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      in Motorsport

      Christian Horner takes no prisoners after ‘sext’ scandal as Red Bull boss swings axe in bid to avoid another horror year

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER is taking no prisoners just one-year on from his ‘sexting’ scandal.The Red Bull boss’ ruthless axing of Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda after just two races showed he will do anything it takes to avoid a repeat of last year’s horror show.Christian Horner is taking no prisoners at Red BullCredit: GettyHe has axed new ace Liam Lawson after just two F1 racesCredit: APYuki Tsunoda has now been promoted as No2 to Max VerstappenCredit: PAAs Horner said in the very first episode of the latest series of Drive to Survive: “The buck stops with me.”Red Bull finished third in the constructors’ championship last season, as the team was rocked after Horner was accused by a female colleague of “inappropriate behaviour”.The 51-year-old was twice cleared by an independent investigation, but there was then a string of high profile exits, including legendary designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.And Max Verstappen had to block out his dad Jos’ explosive rows with Horner over the scandal – and deal with a shoddy car – to seal a consecutive fourth world title, and spare the team’s blushes.READ MORE IN F1Horner wanted to leave that sordid season behind him, but he was savagely reminded when he was booed by thousands at the O2 F1 live event in February ahead of the new season.The paddock hasn’t forgotten either, with Horner’s rival, McLaren boss Zak Brown, recently saying he should be feeling “vulnerable” in his position.Horner has overseen eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships as Red Bull team principal, but both are already looking under threat this season.Sergio Perez and Alex Albon have found before Lawson that driving a car tailored to four-time world champion Verstappen is no easy ride.Most read in MotorsportThe hiring and firing policy of the brutal Red Bull system under Horner and senior adviser Helmut Marko has been hit or miss over the years.Christian Klein, Scott Speed, Sebastien Bourdais, Sebastien Buemi, Jaime Alguersuari, Jean-Eric Vergne, Daniil Kvyat, Brendon Hartley, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon have all been chewed up and spat out since the team started out in 2005.Red Bull’s Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix Horner was accused by a female colleague of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ last seasonCredit: AFPThe Red Bull chief, married to Geri Halliwell, was twice cleared by an independent investigationCredit: GettyHorner is hoping Verstappen can win another title with a new team-mateCredit: GettyIn recent years the second driver at Red Bull walks into the team knowing full well they will always be the bridesmaid and never the bride to Verstappen, who along with Sebastian Vettel, is the only driver unscathed so far by Horner’s ruthless policy.Sometimes Horner has made on paper the right decision, with Perez finishing a whopping 285 points behind Verstappen before he was replaced by Lawson.If the Mexican driver had raced in only the first two grands prix of the season, and none of the other 22, Red Bull would still have finished third.Kiwi driver Lawson, 23, suffered a dreadful start, being knocked out at the first stage of all three qualifying sessions including for the sprint and also failed to pick up a single point.Verstappen is still said to be unhappy with Red Bull’s decision despite them already being 42 points behind the reigning champions, McLaren, while Verstappen is second in the drivers’ championship, eight points behind Lando Norris.Horner said in a Red Bull statement confirming the news on Thursday morning: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.“We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car.“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRed Bull chose to promote Lawson from their junior squad Racing Bulls after just 11 Grand Prix appearances in two short spells across 2023 and 2024, despite Tsunoda having more experience.Only time will tell if history repeats itself for Tsunoda. More

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      in Soccer

      Reading FC reveal that transfer embargo is imminent as club break silence on EFL disqualification threat

