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    Cristiano Ronaldo tipped for stunning career change after retirement and has ‘attributes you need’

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    CRISTIANO RONALDO has been tipped to become a FIGHTER by Francis Ngannou.The MMA legend held the UFC heavyweight world title before switching to boxing.Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to switch goals for knockoutsCredit: GettyFrancis Ngannou thinks CR7 has the attributes to become a fighterCredit: GettyThe pair have struck up a friendship in recent yearsCredit: Instagram @francisngannouNgannou went up against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia over the last two years, which led to him rubbing shoulders with Al-Nassr star Ronaldo.They are now close friends and Ngannou told Sportsbook Review that CR7, 40, has what it takes to step into the ring once he hangs up his boots.He said: “[Ronaldo] loves combat sports. I think Cristiano is the kind of guy that maybe when he was younger you could have said doesn’t have the attributes to be a player. “But he’s such a hard-worker, disciplined and focused on what he wants. READ MORE IN SPORT”I think he has the attribute that you need to become a fighter. Dedication and discipline.”We have a very good relationship. I went to Saudi for the first time two years ago and I had the opportunity to meet Cristiano.”He was in the pool with his family and we were there for like 45 minutes just chatting next to the pool and stuff – it just felt very genuine.  “We looked like people that knew each other for a very long time but it was the very first time. It was one of those times you have to pinch yourself. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”From then we picked it up on DM’s on Instagram and then he asked for my number.”Ngannou loves football just as much as Ronaldo enjoys watching MMA and boxing, with the Cameroonian recently getting the VIP treatment at Al-Nassr and Manchester United games.Francis Ngannou tackles Andre Onana to floor moments after Man Utd’s win over Bodo-GlimtHe joined compatriot Andre Onana on the pitch after their Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt earlier this season and was spotted play-fighting with the goalkeeper.On what the future holds for Ngannou, he said: “I will do boxing next. I’m not done with boxing. “It’s not that MMA is easy – it’s the sport that I understand better and I have more experience in – but I say go for boxing.” More

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      Anthony Joshua called out by former UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer who went viral for brutal KO after just 36 SECONDS

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has been called out by bare-knuckle boxer Ben Rothwell – following his 36 SECOND knockout. Rothwell had 53 MMA bouts – including an 11 year stint in the UFC. Anthony Joshua has been called out by bare-knuckle boxer Ben RothwellCredit: GettyRothwell is a bare-knuckle championCredit: GettyBut he signed for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in 2022 and has won all four of his bouts. Rothwell, 43, became BKFC champion after knocking out Mick Terrill, 41, in 36 seconds and now wants a run at regular boxing. He told Ariel Helwani: “Right now I’m a free agent, I very much love the BKFC, I love David Feldman and I would like to continue, even finish my career here.”How much time have I got? Maybe a year or so, it really depends. But Francis Ngannou, Anthony Joshua, guys who beat them guys. READ MORE IN BOXING”To put the gloves on and prove how good at boxing I am would very much be a bucket list. “I just don’t feel like I’ve ever gotten to show the boxing world how good of a boxer I am.”Ngannou, 38, walked out on the UFC to pursue boxing in 2023. He dropped Tyson Fury, 36, on his debut only to lose a controversial split-decision.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNgannou then faced Joshua, 35, last March but he was brutally knocked out in two rounds. The ex-UFC champ then returned to the MMA cage in October – beating Renan Fereira, 35, in the PFL. Tyson Fury WILL still fight Anthony Joshua and they’ll even be friends after, says British champ in shock predictionJoshua meanwhile was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, in September and has not returned since. And Rothwell wants to showcase his skills in both the boxing and BKFC ring. He said: “Right now the BKFC and UFC fans just say I’m a brawler. “They don’t understand my precision, they don’t understand how capable I truly am but if I got to fight one of them that would be a huge opportunity for me to show the world how good I really am.”Before I am done fighting, I want to bring as much respect to this belt as possible. “If I have to step away for a fight I think the BKFC would back me. I believe we’re going to get something figured out and I will defend this belt.”Rothwell left the UFC for BKFCCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Jake Paul pauses Conor McGregor feud as UFC star and YouTuber link up for Donald Trump’s inauguration

