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    UFC legend Anderson Silva, 48, granted pro boxing licence in Arizona and ‘training hard every day’ for Jake Paul fight

    ANDERSON SILVA has been granted a professional boxing licence in Arizona ahead of his proposed fight with Jake Paul. The pair are in talks for a boxing match slated for October 29 in the American state.
    UFC legend Anderson Silva is set to fight Jake Paul
    And Silva has moved one step closer to confirming the fight after being permitted a boxing licence in Arizona.
    A commissioner said: “Congratulations, Mr. Silva. We’re looking forward to what’s to come.”
    Silva, 48, said: “I’m training hard every day. I’m keeping my mind busy and healthy. I’m so excited.”
    Paul, 25, who was was due to return on August 6 until suffering two fight cancellations, revealed his next fight will be announced on Tuesday.
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    Silva was released by the UFC in 2020 following five losses in six bouts, three of which were on the spin.
    But he has made a successful transition to boxing, having already had a 1-1 record in the ring.
    Silva beat former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 36, in June 2021 then knocked out ex-UFC champ Tito Ortiz, 47, in September.
    He will become Paul’s first opponent with a recognised boxing record.
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    The American was twice set to fight Tommy Fury, 23, until the Brit pulled out after suffering an injured rib and then over US visa issues.
    Hasim Rahman Jr, 31, had signed to replace Fury but a weight disagreement with Paul saw their bout cancelled.
    Paul last fought in December, knocking out Fury’s substitute Tyron Woodley, 40, who he had already beat on points four months earlier.
    That added to KOs over online rival “AnEsonGib”, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 38, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 38.
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    Watch Floyd Mayweather, 45, training in $1,000-a-night hotel at 2am as rules for boxing legend’s exhibition are revealed

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER trained for his next exhibition fight at a $1,000-a-night hotel at 2am in the morning. Mayweather is set to return to the ring again on September 25 in Japan against MMA star Mikuru Asakura.
    Floyd Mayweather training for his next boxing exhibition
    But the fight has not stopped the multimillionaire boxer from enjoying time away at plush hotels.
    His trainer Gerald Tucker released a video of the pair hitting pads in the early hours of the morning at the five-star resort they were staying at.
    Tucker posted: “Who else but @floydmayweather is allowed to train in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel in Hawaii(Maui) at 2am??.. type hotel in which rooms start at $1,000 a night… crazy..”
    Mayweather, 45, has boxed in three exhibitions since retiring in 2017 after beating ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor, 34.
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    They came against featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, 23, YouTuber Logan Paul, 27, and ex-sparring partner Don Moore.
    And he has even teased returning to put his historic 50-0 record on the line amid rumours of a rematch with McGregor.
    But for now, the Hall of Famer goes back to Japan – where he beat Nasukawa in one round – to face Asakura.
    The bout is only set for three rounds, promoted by RIZIN, and Mayweather is not in the mood to exert himself too much.
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    He said: “We don’t train as much when we were competing.
    “When we were competing we were competing against the biggest and best in the sport of boxing.
    “So now we doing a little — we may train a few days and let the body rest a few days, train a few days, rest a few days.
    “We don’t really train too much. We just travel and enjoy life. As far as boxing and competing at the highest level I did it for so long.
    “When it’s time to go out there and do what I gotta do, I got that on lock.”
    Floyd Mayweather is set to return against Mikuru AsakuraCredit: GETTY More

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    UFC legend Conor McGregor believes his boxing has improved since Floyd Mayweather fight ahead of possible rematch

