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    Jake Paul sends heartfelt message to ex-boxing opponent Ben Askren who needs lung transplant after battling infection

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    JAKE PAUL has issued a heartfelt message of support to former opponent Ben Askren – who needs a life-saving lung transplant.Askren – who was knocked out by Paul in April 2021 – has been in hospital for weeks over complications from severe pneumonia – following a staph infection.Jake Paul beat Ben Askren in 2021Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe former UFC star will need to undergo a lung transplant and has been placed on the waiting list as he continues to fight alongside his beloved wife Amy.Paul, ahead of his next fight on Saturday against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, spoke out in support of his old adversary.He said: “My prayers go out to him. I feel sorry for his family, I can’t imagine what they’re going through.“I just hope that he can recover because there’s so much more to life besides fighting and careers. READ MORE IN boxing “I’m wishing him the best and I’m here if they need any support.”Paul, 28, knocked out Askren, 40, in round one of what was his third professional boxing bout. He has since improved to 11-1 and returns against former middleweight world champion Chavez Jr, 39, in California. Askren has not fought since his boxing debut loss to Paul – also retiring from MMA in 2019 after a brief run in the UFC. Most read in BoxingThe father-of-three – to daughters Alex and Andy and son Ozi –  had been unresponsive and in a critical condition in a Las Vegas hospital earlier this month.He has since been moved to a facility near his home in Wisconsin.Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian added: “(Jake) hit me up two weeks ago when the news broke. “He asked me if I had heard and I said no. He said ‘I wanted to reach out to his family but I think it’s inappropriate. But if they need anything, I’m there for them,’ and that’s who this kid is.”Askren with his wife Amy and three kidsNakisa Bidarian and Jake PaulCredit: Esther Lin / Most Valuable Promotions More

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      I’m Muhammad Ali’s grandson but kept it a secret when I walked into the gym… I took beatings like everyone else

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      Floyd Mayweather reveals he only had FIVE ‘tough’ fights in entire career as Conor McGregor and Canelo Alvarez snubbed

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER can count on one hand the amount of tough fights he had during his legendary career. Money officially retired in 2017 at 50-0 – a record that is yet to be matched – with world titles in FIVE different weights.Floyd Mayweather at the LA Lakers vs Orlando Magic gameCredit: GettyUp until his final bout – against UFC star Conor McGregor – the American beat 15 champions in a row. But he named Emanuel Augustus – who famously adopted the Drunken Master technique – as one of his toughest fights. Mayweather beat Augustus in 2000 but credited the unorthodox showboater as one of his hardest opponents alongside Miguel Cotto. He told FightHype: “I probably had six tough fights, if that, probably five tough fights.READ MORE IN boxing “Cotto was a tough fight, Emmanuel Augustus was tough, Cotto you know he was tough.”[I can name] those two that I can name off the top of my head, probably a few other fights but we got through it.”Augustus would act drunk during fights, prancing awkwardly around the ring to try and throw off his opponents. And even Mayweather struggled to cope with Augustus’ unusual style in their bout – which he won on points. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAugustus finished his 78-fight career with 38 wins, 34 defeats and six draws – losing his last six bouts before his 2011 retirement. Cotto meanwhile is a four-division world champion who faced Mayweather for the WBA light-middleweight title in 2012. Justis Huni’s incredible dressing room reaction just moments after Fabio Wardley’s comeback KOMayweather came up from welterweight to win over 12 rounds – but he was bloodied from the nose due to Cotto’s effective roughouse tactics. Cotto retired in 2017 after an iconic career just months after Mayweather’s final bout. Mayweather – who beat Canelo Alvarez in 2013 – left the sport as the richest boxer of all time – boasting of earnings over £1BILLION.Around half of that was made for his pair of wins over Manny Pacquiao and McGregor.The Pacquiao fight was over five years in the making and resulted in Mayweather outfoxing his great rival over the distance. Mayweather credited the ‘Drunken Master’ Emanuel Augustus as one of his toughest fightsCredit: YOUTUBE -Top Rank BoxingMiguel Cotto bloodied Mayweather’s nose in 2012Credit: Getty Images – GettyMayweather beat Manny Pacquiao in their 2015 super-fightCredit: ReutersAnd he told The Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast: “The best fighter I ever fought, probably was Manny Pacquiao. Because of his movement.”But he’s a helluva’ fighter and I can see why he won so many fights and I can see why he’s going down as a Hall of Famer, it’s just certain moves that he made.”But the roughest fighter probably was a guy named Emanuel Augustus. The Drunken Master. He was tough.”And Miguel Cotto was very, very physically strong. So, you’ve got different fighters, different days you feel different ways.”So some days you can go over there and you may not feel that good but you go over there and feel superb.”Read More on The SunMayweather – snubbing McGregor from any list of tough fights – continues to box in exhibition bouts after retiring. His last came in August 2024 against the grandson of notorious New York crime boss John Gotti. Mayweather retired after beating Conor McGregorCredit: GettyBut he continues to box in exhibition bouts, most recently against John Gotti IIICredit: Reuters More