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      JAKE PAUL and Conor McGregor have put their trash talk on hold ahead of a potential grudge match later this year.The pair were snapped together on Monday ahead of President Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington DC. Conor McGregor has stunned fans by posing alongside the Paul brothersCredit: Instagram @JakepaulThe trio are in Washington DC to attend President Trump’s inaugurationCredit: Instagram @JakepaulPaul was joined by his brother Logan and his mum Pam Stepnick on their way to the ceremony. The suited-up trio shared a snap with Jake’s 4.7million followers on X – and fans were stunned to see McGregor seated behind the two brothers. Jake captioned the snap: “Inauguration going great.” One fan gasped in response: “I cannot believe what I’m seeing.”READ MORE ON JAKE PAULAnother said: “Never thought I would see a picture like this, with all the beef over the years.”YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 28, and MMA star McGregor, 36, have regularly traded online barbs over the past few years. Reports emerged last month The Notorious had agreed to fight Jake after originally sounding out a bout with Logan, 29.But Jake called The Notorious out last month for trying to back out of the showdown, describing McGregor as “washed.”Most read in BoxingFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA fight between the pair has been brewing for the best part of four years.Jake started his pursuit of what could be a mammoth payday with the former UFC champion in late 2020.Conor McGregor Trains Amid Logan Paul Boxing Match RumoursHe taunted McGregor in a series of online videos, which included sick jibes at the Irishman’s fiancee Dee Devlin.The pair have traded several other jabs over the years, with McGregor blasting Jake’s chaotic bout with boxing legend Mike Tyson last year. McGregor attended Trump’s victory rally on Sunday and rubbed shoulders with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Posting on social media, the UFC star wrote: “Honour to be in Washington, D.C., to support @realDonaldTrump the newly elected leader of the free world, and to stand with the 13 families who lost their loved ones at Abbey Gate.”Inside McGregor’s Notorious lifestyleWith more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been an enthralling watch.McGregor’s trip to the USA comes after he lost a civil court case over claims he assaulted a woman in a Dublin hotel room.Nikita Hand accused the Irish mixed martial arts fighter of “brutally raping and battering” her after a Christmas night out in December 2018. McGregor claims he had consensual sex with Hand.A jury in the civil case ordered McGregor to pay her nearly £207,000 in November. Following the decision, The Notorious wrote on X: “I will be appealing today’s decision.”The judge’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed.”I am with my family now, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide.” More

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      UFC boss Dana White breaks silence over talks of huge £400m fight between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul

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      DANA WHITE has broken his silence amid reports of a boxing fight between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul. McGregor was the first to reveal he was in negotiations for an exhibition against the YouTube star in India.Dana White broke his silence amid reports of a boxing fight between Conor McGregor and Logan PaulMcGregor first revealed talks to fight Logan PaulCredit: @TheNotoriousMMALogan Paul ruled himself out of the boutCredit: SplashThe Ambani family – worth £77BILLION ($96bn)- were behind the idea and believed to be paying the pair £200m ($250m) EACH. But now UFC president White has shot down the reports and insisted McGregor’s next bout will be in the UFC octagon. He said on the Pardon My Take podcast: “No. Hopefully Conor McGregor returns in the fall.” The Irishman has not fought since July 2021 – breaking his leg in round one against Dustin Poirier.READ MORE IN BOXINGMcGregor, 36, was set to return in June against Michael Chandler, 38, until a toe injury forced him out. He has since been in a legal fight against Dublin woman Nikita Hand. McGregor was found civilly liable for assaulting Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.He has also vowed to appeal the decision. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMcGregor sent social media into a frenzy when he posted: “I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed.”I will then seek my return to the Octagon.”Conor McGregor Trains Amid Logan Paul Boxing Match RumoursMukesh Ambani is the richest person in Asia and 9th richest in the world – making his fortune through his Reliance Industries company. The business  interests in petrochemicals, oil and gas, telecom, retail, media and financial services.Paul, 29, also teased a bout with McGregor online before pledging his future to the WWE. It sparked the likes of KSI, 31, and Tommy Fury, 25, to then call out the former UFC champion. KSI and Tommy Fury both called out McGregorCredit: PA More

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      Conor McGregor plays football for his pub’s team and puts in crunching tackles but also nearly scores from 30 yards out

