut only a year after first crossing over to the cage from the WWE. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe won the UFC heavyweight title in 2008 following just four fights but retired in 2011 after losing to Alistair Overeem. Lesnar, 46, did return in 2016 to beat Mark Hunt but it was later overturned to a no-contest amid a doping scandal. Logan Paul offers to replace Mike Tyson in Jake Paul fight and loser ‘has to change their last namePaul, 27, meanwhile is set to make his boxing return against Mike Tyson, 57, but the July 20 date has been postponed after the boxing legend suffered a health scare. It also threatens to delay Paul’s debut in MMA and the PFL. PFL already have women’s boxing champs Claressa Shields, Savannah Marshall and Amanda Serrano on their books. Shields is 2-1 in MMA while Serrano is yet to debut for the PFL but does already have two wins and one draw in the cage. Marshall meanwhile debuts this Saturday in Newcastle in a PFL Europe bout against Mirela Vargas. The boxing world champion is being lined up for a MMA rematch after losing to Shields in their undisputed title fight in 2022. And Murray hopes the trio of women’s boxing stars signed to their roster will encourage more to make the same switch. He said: “We have Amanda Serrano, champion and she’s an incredible boxer obviously, highest level and she has history in MMA. “We signed her and we’re looking forward to Amanda getting back in the cage. READ MORE SUN STORIES“But again, with Claressa, Savannah, Amanda, the greatest women in boxing today turning to MMA to the PFL to take on this sport, I think it’s incredibly bold and very exciting to watch. “I think these women are going to pave the way for men in combat sports, in particular boxers, to come into MMA.”  More

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      Boxing rivals lined up for sensational MMA rematch as part of never-before-seen two-fight series

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      SAVANNAH MARSHALL and Claressa Shields are on the verge of an unprecedented two-fight boxing and MMA series.Their history dates back to the amateurs when Marshall became the first and last to ever give Shields defeat in the ring. Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall could remach in MMACredit: Richard Pelham / The SunA decade later, Shields gained revenge by winning their undisputed mega-fight at the O2 Arena. Talks to rematch in the ring collapsed but now they could be set to take their rivalry to MMA. Both have signed for the Professional Fighters League and building towards a blockbuster bout in the cage. PFL CEO Peter Murray told SunSport: “Both of these athletes are champions and highly committed to staying at the top of the game in boxing while developing as MMA pro athletes and fighters. READ MORE IN BOXING“It’s a matter of just coordination and that’s part of the PFL, we provide flexibility to all of our fighters. It’s not just about our goals, it’s also about fighters’ goals. “So it really is just about planning and coordination but ultimately, what are we working towards? Both Savannah as well as Claressa is to have that rematch in the cage. “That fight will happen, we will stage that fight and I’m looking forward to sharing details on when and where that fight will be. “But Savannah will absolutely compete against Claressa Shields in the PFL cage.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShields is 2-1 in the cage and most recently beat Kelsey DeSantis in Saudi Arabia in February. Meanwhile, Marshall makes her PFL and MMA debut on Saturday in a Newcastle homecoming against Mirela Vargas. Boxing star Claressa Shields breaks down in tears after MMA win and reveals her arm nearly ‘SNAPPED’ in nasty submission Seven-weight boxing champ Amanda Serrano – who has two wins and one MMA draw – is another signed to the PFL. And Murray believes the trio of women’s boxing stars can help convince others to make the switch. He said: “We have Amanda Serrano, champion and she’s an incredible boxer obviously, highest level and she has history in MMA. “We signed her and we’re looking forward to Amanda getting back in the cage. “But again, with Claressa, Savannah, Amanda, the greatest women in boxing today turning to MMA to the PFL to take on this sport, I think it’s incredibly bold and very exciting to watch. “I think these women are going to pave the way for men in combat sports, in particular boxers, to come into MMA.”  More

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      Jake Paul drops cryptic Conor McGregor message after UFC 303 press conference cancelled and hint ‘I know a lot about it’