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      READING face a fresh transfer embargo amid uncertainty around their potential EFL disqualification.The club have shared an update on the ongoing crisis at the club, which saw owner Dai Yongge disqualified by the EFL due to his debts in China.Reading have provided an update amid their ongoing takeover situationCredit: Reading FCOwner Dai Yongge was disqualified by the EFLCredit: Rex FeaturesYongge failed the owners and directors test and must sell up or Reading will be disqualified from the EFL.The Royals are subject to a takeover and the sale is still ongoing.An exclusivity period is in place that will see the prospective owner buy the club, the stadium and the training ground.However an ongoing litigation case with Rob Couhig is holding up the sale process.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCouhig, who previously owned Wycombe Wanderers, had agreed a £30million deal to buy the Royals.But the deal subsequently collapsed with Couhig claiming he lost more than £12m in potential profits after Reading broke their exclusivity agreement.Reading released a statement providing an update which read: “Exclusivity remains in place with the proposed purchaser, with the sales proposal including the club, Select Car Leasing Stadium, and Bearwood Park Training Facility. “All parties remain positive in the desire to complete a transaction at the earliest possible opportunity.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Regarding the ongoing litigation case with Mr Couhig and last Friday’s Commercial Court hearing, the club can confirm that a formal proposal for alternative security has been made to Mr Couhig via his legal representatives. “It is hoped that the proposal will be agreed quickly in resolution of the current security impasse, to facilitate the sales process.EFL goalkeeper concedes ‘most embarrassing goal ever seen’ as fans fume ‘get him off that pitch now’ “The club would also like to clarify the current position with the EFL, and Mr Dai’s disqualification as a Director. “Under the terms of the disqualification, Mr Dai must now divest his interests in Reading Football Club and is committed to doing so to meet this requirement.”Reading also confirmed their transfer embargo was lifted after they published their 2022/23 accounts to Companies House.However they face another transfer embargo if they fail to file their accounts for the 2023/24 season before the EFL’s March 31 deadline – the club state it is “highly unlikely” they will meet the requirement. More

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      in Soccer

      Frank Lampard tipped for England job as former Premier League manager says ‘it just shines through’

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      CHRIS WILDER believes Frank Lampard should be in the running to be the next England boss.The two managers go head-to-head in a bumper Championship promotion clash when Sheffield United host Coventry on Friday night.Chris Wilder believes Frank Lampard should be in the running to be next England bossCredit: GettyLampard has taken Coventry from 15th to fifth since joining in NovemberCredit: GettyChelsea legend Lampard took over the Sky Blues in November, his fifth job in management, when they were just two points above the relegation zone.Now he takes them to the Blades sitting fifth and among the favourites to clinch a play-off spot.Wilder said: “I’ve got an enormous amount of respect for Frank Lampard, I honestly have.“His playing career is there for everybody to see but I just love the fact that he loves football and it just shines through.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“He took a tough job at Derby and got through to a play-off final and we had a couple of great games with them in that season and he had an outstanding run at it.“Tough gig at Chelsea when they didn’t sign any players and he had to play a lot of young players. Tough gig at Everton.“I don’t think he gets the credit that he deserves, I honestly don’t.“People talk about England managers and people are critical of him, I just don’t get it. He can quite easily manage England.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The job he’s doing at Coventry, he didn’t have to do it, but he wants to get his hands dirty. “He loves football, he loves the changing room, he loves everything about football. So I’m a big fan.”Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose – he’s the best uncle everMeanwhile, Wilder’s Blades are locked in a three-horse race for automatic promotion with Leeds and Burnley.A victory against Coventry would take them three points clear of Leeds, who host Swansea, and five ahead of Burnley, and he insists he is relishing every second of the run-in.Wilder said: “We have to embrace and enjoy this, and that’s everybody from staff to players to supporters.“We really have to enjoy it because there’s plenty of times where you have dark days in football and these clubs have had a few dark days over the years and even recently. So when the sun shines, you’ve got to enjoy it.“The full focus now is on to the last eight games and taking the next one in our stride.”With a sold-out crowd set to cheer them on, Wilder also called for fans to help his players “get over the line” in the promotion race.He added: “The team really deserves and needs a massive push from, from the punters.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I know I’ve always said it’s up to the players to set the tone, but the players need the help now to get over the line and I know they’ll do everything they can to help us.“I’m sure they’ll be as loud as they’ll ever have been at Bramall Lane on Friday to make that a tough place to come.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘I played without shoes against drug traffickers’ – Antony reveals why he doesn’t feel pressure after £86m Man Utd hell