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      CONOR MCGREGOR flew into crunching tackles and came close to scoring a screamer as he swapped the octagon for the football pitch. The UFC legend shocked fans by lining-up for pub team Black Forge FC yesterday.Conor McGregor swapped the octagon for the football pitchCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaHe played on the left-wing for Black Forge FCCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaThe Irishman flew into crunching tacklesCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor ended up booting another playerCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor donned the No11 shirt for the side named after the pub he owns in Dublin called the Black Forge Inn.The 36-year-old appeared to play on the left-wing as footage of him in action went viral on social media.He used his physical presence and aggression to good use, holding off defenders and putting in flying challenges.In one of the clips, McGregor is beaten to the ball and falls to the floor before bouncing back up and steaming into another tackle with his studs showing.READ MORE IN SPORTAnd after avoiding booking, he later goes for a volley from a set-piece but ends up booting an opposition player’s stomach in true MMA style.The match against Harding FC in the United Churches Football League finished 1-1.But McGregor could have been the hero when he came close to scoring from 30 yards out.The Irishman latched onto a long ball over the top of the defence and he tried an audacious half-volley that cannoned off the top of the bar.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it was not all good from McGregor, who did trip over the ball after receiving a short pass from a team-mate. Fans loved his performance, with one saying: “The type of tackles I would expect him to make.”Another joked: “Can see why he picked fighting.”A third wrote: “McGregor playing footy is the funniest thing ever.”Inside McGregor’s Notorious lifestyleWith more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been an enthralling watch. More

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      Jake Paul identifies three ‘extremely good’ opponents in the frame for MMA debut amid talks to rematch boxing rivals

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      JAKE PAUL has three names on a list of potential MMA opponents. The YouTuber-turned-boxer is 11-1 in the ring and most recently beat 58-year-old heavyweight great Mike Tyson in November. Jake Paul has three names on a list of potential MMA opponentsAnd already Paul is back in training for his next bout – but behind the scenes talks are ongoing for an MMA switch. The American is signed to the Professional Fighters League – where he and promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian share equity.Bidarian – who once served as Chief Financial Officer for the UFC – is working with Paul to pin down an MMA opponent. PFL founder Donn Davis told SunSport: “Nakisa has three names that he’s focused on. READ MORE ON JAKE PAUL”I don’t want to share those because I don’t think that’ll help, Nakisa and Jake get those done. They’re really good at that. “So I don’t think it’s one name. I think there’s a group of three that would be extremely good and they’re working on this.”Paul, 27, signed for the PFL just one month before losing to Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023 which is his first and only defeat. He has won five times since, most recently against Tyson which attracted controversy amid their huge age gap. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut over 100 MILLION tuned in live on Netflix – with Paul’s commercial success in the boxing ring so far delaying a switch to MMA. Nate Diaz, 39, who was beaten by Paul in their August 2023 boxing bout was linked with an MMA rematch worth £10million.Francis Ngannou set for boxing return in 2025 with Tyson Fury rematch and Deontay Wilder fight targetedFury was also approached for a two-fight deal that included bouts in both the cage and the ring worth £15m.And while talks with potential opponents continue, Davis expects this year will mark Paul’s debut in the PFL cage. He said: “Jake has been so successful at boxing that that’s delayed his MMA. No question about it. And I think 2025 will be the year.”We thought 2024 would be the year, but it was just so much success forthcoming in boxing.”I don’t think you could have seen the cultural phenomenon of the Tyson fight coming, and that really took over 2024.”So, I’m pretty confident 2025. But it’s also about the right opponent. At one point the Diaz opponent was set up and things didn’t happen.”So it’s opponent-driven, but I think this is the year.”Mike Tyson was beaten on points by Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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      Francis Ngannou set for boxing return in 2025 with Tyson Fury rematch and Deontay Wilder fight targeted

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU is in line to fight in boxing and MMA in 2025.The heavyweight returned to the cage in October – following a three year absence from MMA. Francis Ngannou could rematch Tyson FuryCredit: ReutersNgannou had walked out on the UFC in 2021 to pursue boxing while also signing with rivals the Professional Fighters League. The PFL permitted their star signing to box – setting up two mega-money bouts in Saudi Arabia against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. And PFL founder Donn Davis revealed Ngannou is expected to fight in the ring and cage this year.Davis told SunSport: “He’s considering two options; one boxing, one MMA.READ MORE IN BOXING”I believe he’ll box once in 2025 and he’ll do MMA once in 2025. What order will be determined really by the opponents and the opportunities. “And we’re thinking about the same way. So I think it’s too early to tell. Is it boxing and then MMA? Or MMA then boxing? “But he’ll do one of each in 2025.”Ngannou, 38, made his boxing debut in October 2023 against Fury, 36, who was the WBC champion and unbeaten at the time. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Fury was sensationally dropped in the fight before winning a controversial split-decision. Ngannou then faced Joshua, 35, in March 2024 but was brutally knocked out in two rounds. Jake Paul identities three ‘extremely good’ opponents in the frame for MMA debut amid talks to rematch boxing rivalsIt set up his return to MMA which he won against Renan Ferreira, 35, in one dominant round. Ngannou has continued to keep the door open to a boxing return and was recently linked with a fight against Deontay Wilder.Wilder, 39, is coming off two losses but is set to return this year after snubbing retirement. And Davis warned not to rule out Ngannou facing the American or rematching Fury. He said: “I think he’s open to either one. But if I knew, I wouldn’t breach my confidence on his boxing stuff.”What I know about Francis is A, he’s very, very smart, and B, he really doesn’t have any fear, as some other fighters do.”They prefer things over other things, and I know that from when we talked to him about fighters on the MMA side, he’ll say, ‘That guy’s much harder match up for me.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”That guy stylistically could be difficult for me, but he never says, ‘I prefer versus I prefer.'”He just thinks this could be easier or harder or more difficult or you’d have to train differently, but he’s open to everything.”Deontay Wilder is coming off two lossesCredit: Getty More