    CONOR McGREGOR claims his boxing technique has improved since fighting Floyd Mayweather.The Irishman, 34, has been out of action since he was forced to retire from his bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021 after suffering a broken leg.
    Conor McGregor explained how his boxing technique has improvedCredit: Rex Features
    McGregor returned to his first ever boxing coaches at the Crumlin amateur club, with former Olympian Phil SutcliffeCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmma
    And he could be set for a sensational rematch with Mayweather in the next year, if recent reports are to be believed.
    The UFC superstar made his ring debut in 2017, losing in ten rounds to all-time great Mayweather.
    In the open workout before the fight, McGregor was ridiculed for his unusual warm up in the ring before hitting various bags for 12 rounds at the UFC’s Performance Institute in Las Vegas.
    McGregor returned to his first ever boxing coaches at the Crumlin amateur club, with former Olympian Phil Sutcliffe, for the first time ever, cornering him in the octagon.
    Before he beat Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds in 2020, McGregor was filmed back at the UFC’s PI.
    There the southpaw revealed he is sitting down on his punches to generate more power, opposed to his more unconventional karate-style strikes displayed three years ago.
    McGregor said: “I actually look at the Mayweather [fight], the shots on the bag and the way I was punching and I actually can’t even watch that.
    “I shiver when I see the way I was throwing my punches back then. I just wasn’t sitting right on them, just floating through the air.
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    McGregor was beaten by Floyd Mayweather on his boxing debutCredit: Getty – Contributor
    “Now I’m getting into positions and sitting in. Got to go through everything to learn, to truly learn. Experience is the best teacher of all.”
    McGregor neglected to bring in a boxing coach before his loss to Mayweather with striking trainer Owen Roddy instead leading the camp alongside John Kavanagh.
    They will now instead work alongside those who first taught McGregor how to box.
    McGregor has continued boxing training with a Mayweather rematch tippedCredit: Twitter / @TheNotoriousMMA More

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    Watch Mike Tyson break down in laughter as he recalls UFC chief Dana White landing him job fighting a SHARK

    MIKE TYSON and Dana White were left in hysterics when they recalled the boxing legend’s appearance on Shark Week.The former undisputed heavyweight champion took part in a series of underwater challengers on the Discovery Channel show in 2020 – in which he put a shark to sleep by tickling its nose.
    Boxing legend Mike Tyson appeared on Shark Week in 2020Credit: REUTERS
    UFC president Dana White helped get Tyson the gigCredit: HOTBOXIN’ WITH MIKE TYSON
    Tyson was left in stitches when recently recalling how he got the job with WhiteCredit: HOTBOXIN’ WITH MIKE TYSON
    UFC president White used his contacts to get Tyson on the show to stop the boxing legend – whom he considers a close friend – from returning to the ring.
    Tyson initially questioned his pal’s regard for his safety when getting him the gig, which they couldn’t help but laugh about during a recent catch-up.
    Iron Mike said: “I said, ‘He cares about me?’ This n***a cares about me? He wants me to get hurt, he put me in there with a shark.”
    MMA mogul White said: “I called him up and I said, ‘Dude, I don’t want you to do this f*****g fight, man.
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    “‘This is f*****g crazy. I’ll get you a job on TV, I’ll get you a TV show [and] you’ll make some money.’
    “So I put him on Shark Week. And he was like, ‘Wait a minute, you care about me?
    “‘You tell me not to fight and you put me on f*****g shark week.
    “‘Yeah, you really care about me.'”
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    Tyson, 56, admitted to being a bag of nerves ahead of filming, and his nervous energy put the entire crew on edge.
    White said: “So the day he had to jump in and do the shark thing, I guess he was f*****g going crazy, he was pissed off and the whole film crew is terrified.
    “Everybody was scared. He had to dive into the water and swim with these sharks.”
    Tyson recalled the experience during a recent chat with UFC commentator Joe Rogan, saying: “My wife thought it was a good idea too.
    “I said, ‘Y’all m***********s don’t care about me.’ They don’t give a f**k about me. My wife said, ‘That’s a good idea.’ What?”
    White’s attempts to stop Tyson from fighting again failed as the legend returned to the ring in November 2020 for a clash with fellow great Roy Jones Jr.
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    Tyson rolled back the years and turned in a stellar display against the former four-weight world champion.
    Iron Mike flirted with the prospect of lacing up his gloves again last year but has yet to commit to fighting again.
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    Watch as Floyd Mayweather’s bodyguard SHOVES Mikuru Asakura away from boxer during face-off ahead of fight