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      MANCHESTER UNITED struggler Antony has revealed why he doesn’t feel the weight of his failed £86million transfer to Old Trafford – despite being shipped out on loan.Antony, 25, joined Spanish side Real Betis on loan in January after months of poor form with Man Utd.Antony has got a spring back in his step at Real BetisCredit: GettyThe star struggled at Manchester United following his £86m transferCredit: PAThe Brazilian winger, who joined United from Ajax in 2022, was never able to live up to his mega price tag while playing for the Red Devils.And he managed just 12 goals in his 96 appearances for the Premier League giants.But he has since sparked into life following his six-month loan deal with Betis in LaLiga – registering eight goal contributions in 11 games so far.And the 16-time Brazil international thinks that playing barefoot against drug dealers in his youth helps him to ignore the pressure of performing again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDiscussing his incredible past, Antony told DAZN: “When I’m asked about pressure, I say ‘what pressure?’“I faced pressure in the favela when I didn’t have shoes to play, I played against drug traffickers and everything. That was real pressure.“When I left in the morning to go to school I often didn’t eat.“So when I go through difficult moments I always think about the challenges that I overcame in the past.”Most read in FootballAntony had very little growing up in BrazilCredit: InstagramHe claims he used to run rings around gang members in his local areaCredit: InstagramHe grew up in a favela nicknamed “little hell”Credit: InstagramJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAntony grew up in a Brazilian favela nicknamed Inferninho, or ‘Little Hell’ in English.He previously opened up about how his traumatic upbringing left him “numb” to things that others would find harrowing.Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis Speaking to The Players’ Tribune, he said: “On my walk to school one morning, when I was maybe 8 or 9 years old, I came across a man laying in the alley. He was not moving. When I got closer, I realized he was dead.”In the favela, you become kind of numb to these things. There was no other way to go, and I had to get to school. So I just closed my eyes and jumped over the dead body.”I am not saying this to sound tough. It was just my reality. In fact, I always say that I was very lucky as a child, because despite all of our struggles, I was given a gift from heaven.”The ball was my saviour. My love from the cradle. In Inferninho, we don’t care about toys for Christmas. Any ball that rolls is perfect to us.”Adding: “I refused to bow my head to anyone. I would elastico the drug dealers. Rainbow the bus drivers. Nutmeg the thieves. I really did not give a f***. With a ball at my feet, I had no fear.”Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim put Antony’s struggles in the Premier League down to his physicality.Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there. If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot.’Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s [because of] a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Antony, the move to Spain has been a revelation.He claimed: “Every day that passes I see that it was the best decision I could have made.”Ruben Amorim thinks a lack of physicality prevented Antony from shining in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul claims he has agreement to fight Anthony Joshua and reveals date… but brother Logan fears he’s on DRUGS

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      JAKE PAUL claims he has an agreement to fight Anthony Joshua in 2026 – prompting his brother Logan to ask if he is on DRUGS. YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake brazenly called out two-time heavyweight world champion AJ. Logan Paul asked if brother Jake was on drugs after calling out Anthony JoshuaJoshua pictured with Jake Paul in 2022And even Logan – who is one year his senior – asked whether it was a prank or not.He said: “You called out Anthony Joshua – were you on cocaine? Why did you do that?” Jake, 28, responded: “To beat the heavyweight champion of the world. His chin’s gone.” Logan, 29, replied: “But he’s still Anthony Joshua.” READ MORE IN BOXINGTo which Jake hit back: “Which is stiff, and no rhythm and no skill. Just power.”Logan asked once more if Jake was “serious” about the fight and he said with no hesitation: “Yeah. In 2026, we already talked.” Jake first called out Joshua with a series of savage swipes on his podcast.He said: “I want to fight Anthony Joshua – exclusive – because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s ass.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He doesn’t have a chin, and he has no skill and he’s stiff. I love you Anthony, we’e friends, all this s*** but I want to fight you.”That promoted AJ to quite literally call Jake’s bluff by phoning him up – with the two revealing their chat on the blower to tease a 2026 fight. Eddie Hearn lifts lid on Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul latestJoshua, 35, is coming off a September knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, 27, in September and a recent injury has delayed his return. Jake meanwhile has 11 wins and only one loss as a boxer, coming via split-decision to Tommy Fury in 2023.His most recent win was an eight-round points win over heavyweight great Mike Tyson, 58, in November.The fight was marred in controversy amid the age gap but still a massive 100 MILLION tuned in to watch on Netflix.It led Jake into shock talks for a May 3 cruiserweight bout against Mexican great Canelo Alvarez, 34, in Las Vegas. But Canelo walked away from the deal to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.So Jake turned his attention to AJ and promoter Eddie Hearn revealed his star client is on board for the bout.Hearn predicted it would earn Joshua £100MILLION and sent out a fierce word of warning to prankster-gone-prizefighter Jake. He told SunSport: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Jake did it, honestly, because I think he likes a challenge, but he likes the money.”But medically, you’ve gotta be very careful in that fight because that’s dangerous. “That’s no joke, you’re not fighting a 60 year old man, you’re fighting a heavyweight in his prime, that could actually remove your head from your neck and shoulders.”It’s also the fight game, it’s prize fighting, so it’s definitely not a fight AJ’s phoning me out going, ‘Make the Jake Paul fight.’ “I don’t know, I mean the world is so mad we’d do it. But you can’t come out and go, AJ’s stiff, AJ’s got no chin… in 2026, I’ll be ready for him.’ “What about 2025? We don’t have an opponent yet, so if you really want the fight we’ll do it in 2025.”But you might have to wait for AJ to get to 60 to give yourself a chance in that fight.”Hearn has worked with Jake and his Most Valuable Promotions partner Nakisa Bidarian in the past. That included Katie Taylor’s two thrilling wins over MVP poster girl Amanda Serrano and their anticipated trilogy bout on July 11. But Hearn also admitted he had not yet officially reached out for talks with Jake’s camp over a fight with Joshua. He said: “Once they said 2026, it’s just clickbait at that point.”I do acknowledge that Jake is crazy enough, like the Canelo stuff was quite crazy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But at least Jake’s bigger than Canelo. He’s dwarfed by AJ in every manner.”Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson in his last fightCredit: GettyJake Paul on the phone to JoshuaKatie Taylor, Eddie Hearn, Jake Paul and Amanda SerranoCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill before all-out brawl in derby clash

