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    Inside Arsenal’s January transfer plans with defence hit by injuries and Gunners still without a centre-forward

    ARSENAL are unlikely to be busy in the January transfer window – despite their injury woes so far this season.Ben White could be out for around six weeks after undergoing a minor procedure on a troublesome knee that has hampered his playing time this term.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been hit by a flurry of early-season injuriesCredit: ReutersBen White is facing a fitness battle over the next few weeksCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard’s return against Chelsea was a huge positive for the GunnersCredit: GettyDepending on his recovery, the right-back’s return may be sooner than hoped. But he remains in a battle to feature over the crucial festive period.Gunners defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also fighting to be back fully fit before December with knee injuries.Italian international Calafiori is targeting a comeback in the next few weeks.READ MORE ON ARSENAL NEWSWhile Japanese full-back Tomiyasu’s timeline remains up in the air after suffering several set-backs following his pre-season knock.SunSport understands Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board are currently not targeting recruitments this winter to cope with any further potential absences.Managing Director Richard Garlick made a routine trip to the United States this week to meet with owner Stan Kroenke and co-chair Josh Kroenke.The meeting was to plan for next summer’s window – and was held without Sporting Director Edu after his resignation last week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet the club’s policy remains that January is a reactive window instead of an active one.Arsenal’s last big splurge in a January window came in the 2022/23 campaign.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemThey splashed the cash two years ago on Brighton’s Leandro Trossard, Chelsea’s Jorginho and Spezia’s Jakub Kiwior for around £40m.Arteta’s injury worries have softened over the past few weeks with skipper Martin Odegaard returning to action. Mikel Merino [shoulder], Jurrien Timber [knee] and Gabriel [knee] have also proved their fitness.Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”Arsenal made several moves in the summer, including a permanent £27m deal for keeper David Raya after his season-long loan spell from Brentford. They also signed Calafiori for £42m and spent £32.6m to bring in Merino from Real Sociedad. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head.Deadline Day loan moves for back-up keeper Neto and Raheem Sterling helped provide competition among the squad. There were also big sales of academy stars Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham and Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace, as well as keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s switch to Southampton. More

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    Tony Bellew reveals his promise to ‘coward’ security after ex-champ was thrown out of Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson event

    TONY BELLEW has hit back at the “cowards” who booted him out of Jake Paul and Mike Tyson’s pre-fight press conference. The former WBC world champion, 41, was escorted out of Wednesday’s event after a stunt for bookmakers Paddy Power went wrong. Tony Bellew became one of the big talking points at the press conferenceCredit: SportsfileBellew was booted out of Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s pre-fight press conferenceThe ex-cruiserweight saw his stunt for PaddyPower backfireBellew heckled Jake Paul ahead of his showdown with Mike TysonCredit: GettyPaul faces 58-year-old Tyson in a Dallas dust-up on Friday, with the fighters facing off at a press event yesterday.Interrupting proceedings with a megaphone and standing next to an elderly man dressed in a boxing robe, Bellew bellowed: “I’ve got your next opponent here, Jake.”This guy’s got two hips so he is ready for you, Jake. He’s a great grandfather and he’s ready for you. “He’s 107, a great-grandfather. Come on Jake, give this fella a chance.”READ MORE ON BOXINGBellew was promptly ejected from the Toyota Music Factory in Irving. Speaking later to talkSPORT, Bellew revealed exactly what he said to the security guards tasked with removing him. Bellew explained: “The guy gave me a shove in the back and I said ‘You’re an absolute coward’. “Do you understand what I’d do to you? Please walk away. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBellew was taking part in a stunt for Paddy PowerCredit: Sportsfile”His other mate said ‘We’re all talk are we?’ “I said it’s not talk, it’s a promise. I’d annihilate three of you at once, so please don’t do it.”Former world champion Tony Bellew escorted out after gatecashing Jake Paul’s press conferenceBellew held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2016 to 2017 and finished his pro career 30-3-1 from 34 fights.Earlier in fight week, Bellew described Iron Mike as his “boxing icon.”He told The Daily Mail: “One of the reasons why I became the world champion was because of Mike Tyson.”He inspired an entire generation, and even though I wasn’t part of that era, I grew up watching his fights. “I was born in 1982, and I stayed up until three or four o’clock in the morning to watch his fights in the early ’90s.Counting down to Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson…READ MORE on all the build-up to the massive clash in Texas on Netflix…All the info:Latest news and features: “Mike Tyson was a hero and an icon of mine. He is literally one of the kings of the sport.”Of course, when you’re fighting a man half your age, you’ve got to be concerned. “Thankfully, Mike isn’t fighting an established fighter or a world champion.”He added: “I just want to see Mike Tyson knock him out.”JAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTTyson returns on Friday for a first professional bout since 2005. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Baddest Man on the Planet last stepped into the ring against Roy Jones Jr in a 2020 exhibition bout. Friday’s fight will be over eight two-minute rounds – as opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves on instead of 10oz. More