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      Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford in another twist as UFC boss Dana White says he IS promoting super-fight

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      DANA WHITE has insisted he WILL promote the Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight – marking yet another twist. Canelo is due to defend his undisputed super-middleweight titles against unbeaten American Crawford in September. Dana White insists he will promote Canelo Alvarez vs Terence CrawfordCredit: @danawhiteAnd Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh – the financial backer behind the bout – initially announced that UFC boss White would promote. The super-fight was set for the Las Vegas Raiders’ NFL stadium with Netflix on board to broadcast that bout. That was until Alalshikh made a U-turn and claimed Saudi-based Sela would promote and it would instead be on pay-per-view. White was probed on Alalshikh’s comments after UFC 316 – but hit back to maintain he will be involved in the fight. READ MORE IN boxing He said: “I’m promoting the fight. I’ll let you guys know when it’s time to let you guys know.”TKO Holdings – who own the UFC and WWE – signed a multi-year partnership to establish a boxing promotion alongside Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.As well as a UFC-style boxing league, two super-fights were set to be promoted by TKO and White every year.And Canelo’s blockbuster against Crawford was due to kickstart the partnership. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThen all of a sudden, Alalshikh told Ring Magazine – which he owns – that the date of the bout was set to change.And he was also considering having the bout move to New York or Los Angeles – opposed to the £1.5BILLION, 65,000-seat Raiders Stadium.Three-weight world champion Vasily Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy videoIt caused huge confusion with the news the fight would also be under the Riyadh Season banner and on PPV – suggesting White and Netflix were out of the picture. But, White clarified: “Listen, when we’re at work in UFC headquarters, I’m in my own little world, man. I don’t pay attention to any of that s***. “I know what’s going on, I know what we’re doing, I don’t really pay attention to that stuff.”Alalshikh also posted: “My brother Dana will promote this fight It is the fight of Riyadh Season, and we have a deal with TKO to promote it and it will the biggest fight in boxing, and tomorrow I think I will tell the details and the platform and the place for this fight, me and and Dana.”White has partnered with Alalshikh before having held two events in Riyadh in the past.Canelo, 34, beat William Scull, 32, to regain the 168lb undisputed crown in early May as part of his four-bout deal with Alalshikh.Read More on The SunMeanwhile Crawford, 37, has not fought since moving up to 154lb to win the WBA title against Israil Madrimov, 30, in August 2024.Crawford with Turki Alalshikh and Canelo More

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      Awkward moment UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov snubs Kate Abdo’s handshake for religious reasons live on TV