    THE bad blood between Floyd Mayweather and Mikuru Asakura intensified after the boxing legend’s security got involved in a tense staredown.The 45-year-old will take on the Japanese MMA fighter and popular YouTuber in his latest exhibition fight.
    Floyd Mayweather and Mikuru Asakura had a tense face-off in Hawaii on TuesdayCredit: RIZIN
    The boxing legend’s security intervened to shove the Japanese star awayCredit: RIZIN
    And he came face-to-face with his new foe, 30, on Tuesday in Hawaii at a press conference to promote their September 25 clash at Japan’s Saitama Super Arena.
    During their staredown, both fighters got up close and personal, and Mayweather’s bodyguard shoved Asakura after the 16-3 Japanese star got too close to the former boxing champion.
    The bouncer intervened and shoved his employer’s rival away, which clearly angered Asakura, before the American palmed his security aside in order to stare into his opponent’s eyes again.
    Mayweather has fought in three exhibition fights since his 2017 retirement from the ring.
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    They came against featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, 23, YouTuber Logan Paul, 27, and ex-sparring partner Don Moore.
    Now he will face the Japanese ace, who is clearly confident that he can pull off a shock later this month.
    He said: “My name is Mikuru Asakura and I’ll be fighting Floyd Mayweather.
    “I’m an MMA fighter but I’m going to use this opportunity and I’m going to use him to raise my name and value internationally. I’m going to win this fight.”
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    Mayweather is enjoying entertaining people “from all walks of life” and has no concerns about tarnishing his reputation as a fighter with these money-spinning exhibitions.
    The 50-0 icon said: “My legacy is already engraved in stone, like I said before. But it’s still great just to go around the world and entertain people from all walks of life.
    “I’m pretty sure he’s gonna come out and give his best, like any and every guy, but I’ve seen every style, so, my job is just to go out there, be me, have fun and do what I do best.
    “September we’re going to have fun and entertain people.
    “I’m Floyd Mayweather to him. He’s just another opponent to me.” More

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    Floyd Mayweather will fight MMA star and YouTuber Mikuru Asakuru in September as boxing legend, 45, continues comeback

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER will take on MMA fighter and popular YouTuber Mikuru Asakura in his latest exhibition fight.The 50-0 boxing great, 45, has fought in three exhibition fights since his 2017 retirement.
    Mayweather will face Asakura on September 25Credit: Reuters
    Money will face Japanese MMA fighter Asakura at the Saitama Super ArenaCredit: GETTY
    Mayweather was last in action in May against former sparring partner MooreCredit: AFP
    They came against featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, 23, YouTuber Logan Paul, 27, and ex-sparring partner Don Moore.
    But it has been announced Mayweather will now take on popular Japan MMA fighter and YouTuber Asakura, 30, inside the squared circle.
    The fight will take place on September 25 inside the Saitama Super Arena.
    Rizin Fighting Federation featherweight Asakura is confident he can beat Mayweather.
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    The 16-3 fighter said: “My name is Mikuru Asakura and I’ll be fighting Floyd Mayweather.
    “I’m an MMA fighter but I’m going to use this opportunity and I’m going to use him to raise my name and value internationally.
    “I’m going to win this fight.”
    Mayweather is enjoying entertaining people “from all walks of life” and says his “legacy is already engraved in stone”.
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    He said: “My legacy is already engraved in stone, like I said before.
    “But it’s still great just to go around the world and entertain people from all walks of life.
    “I’m pretty sure he’s gonna come out and give his best, like any and every guy, but I’ve seen every style, so, my job is just to go out there, be me, have fun and do what I do best.
    “September we’re going to have fun and entertain people.
    “I’m Floyd Mayweather to him. He’s just another opponent to me.” More

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    Jake Paul, 25, set to fight Anderson Silva, 48, next despite YouTuber’s coach slamming idea of bout with UFC legend