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      Tommy Fury calls out Conor McGregor for huge boxing match and tells UFC legend ‘don’t waste your time’ with KSI

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      TOMMY FURY has urged Conor McGregor to snub a fight with KSI and step in the boxing ring with him instead.The brother of former world heavyweight champion Tyson called out McGregor amid talk of the Irishman swapping UFC for boxing.Tommy Fury has called out Conor McGregor for a fightCredit: GettyThe Irishman is looking to swap UFC for boxingCredit: GettyNotorious is yet to fight in MMA since his 2021 defeat to Dustin Poirier.And after growing impatient with Dana White, McGregor has now turned his sights to a new sport.Last month he revealed an agreement to fight YouTuber Logan Paul in a celebrity match in India.But yesterday fresh reports emerged casting doubts over Paul’s involvement.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe influencer has become a big player in the world of WWE.And following the sport’s major move to Netflix, Paul is now considering devoting all his time to wrestling.That has left a void to fill, with fellow influencer and Paul’s former boxing opponent KSI offering to step in.He tweeted McGregor yesterday: “Let’s make this a reality.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut now, pro boxer Fury reckons he should get a money-spinning shot instead.Dismissing KSI’s credentials, the former Love Island star reached out to McGregor on social media.Logan Paul Teases Conor McGregor Fight AnnouncementKSI has offered to fight McGregor in the boxing ringCredit: PAA bout with Logan Paul appears unlikely now with the ace focusing on WWECredit: GettyAnd he told the Dubliner that if he wants a proper scrap, he knows where to find it.Fury said: “Don’t waste your time with beaten fighters.“Fight the man who’s beaten them all and still has his 0. I’ll be waiting…”Fans reacted with delighted to Fury’s proposal.One said: “We want to see that fight.”Another declared: “Watch out Tommy.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Make it happen.”Another added: “Fight Jake Paul instead.” More

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      KSI throws his hat in the ring to fight Conor McGregor with Logan Paul rumoured to be OUT of mouthwatering clash

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      KSI has announced he wants to fight Conor McGregor if Logan Paul pulls out of the clash.Last month McGregor revealed he has held talks over a fight with Paul in India.KSI wants to replace Logan Paul as Conor McGregor’s next opponentCredit: RexMcGregor is rumoured to be fighting Paul in IndiaCredit: AFPBoth fighters could earn £200m for the boutCredit: GettyA few days later he then suggested the clash – which is set to be financed by Indian billionaire Anant Ambani – was on the brink of being announced.Both men would be set to earn a whopping £200million ($250m), but there are now doubts over whether Paul will take part amid rumours he wants to focus on WWE.Rumours then began to circulate claiming KSI could step in for his Prime business partner, which the YouTuber confirmed.He said: “Not rumoured. I’m very down.”READ MORE IN BOXINGKSI then shared a mock-up fight promotional poster featuring himself and McGregor.He wrote a caption alongside which read: “Let’s make this happen @TheNotoriousMMA.”However McGregor is still focused on fighting Paul and this week shared a message for the YouTuber.The Irishman shared a photo of his potential opponent and warned: “I’m coming.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport understands negotiations over the bout are in the exploratory phase and neither the UFC nor the WWE are at the table.The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is being lined up to host the crossover clash, which will reportedly be in conjunction with the ‘Visit India’ tourism campaign.KSI tells SunSport about his next fight, Donald Trump drinking Prime and Arsenal’s chances of winning the league More