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      THIS is the awkward moment UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov refused to shake the hand of CBS Sports presenter Kate Abdo.Abdo was working for the broadcaster alongside the terrible trio of Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards for the Champions League final in Munich.Kate Abdo was involved in an awkward exchange with Khabib Nurmagomedov live on TVCredit: X @CBSSportsGolazoAbdo was snubbed by a handshake from the UFC legend for religious reasonsCredit: X @CBSSportsGolazoAbdo was joined in show by usual suspects Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.Credit: X/CBSSportsGolazoThe match ended in a record-breaking defeat as Paris Saint-Germain thrashed Inter Milan 5-0.The quartet was joined by special guests Khabib Nurmagomedov, and streamer IShowSpeed immediately after the final whistle.Nurmagomedov embraced each member of the crew before Abdo, 43, held out her hand in a greeting.However, the unbeaten UFC star declined the offer by holding his hand on his chest instead, with Abdo quickly reclining it and offering an apology as she welcomed him to the show.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe reason for this is due to the 36-year-old’s religious beliefs as a devout Sunni Muslim.In Islam, it is a forbidden to touch a member of the opposite sex that they are not related to.A similar incident occurred back in 2020 with fellow MMA fighter Cynthia Calvillo, who revealed that Nurmagomedov refused to directly train with her.She explained to theScore: “It’s a little bit weird because of their religion… they won’t train with women.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”(Khabib) is still showing technique and stuff like that. So I still get to watch it. “But it doesn’t bother me … because they’re not really being directly rude to me.”Kate Abdo ‘subbed off’ CBS Sports Champions League final coverage as new presenter leaves Micah Richards ecstaticFans on social media praised Abdo’s response to the awkward exchange with the Dagestani native.One user said: “Mad respect to Kate for understanding afterwards and issuing an apology.”Another said: “Massive respect to Kate for understanding Khabib’s decision and not making a fuss of it in front of other pundits.”A third added: “Love how Khabib respectfully declined Kate’s handshake and she respected his approach. Love that from both of them.”Once that hurdle was cleared, Abdo asked the retired UFC fighter who he was supporting tonight, revealing he was there in support of PSG – despite him previously describing himself as a Real Madrid fan.In another crossover that nobody would have had on their Champions League bingo card, IShowSpeed was playfully confronted by Nurmagomedov about them possibly having a race or fight.Carragher, who hilariously tried resorting to cheating when he lost a race against Speed – real name Darren Hawkins – asked Nurmagomedov: “Do you think you could beat Speed in a fight or a race?”Nurmagomedov said he would be humble and conceded that Speed had the better of him in running, but declared he could easily outdo him in football IQ, before joking: “Don’t forget, between us there is nobody right now.”Abdo then suggested that Richards, ever the brunt of a few jokes on the show, was the “arm wrestling champion” of CBS.However, before the presenter – who married boxer Malik Scott last year – could finish her sentence, the ex-England international said: “No thank you.”Before the match itself, Abdo was subbed out of presenting duties by colleague Anita Nneka Jones, joking she had “other friends waiting for me tonight”.As Henry, Richards and Carragher groaned, Abdo pointed at Jones and added: “Look who’s coming!”Carra shouted “Anita!” before screaming as footage showed Abdo’s pals David Beckham and Tom Cruise hanging out the Allianz Arena.Abdo then waved as she walked off set, adding: “Bye, bye, bye.”Richards asked “Is it a substitution then?” – with Abdo pausing.Read More on The SunThe former Manchester City star then guffawed as Peter Schmeichel held the fourth official’s board to announce the substitution.Richards turned to Jones and bellowed: “Finally some real funny in the studio.” More

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      UFC chief Dana White suddenly CUT from Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight

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      DANA WHITE has suddenly been cut from promoting Canelo Alvarez’s fight against Terence Crawford. TKO Holdings – who own the UFC and WWE – signed a multi-year partnership to establish a boxing promotion alongside Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.Jon Anik, Turki Alalshikh, and UFC boss Dana WhiteCredit: GettyAs well as a UFC-style boxing league, two super-fights were set to be promoted by TKO and White every year. And Canelo’s blockbuster against Crawford was due to kickstart the partnership on Friday, September 12 in Las Vegas at the Raiders Stadium.Then all of a sudden, Alalshikh told Ring Magazine – which he owns – that the date of the bout was set to change to Saturday, September 13. And he was also considering having the bout move to New York or Los Angeles – opposed to the £1.5BILLION, 65,000-seat Raiders Stadium. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt caused huge confusion with the news the fight would also be under the Riyadh Season banner and on pay-per-view. That suggested White and Netflix were out of the picture – with UFC 320 also set for September 13 and due to clash with the new Canelo date. Now, Alalshikh has confirmed Saudi-based Sela will promote the super-middleweight title decider for Riyadh. A broadcaster is not yet decided but Riyadh Season have an exclusive deal with sports streaming service DAZN – who operate a PPV platform. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNetflix debuted in boxing in November when Mike Tyson controversially came out of retirement aged 58 to fight Jake Paul. And over 100 MILLION tuned in to watch YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul’s points win – causing the stream to crash. Cacace Crushes Wood, AJ & Pacquiao Plot Shock Returns | Split DecisionThe dramatic turn of events leaves White and TKO’s future in boxing up in the air – despite their plans to launch a brand new boxing league. On Monday, May 12 Alalshikh revealed he was flying to New York with White also posting a picture in the Big Apple soon after. SunSport understands Canelo, 34, and Crawford, 37, were also set to join them to film content with Netflix ahead of the bout. But, just a day later and Alalshikh dropped the news that the fight’s date and location was under consideration. White is yet to comment on his apparent removal from the mega-boxing bout and the future of his league. He has partnered with Alalshikh before having held two events in Riyadh in the past. Read More on The SunCanelo beat William Scull, 32, to regain the 168lb undisputed thrown in early May as part of his four-bout deal with Alalshikh. Meanwhile Crawford has not fought since moving up to 154lb to win the WBA title against Israil Madrimov, 30, in August 2024. Terence Crawford facing off with Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul reveals stunning behind-the-scenes talks to fight Oleksandr Usyk after teasing shock world title shot