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    Mike Tyson ‘in kill mode’ as boxing icon frustrates Jake Paul with frosty one-word answers ahead of Netflix mega-fight

    MIKE TYSON frustrated even Jake Paul with his frosty one-word press conference answers – but it’s part of his plan.The heavyweight icon and YouTuber-turned-boxer looked to trade verbal blows just two days before their controversial clash in Texas.Mike Tyson looks on at a press conference with Jake PaulCredit: GettyJake Paul lashed out at his legendary opponentCredit: SportsfileBut 58-year-old Tyson – who has a catalogue of memorable press conference moments – appeared disinterested on stage.Asked if he has rediscovered his frightening, savage and brilliant best, he shrugged: “I guess I’m back. I’m just happy to be here.”Tyson then added: “I’m just ready to fight, I’ve said everything I have to say. There’s nothing else to say, I’m just looking forward to fighting.”Paul has over 50 MILLION social media followers across his platforms and acts as brash and outspoken online as he does in front of the camera.READ MORE IN boxing But he clearly mistook Tyson for running his own social media pages, which have been full of threats heading into their Netflix fight.Because when Iron Mike got in front of Paul he had little to say, much to the confusion of his opponent of 31-years difference.Paul moaned: “Man, there’s a lot of s*** talk online saying you’re going to kill me but nothing in person. “I don’t know. It’s pretty boring, pretty f***ing boring.”Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTyson is back for his first professionally-sanctioned bout since 2005 despite returning in a 2020 exhibition with Roy Jones Jr. The fight with Paul is to be contested over eight two-minute rounds – opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves on instead of 10oz. Katie Taylor makes bet with Jake Paul that Mike Tyson will win Netflix boutTyson did at last let out a quick glimpse of his volatile prime when probed on the consequence of what he deems an impossible loss to Paul.He snapped: “I’m not gonna lose. I am not going to lose. Did you hear what I said?”Tyson then faced off with Paul with little emotion or care, unbothered about causing a stir with pre-fight theatrics.SunSport ran into a member of Tyson’s camp and asked whether his nonchalant behaviour was a ploy or genuine.”Mike’s in kill mode.” They sharply responded. Tyson and Jake Paul face offCredit: Getty More

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    Premier League’s biggest overachievers revealed with Man Utd, Arsenal and Man City all suffering huge drop-offs

    BRIGHTON are this season’s biggest over-achievers.And Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United are all suffering a significant drop-off from last term.Brighton have exceeded expectations this seasonCredit: AFPChelsea have also impressedCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Man Utd have experienced a drop-offCredit: GettySunSport experts have analysed the like-for-like performances of every top flight team compared to the same period in 2023-24.To ensure a full comparison, the three promoted teams – Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton – are awarded the results that relegated Burnley,  Luton and Sheffield United respectively got in their matches.And Brighton’s stunning comeback win over champions City on Saturday mean the Seagulls are a superb nine points and 11 goals better off than after the same 11 matches last term.It is a sign of the impact of new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler on his squad, which fell away under predecessor Roberto de Zerbi last term.Read More in FootballBut there is ammunition for Enzo Maresca and Andoni Iraola to point to about their positive impacts this term.Chelsea – seven points better off – and Bournemouth, who have earned an extra six points from the matches are second and third in the comparison table.And while Liverpool’s brilliant start to the campaign – and the recent wobbles for City and Arsenal – have put Arne Slot’s men five points clear at the top, they have actually slightly under-achieved last term’s efforts under Jurgen Klopp, with the same points tally and a goal difference worse by three.At the bottom end, even Wolves’ first win of the season over Southampton cannot hide the fact that Gary O’Neil’s side had earned 12 points more after the corresponding matches last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBrighton top the tableCrystal Palace, on minus seven, and Everton with six points fewer, fill the “relegation zone”.But the next three sides up from the bottom are United, who have earned five points less, Arsenal picked up four more in the same games last term and City, who are three points down as a result of that defeat at the Amex.Pep Guardiola says Man City is not ‘in a dark place’ despite Sporting Lisbon loss More

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    Mike Tyson’s ex-manager says he’d try to talk boxing icon out of fighting Jake Paul because of ‘the risk factors’

    MIKE Tyson’s former manager has revealed he would try to talk the boxing legend out of fighting Jake Paul because he doesn’t like the ‘risk factors.’Rory Holloway worked with ‘the baddest man on the planet’ from 1986 to 1997.Mike Tyson, 58, and Jake Paul, 27, are facing off against each other in the ringTyson’s ex-manager Rory Holloway insists he wouldn’t let Tyson fight PaulTyson, 58, returns to action against Jake Paul on Friday night in a fight that will be streamed by Netflix.However, Holloway, who drifted apart from Tyson in the late 90s following a lawsuit over the boxer’s earnings, has doubts that it is the right choice for a man who hasn’t boxed for so long.Holloway told SunSport: “In all seriousness, if it was my choice, I would talk him out of it.”I just don’t like the risk factors that are involved.Read more Mike Tyson news”At his age, he hasn’t taken punches in so long… it’s all these things I think about.”If it was me, and I was in a position to talk to him, I would say don’t do it.”Tyson, who is 31 years older than his opponent Paul, has been working hard in the gym to get in shape for the bout.As SunSport exclusively revealed, his training camp is shrouded in secrecy with sparring partners forced to sign NDAs.Most read in BoxingMike Tyson nearly KNOCKS OUT coach at open workout as Jake Paul begins mind gamesHowever, at an open workout to kick off fight week Tyson nearly knocked out his own trainer – with a video clip showing that he had not lost some of the magic that led to his moniker, ‘the baddest man on the planet.’Holloway revealed that he was shocked to see Tyson training so hard.He said: “It’s funny watching him prepare. I was with this guy for almost for as long as he’s been putting gloves on and I’ve never seen him train so hard and he’s 58!”We couldn’t get him to train that hard at 28! It’s funny to me.”Tyson has to reportedly pass two tests before he fights Paul amid fears over his health.The controversial event will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.Tyson has not had a sanctioned bout in two decades.The fight has already been postponed once after Tyson suffered an “ulcer flare-up” while being taken ill on a plane.The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requirements were agreed months ago.One of the tests will be an EEG to check Tyson’s brain. While the other is an EKG to make sure his heart is healthy.TDLR rep Tela Mange said: “Thorough pre-fight physicals will be conducted by TDLR-appointed physicians, who will discuss Mr Tyson’s medical history with him.”JAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTHolloway has revealed he has never seen Tyson train so hard as he prepares for the Paul fightCredit: Courtesy of Rory HollowayTyson has said he is willing to die in the ring to beat Jake PaulPreviously, Tyson has said he’s willing to die in the ring to beat Paul.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpeaking in a clip on Netflix, he said: “I don’t do anything if I don’t risk being embarrassed. Like now I want to fight this young motherf****r.”This is really big for me, if I win I will be immortal. If I do it bad, I don’t want to die in a hospital bed, I want to die in the ring.”Counting down to Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson…READ MORE on all the build-up to the massive clash in Texas on Netflix…All the info:Latest news and features: More

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    Fans say ‘they make it look easy’ as Sky Sports give behind-the-scenes look at Soccer Saturday production

    SKY SPORTS have left fans stunned with an amazing behind-the-scenes video showing how they make Soccer Saturday work.The show – originally named Sports Saturday – began in 1992 and has been a mainstay on TV, with former host Jeff Stelling becoming a household name on the programme.Sky Sports have lifted the lid on how the magic happens at Soccer SaturdayCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballProducer Sam dishes out verbal prompts, directions and updates throughout the programmeCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballPresenter Simon Thomas then reacts and presents, ushering the show to the next relevant updateCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballThe directing includes telling the analysts when they will speakCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballHowever, Sky Sports have now lifted the lid on the breathless production cycle of the show.Taking to social media, the broadcaster shared a video showing how the magic happens featuring a split viewing of what fans see and what the happens in their studio, led by Producer Samantha Mills.The clip shared online showcased how everything was kept ticking over on November 2, with a stream of instructions and pointers being handed to host Simon Thomas throughout.It started out with Thomas, 52, being directed to go to analyst Sue Smith.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThomas was then directed to go to Tim Sherwood watching Bournemouth v Manchester City game, before he was told to cut to an on-site reporter with a prompt of there being two goals since the last time he was spoken to.This hectic switching carried on for the duration of the matches, with updates, directions and verbal prompts being handed out constantly.Reacting to the two minute 16 second video clip, one user said: “Interesting. Harder job than it looks.”A second said: “Wow, a lot behind this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “Blimey. I hope that lady is paid as much salary as the presenters. She deserves it!”Another said: “This is beyond impressive! Both the producer and the host are absolute legends for being able to handle this!”Fans baffled as Paul Merson ‘dresses like a lemon’ for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday return… but there’s a reason for itA fifth said: “They make it look easy. Incredible work team.”Thomas took over as the show’s sole presenter in 2023 after Stelling left the show after more than 25 years at the helm. More

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    How England boss Thomas Tuchel turned big-money Chelsea star from flop into ‘Europe’s best defender’

    NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel turned Antonio Rudiger into the best-centre back in Europe during their time together at Chelsea.Chelsea gave Roma £29million for Rudiger in 2017 but the Germany international endured a difficult first few seasons in West London.Thomas Tuchel made Antonio Rudiger into the best-centre back in EuropeTuchel and Rudiger won the Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup togetherRudiger, 31, won the FA Cup under Antonie Conte and the Europa League under Maurizio Sarri before his fortunes took a downward turn.The defender began to struggle for game time under Frank Lampard in the Chelsea legend’s first managerial stint at Stamford Bridge.He played just nine games in all competitions in Lampard’s six months, behind first- choice duo Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva.Lampard’s former assistant Jody Morris has since tried to clear things up after revealing that Rudiger “wasn’t fit” for most of Lampard’s first reign.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Rudiger was attracting interest from clubs looking to take him on loan in January 2021, until Lampard was sacked and Thomas Tuchel stepped in.Tuchel immediately reinstalled his countryman to the starting XI.The former Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund defender was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League success at the end of the 2020/21 season.Morris told talkSPORT: “When we first went in there, Rudiger had a serious injury and he wasn’t fit for a large spell.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Has Rudiger played to the level that he played under Tuchel anywhere else? I’m not sure. Previously to us going in there, never.”But I get that because even from watching the games after we left, Rudiger, I don’t think there was a better centre half in Europe after that.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichRudiger was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League win over Man City in 2021Credit: GettyBut Morris was keen not to place the blame on Lampard.He added: “But I think you can always get those types of players that excel under a new manager, a new system.”I think the fact that he moved into a back three allowed for three centre halves to come in and Rudiger was absolutely outstanding.”Not just from a defensive aspect, actually, going forward, I thought he has a few roaming runs, but I’m not sure we see that level of performance previously or maybe since.”Rudiger memorably went unpunished for body-checking Kevin De Bruyne in Chelsea’s 1-0 Champions League final win, as the Man City superstar was subbed off with a facial injury, as post-match tests revealed a fractured nose and eye socket.But Chelsea failed to persuade the German to sign a new contract during the following season, as he joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.And just as well, as Tuchel would be sacked from Chelsea just a few months later in September 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has made 118 appearances for the Spanish club, winning LaLiga and the Champions League last term.His Los Blancos contract ends in June 2026.Antonio Rudiger won his second Champions League title with Madrid in MayCredit: Sunday TimesForgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More

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    Mike Tyson knocking TEETH out in sparring for Jake Paul fight as training partner sends out brutal warning

    JAKE PAUL has been brutally warned that Mike Tyson is knocking out TEETH in sparring for their fight. The heavyweight legend makes his return after TWO DECADES out the ring to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul on Friday in Texas.Mike Russell in sparring with Mike TysonHe did take on fellow great Roy Jones Jr in a 2020 exhibition bout – and 6-1 cruiserweight Mike Russell was in Tyson’s camp. But almost half a decade on and Russell warned Iron Mike has shaken off even more rust. He told SunSport:  “I mean, he was already looking tremendous four years ago and now he’s peaked higher than a peak. “Mike is ready to go and Mike is gonna go out there and he’s going to win spectacular.” READ MORE IN BOXINGRussell, 31, has only ever got two black eyes from boxing, one when he was a teenager and the other from Tyson, 58. But he revealed there has been far more damage caused than just a shiner. Russell said: “We have a young buck that’s coming up right now, he did knock his tooth out but it wasn’t me! “But yeah, Mike did knock someone’s tooth out in camp. He’s doing great, man. Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s gonna come out and he’s gonna win and what he gonna win by knockout. I’m telling you right now.”Tyson returns for the first time as a professional since 2005 when he quit on his stool and threw the towel in on his career.Mike Tyson lashes out at reporter in Jake Paul press conference And he does so over eight two-minute rounds – opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves on instead of 10oz. But Russell insisted the rules change matters little as he doubts 10-1 Paul makes it into the third. He said: “I think he’s gonna finish the job within the first two rounds.”Counting down to Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson…READ MORE on all the build-up to the massive clash in Texas on Netflix…All the info:Latest news and features: Jake Paul ahead of his fight with TysonCredit: AFP More