    JAKE PAUL is set to announce UFC legend Anderson Silva as his next opponent in October. The YouTuber-turned prizefighter was due to return on August 6 until suffering two fight cancelations.
    Jake Paul knocked out Tyron Woodley in his last fightCredit: Amanda Westcott
    Anderson Silva is set to fight Jake Paul in OctoberCredit: Getty
    But Paul has reacted fast by scheduling his comeback fight just two months later, which is widely reported to be against Silva.
    YouTube reporter Keemstar was first to break the news, with TMZ Sports since following up.
    Further reports add the fight will be on October 29, headlining on ShowTime pay-per-view Stateside.
    Silva, 48, was released by the UFC in 2020 following five losses in six bouts, three of which on the spin.
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    But he has made a successful transition to boxing, having already had a 1-1 record in the ring.
    Silva beat former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 36, in June 2021 then knocked out ex-UFC champ Tito Ortiz, 47, in September.
    He will become Paul’s first opponent with a recognised boxing record.
    The American was twice set to fight Tommy Fury, 23, until the Brit pulled out after suffering an injured rib and then over US visa issues.
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    Hasim Rahman Jr, 31, had signed to replace Fury but a weight disagreement with Paul, 25, saw their bout cancelled.
    Paul last fought in December, knocking out Fury’s substitute Tyron Woodley, 40, who he had already beat on points four months earlier.
    That added to KOs over online rival “AnEsonGib”, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 38, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 38.
    Silva was mentioned as a replacement for Fury in August but the idea was publicly slammed by Paul’s coach BJ Flores.
    Flores responded to a fan who said the Brazilian made sense as an opponent, and said: “Does he? 48 year old MMA fighter.”
    Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions banner teased the upcoming fight announcement and labelled him the bookies outsider.
    MVP posted: “@jakepaul will almost certainly be the underdog. He knows that and he wants that.”
    Jake Paul returns after two recent fight cancelationsCredit: Reuters More

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    Jake Paul reveals next fight will be announced ‘next week’ after slamming ‘smart’ KSI for not calling him out

    JAKE PAUL’s next fight will be announced in a matter of days.The YouTuber turned boxer is set to return to the ring in October following a longer-than-expected hiatus after his brutal KO of ex-UFC champ Tyron Woodley.
    Jake Paul hasn’t fought since his December dust-up with ex-UFC champ Tyron WoodleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Paul is set to return to the ring in OctoberCredit: Instagram
    The Prolem Child has revealed his next fight will be announced next weekCredit: TWITTER
    And The Problem Child, 26, has announced the identity of his next opponent will be revealed next week.
    He tweeted: “Just got the call. Massive opponent announcement this week. October.”
    Paul’s promotional company also shared the news via their social media account.
    Most Valuable Promotions tweeted: “Next week we will announce Jake Paul’s next opponent.
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    “Jake Paul will almost certainly be the underdog. He knows that and he wants that.”
    Paul’s bombshell came moments before he trolled fellow YouTuber KSI for not calling him out after his back-to-back wins at The O2 on Saturday night.
    He tweeted: “Smart man KSI is not calling me out. He knows the truth.”
    Paul was due to face bitter rival Tommy Fury earlier this month but their grudge match fell through due to travel issues for the Love Island star.
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    The former Disney star was then scheduled to fight Hasim Rahman Jr – the son of former heavyweight champ Hasim Sr.
    But he pulled the plug on the Madison Square Garden melee after an alleged 11th-hour weight change request from Rahman Jr.
    An enraged Paul vented his frustrations on social media, saying: “Hasim Rahman Jr has pulled out of the fight.
    “This is not a joke, I am devastated, I cannot f***ing believe this; we just found out this news,” he said.
    “This is another case of a professional boxer, just like Tommy Fury, being scared to fight me.
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    “It is as clear as day that these guys have been so unprofessional to work with, looking for any excuse to suck more money out of this event.
    “To coerce us into doing things and I knew from the jump that this guy didn’t want to get in the ring with me.”
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