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      CHELSEA target Neyser Villarreal’s cheeky skill sparked chaos in a derby match in Colombia.Tempers flared after the 19-year-old was given a yellow card for his provocative tactics when his Millonarios F.C side were 2-0 up over Santa Fe.Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill as all out brawl is sparked in derby clashCredit: XFury incited among both sets of players as soon as Villarreal was booked for his pointless ballstandingSanta Fe players began pushing and shoving the cheeky 19-year-old awayBefore Villarreal began running away from the meleeHis team-mates began protecting VillarealMillonarios manager David Gonzalez quickly subbed Villarreal off after another player shoved him a few minutes later.With Millonarios in possession and pushing for a third in the 76th minute, Villarreal seemingly chose to wind up the opposition over his side’s dominance.As Christian Mafla was approaching him, Villarreal skilfully stood on the ball before passing to his team-mate and running into the box.But the referee Jose Ortiz immediately noticed and began running over with his book out.Many believe the audacious move undermined sportsmanship and sporting integrity – especially as Santa Fe were down to ten men.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLaw 12 of the Laws of the Game specifies that unsporting behavior can lead to a caution (yellow card), and showboating can fall under that category.Fury incited among both sets of players as soon as Villarreal was booked for his pointless ballstanding.Several Santa Fe players began pushing him around the box before his team-mates piled in to protect him.Villarreal then ran away down the pitch, before he was followed by veteran pros Mafla and Hugo Rodallega Martinez.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMillonarios manager David Gonzalez quickly subbed Villarreal off after another player shoved him a few minutes later.The match finished 2-0 to leave Santa Fe second and move Millonarios fifth in the Categoria Primera A standings.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSunSport understands that Chelsea are keeping an eye on Villarreal ahead of the summer window.The teenager helped Colombia to third in the U-20 South American Championships this year.He has provided one assist in 12 appearances for Millonarios since joining the first team.Last year, Chelsea signed South American wonderkid Estevao Willian from Palmeiras in a £28m deal.The 17-year-old Brazilian will arrive in Cobham this summer.Meanwhile, Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, Angelo and 17-year-old Kendry Paez will also arrive in 2025. More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League to have TWO summer transfer windows for first time in history as new dates are revealed