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      JAKE PAUL dropped a cryptic message after Conor McGregor’s press conference with Michael Chandler was cancelled. The rivals were due to come face-to-face in Ireland on Monday, June 3 only three weeks out from their proposed UFC 303 bout. Conor McGregor’s fight with Michael Chandler appears to be in jeopardyCredit: GettyBut on the day of the scheduled press conference it was axed, leading to concern over the fight itself. YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul – after his controversial clash against Mike Tyson was postponed – was quick to speak out. He posted on X: “People keep asking me about Conor McGregor / UFC 303 Obviously, I know a lot about it, but I’m not going to talk about it publicly. “For the first time probably ever in my life, I have no comment on something. READ MORE IN BOXING”That’s their world, and you know, they get p****d at me every time I talk about that stuff. “Good for them and they’ll figure it out.”Eagle-eyed fans noticed it was a carbon copy of a quote from UFC boss Dana White when probed about Paul’s cancelled fight with Tyson. White had said: “Obviously I know a lot about it but I’m not going to talk about it publicly. Most read in BoxingInside McGregor’s Notorious lifestyleWith more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been an enthralling watch.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”For the first time probably ever in all my life, I have no comment on something.”That’s Mike’s world and he gets p***** every time I talk about that stuff so. Good for him, they’ll figure it out.”Logan Paul offers to replace Mike Tyson in Jake Paul fight and loser ‘has to change their last nameCurrently, McGregor’s fight with Chandler remains on despite the UFC deleting promotional videos and the pay-per-view going off the market. Meanwhile, Paul’s bout with Tyson is set to be rescheduled for the final quarter of 2024. Iron Mike suffered an ulcer flare up when boarding a flight and has been urged by doctors to stop training and instead rest.Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul is set to be rescheduledCredit: AFP More

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      Fans say ‘I’ll actually buy the PPV now’ as Mike Tyson’s replacement for Jake Paul fight ‘confirmed’

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      BOXING fans rejoiced after a UFC legend claimed he was the backup for Mike Tyson against Jake Paul.YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul is due to take on the heavyweight icon in a controversial clash on July 20 in Texas.Mike Tyson suffered a health scare before his fight with Jake PaulCredit: GettyBut the fight appeared in doubt when Tyson suffered a health scare due to an ulcer flare up.Immediately, the likes of boxer Ryan Garcia and ex-UFC star Mike Perry hinted they would be up for replacing Iron Mike.But MMA cult hero Chael Sonnen went a step further by claiming he was already contracted as the substitute opponent.Sonnen, 47, posted online: “I guess it was wise of Jake Paul to write me into the contract as Tyson’s backup, wasn’t it???READ MORE ON MIKE TYSON”If Jake Paul realises he might be fighting ME in a month, HE may be the one having a heart attack.”It sparked a mixed response online as one said: “I wasn’t planning on buying the pay-per-view, but I’d buy this one.”Another added: “Tyson should sit this one out so you can show him how the bad guy does it.” But one hit back: “In your dreams.”Most read in BoxingChael Sonnen said he was a replacement for TysonCredit: GettyCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSonnen, who has 31–17–1 MMA record, is due to make his boxing debut on June 15 against old UFC rival Anderson Silva. But the American – nicknamed The Bad Guy – is a serial troll known for his outlandish claims and brags. Jake Paul and Mike Tyson showcase their jacked physiques ahead of insane body transformations And, despite Tyson’s medical emergency, SunSport has been informed the bout will NOT be effected. Paul followed up by posting: “You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks / likes. Nothing changed.”Tyson, 57, suffered the scare when flying from Miami to LA after becoming nauseous and dizzy.Paramedics rushed to the plane to provide medical assistance to the legendary boxer, who later made a recovery.You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks / likes. Nothing changed.Jake PaulTyson prepares to fight as a professional for the first time since 2005 despite returning for an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr in 2020. But his bout against 9-1 Paul is officially sanctioned as Iron Mike spoke out for the first time since his medical incident. He jibed: “Now feeling 100% even though I don’t need to be to beat Jake Paul.” More

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      Paige VanZant shows off gruesome injury after Elle Brooke fight as OnlyFans star reveals location for Misfits rematch

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      PAIGE VANZANT was left with battered knuckles as a result of her epic fight against Elle Brooke – with a rematch already in the works. The ex-UFC contender was floored in the first round by OnlyFans star-turned boxer Brooke in their Misfits Boxing headliner in Texas.Paige VanZant was left with battered knuckles as a result of her epic fight against Elle BrookeCredit: @paigevanzantThe OnlyFans stars are heading for a rematchBut VanZant recovered well to claw back a draw on the judges scorecards. Both agreed to a “big money rematch” after the scorecards failed to split them over five rounds. And Misfits co-founder Mams Taylor – also manager to KSI – revealed the rematch was heading for the UK. VanZant, who showed off her bruised hands, is up for the challenge and ready to return the favour by heading to Brooke’s back yard this time. READ MORE IN BOXINGShe said on Instagram: “Obviously, we didn’t get the result that we predicted last night. “I really thought that I did enough at the end. My whole team thought we did enough. “I think a lot of people did. The judging: a little bit nuts. But it looks like it sets up the perfect rematch.”I’ve just got to go on her turf and take the belt there. So I’ll see all of you guys in London.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Thank you guys, Misfits this was an incredible experience. Obviously not hurt or injured. I do think that my jab was landing a little bit. “So I’m just waiting for the bruise to heal, but should be back to camp and I’m excited. Let’s do this one more time.”Ebanie Bridges slams Elle Brooke’s ‘bulls’ draw against Paige VanZant but hails her ‘baby’ for epic fight More