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      JAKE PAUL revealed he is in stunning behind-the-scenes talks to fight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk after teasing a world title shot. The YouTuber-turned-boxer was called out by the heavyweight king with the two camps now in negotiations. Jake Paul pictured with Oleksandr UsykCredit: @mostvaluablepromotionsBut, Usyk has challenged Paul to a bout in the MMA cage and not the boxing ring. Paul is signed to the Professional Fighters League and eyes an MMA debut next year with Usyk among his options. Accompanied by UFC and boxing legend Holly Holm, he said: “I want to be like Holly here and test my skills in the cage. “That’s something I’m super, super interested in and I think it would be a very, very big spectacle. READ MORE IN BOXING”Nate Diaz is still ducking but we need to find the right opponent, Usyk maybe.” Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian added: “Usyk has called out Jake multiple times in MMA. “They’ve been in touch with us behind the scenes saying they want to do that in 2026. So something we definitely want to pursue.” Bidarian added that the PFL have shown interest in promoting the crossover fight. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut first Usyk, 38, returns on July 19 at Wembley Stadium to rematch Daniel Dubois, 27, who he beat in 2023. And it will be for the undisputed heavyweight titles following the Ukrainian’s two points wins over Tyson Fury, 36, last year. Jake Paul has ‘money fight’ green lit by boxing world champUsyk has warned he has just two fights left and has called out UFC star Alex Pereira, 37, in the past. Paul, 28, meanwhile faces former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, in his next bout on June 28 in California. It comes off the back of his points win in November against Mike Tyson, who controversially made a comeback aged 58. Paul moves back from to cruiserweight after moving up to heavyweight and revealed talks to fight WBC champ Badou Jack. He said: “I’m super interested. I had Nakisa contact his team behind the scenes so those discussions are happening.” It comes after Jack, 41, told SunSport: “It’s a money fight. It’s an easy fight and it’s a money fight So, why not?”Badou Jack is linked with fighting Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Marco Silva won’t be happy with this’ – Moment Fulham star is FLOORED by Adama Traore in dressing room wrestling match

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      FULHAM star Adama Traore went viral for FLOORING team-mate Calvin Bassey TWICE in two dressing room wrestling matches.Traore, 29, and Bassey, 25, locked horns in a friendly bout in front of their team-mates at the Cottagers’ training ground at Motspur Park.Fulham stars Adama Traore and Calvin Bassey wrestled in the dressing roomAnd Traore showcased his monstrous power by slamming Bassey on the concrete floorThe two heavyweights faced off in two rounds that required each participant to pin his opponent’s back on the floor.Traore showed his monstrous strength as he won the first round with relative ease by slamming his opponent on the concrete floor.And Bassey joked later that the result would be different if he just had more “grip”, perhaps in reference to the fact he had sliders on for the first bout.The second round didn’t go any better for the centre-back, who had trainers on by this point, as the winger floored him again in another dominant display that justified his reputation as the Premier League’s biggest powerhouse.Read more on FootballThe friendly bout was met with laughs and cheers from team-mates.And some fans joined in on the fun as they wondered what would happen if manager Marco Silva had walked in.One supporter tweeted: “Marco Silva won’t be happy with this video…”Another commented: “When he [Silva] comes in.. PAUSE.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA further comment read “Bet the manager was p***** they was doing this”While others jokingly advised Traore to consider a career in UFC or MMA.Fulham star Calvin Bassey shows Arsenal fans his bum at worst time possible A fan wrote: ” Lol, [Traore] would’ve had better chances with UFC than with football.”Another said: “His [Traore] agent should call Dana White. A summer UFC fight won’t be bad.”But there were also some Fulham fans who weren’t too impressed with what they saw in the dressing room as they pointed out that could have led to a serious injury.This comes amid the West Londoners’ bid for a rare European qualification as they chase an eighth-place finish, which would lead to the Conference League if Crystal Palace don’t win the FA Cup.One fan tweeted: “What if they get injured in the process?! Who’s paying the wages?”Another commented: “Wrestling on concrete. Great idea…”A third wrote: “Imagine being a pro footballer and you get injured like this…”Fulham star Traore showcased his monstrous strengthBassey joked he would do better if he had more ‘grip’ More