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      THE PREMIER League’s summer transfer window will be split in TWO after a club vote.Prem regulations state the summer window can last a maximum of 12 weeks, with the winter period lasting a maximum of one month.Signings can be announced from June 1Alexander Isak will be wanted by several clubs during the summerCredit: GettyBut new temporary transfer regulations introduced by Fifa to allow clubs to register new signings ahead of this summer’s expanded Club World Cup have forced a one-off change of rules.Contracts have traditionally expired on June 30, the “end” of the season, with players officially joining new clubs from July 1.But Fifa announced clubs involved in the 32-team tournament would be able to register new players between June 1 and June 10.And while Chelsea and Manchester City are the only Prem teams involved in this summer’s £770m competition in the USA, club chiefs agreed at their shareholder meeting in central London to align their own regulations with world chiefs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a statement, the Prem said: “Premier League clubs have today agreed the dates for the Summer 2025 Transfer Window.“The window will open early, between Sunday 1 June and Tuesday 10 June, due to an exceptional registration period relating to the FIFA Club World Cup.“It will then reopen on Monday 16 June and close on Monday 1 September.”The current rulebook, in place for this season, states that the summer window should start “at midnight on the date 12 weeks prior to the date on which it is to conclude”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat would have meant an opening to the window from June 9, although players moving clubs would not have been eligible to play for their new side until the start of July.But club bosses agreed that the 12-week maximum period should remain, bringing the decision to have two separate periods when deals can be made.Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawThe confirmation of the September 1 closing date comes despite a majority of club sporting directors having signaled they wanted the window to shut BEFORE the start of the Prem campaign on the weekend of August 16.But club chiefs feared a repeat of what happened when a similar approach applied by the Prem in  isolation to the rest of Europe in 2018 led to clubs unable to replace players lost to clubs outside England in the final two weeks of the global window.Discussion over a window alignment between the Big Five leagues have been held in recent months but at this stage there is no agreement – although Germany’s Bundesliga is in favour.But it was agreed at today’s meeting that the Prem cannot go it alone again and that an early closure must be confirmed by all five major leagues before it is a feasible move.Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad is said to be a target for Arsenal and Man UtdCredit: RexChelsea and Man City are both set to be in Club World Cup actionCredit: AFPEkitike could be on his way from the BundesligaCredit: Rex More

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      in Boxing

      ‘They think he’s really good’ – Canelo Alvarez reveals he had to reassure his worried daughter about fighting Jake Paul

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      CANELO ALVAREZ had to reassure even his youngest daughter that Jake Paul is no match for him. The Mexican boxing great was in line to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul on May 3 in Las Vegas. Canelo Alvarez with his youngest daughter MiaCredit: @fernandagmtzJake Paul was in talks to fight CaneloCredit: GettyThe deal eventually came to a dramatic collapse – but the shock mega-fight was the talk of playground for Canelo’s youngest daughter Mia. Canelo told SunSport in an exclusive interview: “Maybe her friends told her about the fight.”Because the fathers of her friends told them and everything talking about it – because they don’t know anything about boxing.”That kind of people don’t know anything about boxing and they think Jake Paul is really good fighter. Which he is a fighter, but it’s levels in boxing. READ MORE IN BOXING”And that’s why my daughter told me, ‘You’re gonna fight with Jake Paul?’ And I said, ‘He’s not on my level my love, don’t worry!’ “I think it’s for that fact that people don’t how boxing works.” Paul, 28, was closing in on a blockbuster deal to face Canelo, 34, in a 200lb cruiserweight clash the the T-Mobile Arena. But Canelo walked away at the 11th hour to instead sign a bumper four-bout deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe now returns on May 4 in Riyadh – his first fight outside of Mexico or America – in a super-middleweight undisputed decider against William Scull. And a super-fight against Terence Crawford, 37, is then due to follow in September. Jake Paul reveals talks for Tommy Fury rematch and slams Canelo Alvarez over failed fight Canelo faced losing out the Crawford bout if he had proceeded with the spectacle showdown against Paul – leaving him with no regrets. He said: “I’m very happy. Things happen for a reason and I’m happy with this and I’m gonna enjoy it as much as I can.”Paul has 11 wins and just one loss as a boxer – coming via split-decision against Tommy Fury in 2023. And he most recently caused controversy after bringing Mike Tyson out of retirement at the age of 58. But still a sensational 100 MILLION tuned in to watch the American’s eight-round points win on Netflix. So Canelo has not completely closed the door on Paul – although he struggles to even refer to it as a fight. He said: “Calling it a fight is very difficult for me, man. It’s for me more like event more than a fight and this is not the moment.”Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson in his last fightCredit: GettyCanelo fights William Scull next for the undisputed super-middleweight titlesCredit: Getty More