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      Luis Suarez responds to Patrice Evra fight challenge as Man Utd legend gives update on MMA debut

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      PATRICE EVRA has revealed that Luis Suarez could still take up his offer to fight him after announcing his MMA debut.Evra, 43, revealed last week that he would be making his mixed martial arts debut at PFL Europe Paris at the Accor Arena on 23 May.Patrice Evra has called out Luis Suarez for an MMA fightCredit: The Ariel Helwani Show / XSuarez and Evra have history dating back to a racism storm in 2011Credit: ReutersThe Manchester United icon later took to social media to call out former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez to take him on in the ring.Evra and Suarez have a history dating back to their respective days in the Premier League, when the forward was found guilty of racially abusing the defender during a clash at Anfield in 2011.And Suarez, who is still playing professionally with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, hasn’t ruled out settling the score with a fight, according to Evra himself.Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Evra revealed: “I was quite surprised. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I don’t know if it’s true, because I’m always careful, but apparently his manager contacted the PFL. Maybe to come and watch my first fight.”I would be surprised, because to be honest he is still playing football and this is completely different – he could get injured.”But maybe it will happen, maybe not. Like I say, it’s something I’ve asked. If it doesn’t happen it’s not a big deal.”Evra, who retired in 2019 after making over 700 career appearances, went into more detail on why he would want to fight Suarez.Most read in FootballEvra will make his MMA debut at the Accor Arena in ParisCredit: Instagram / patrice.evraLuis Suarez still plays football for Inter Miami in the MLSCredit: ReutersHe explained: “When the PFL asked me who I would like, I said Luis Suárez because I had a beef with him on the back in the day when I was captain of United and he played for Liverpool.”He had some racist abuse. I don’t call him a racist, it’s just that they used some racist words, and I want to do this fight.” ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix… you always have to wait for the next season’, says Man Utd legendAdding: “I think the world wants to see that fight. So I am like, ‘Please accept the offer’.”I don’t know if he would be the first, or the second, or the third fight. But I think the world deserves to see that fight”.Suarez was accused of using “insulting words” towards Evra including reference to the colour of the French international’s skin in 2011.The striker, now 38, was accused of using an offensive term seven times in around two minutes, while Evra had told him he would “punch him” after asking him to repeat what he had said.Meanwhile, Suarez claimed he had used the word once and in a friendly way as is normal in Uruguayan culture, as opposed to the antagonistic way described by Evra.The FA eventually slapped Suarez with an eight-game ban after a two-month investigation and six-day hearing into the incident.After the ban was announced, Liverpool stars were spotted wearing training shirts with Suarez’s name and picture on them during the warm-up in a display of support.Liverpool decided not to appeal the verdict made against Suarez on January 2012, although they maintained the innocence of the forward.Read More on The SunWhen the pair met on the pitch again in 2012, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s hand before a game at Old Trafford, with prompted an angry reaction from the French international.At the end of the game as the players walked off the pitch, Evra went in front of Suarez to celebrate in his face.Suarez was handed an eight-game ban after a two-month investigation into the incidentCredit: ReutersLiverpool stars wore shirts in support of Suarez after the FA announced the banCredit: AFPThe following year at Old Trafford, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s handCredit: GettyEvra then celebrated in Suarez’s face after the gameCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun More