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      Jake Paul sends $1MILLION offer to ‘bully’ Sean Strickland for live sparring session… with bizarre tattoo on the cards

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      JAKE PAUL has sent a million-dollar offer for a live sparring session with “bully” Sean Strickland.The YouTuber-turned-boxer laid down the cash after a video went viral of UFC ace Strickland fighting a streamer named Sneako during training.
      Jake Paul has offered Sean Strickland $1million dollars for a live sparring sessionCredit: AP
      Strickland has fired back with an offer of his ownCredit: Getty
      The former middleweight champ, threw some big shots against the rattled novice before the one-sided clash was broken up.
      But Paul, who has won eight of his nine pro fights and fights Ryan Bourland in March, was left incensed by what he had seen.
      He laid down an offer worth one MILLION dollars for a sparring session with Strickland.
      And Paul also threw getting a cheeky tattoo into the mix.
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      He tweeted: “Sean Strickland you’re embarrassing for trying to stop Sneako like that.
      “You weren’t even able to drop someone with no experience while going all out. You’re a horrid boxer that only picks on inexperienced people.
      “I’ll fly you to [Puerto Rico] and we can fight on camera… if you win I’ll give you $1million (half your net worth).
      “But if get dropped you have to get Betr [Paul’s betting company] tattooed on you.”
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      This led Strickland, who has won 28 of his 34 pro MMA fights, to reply: “You lost to a part-time boxer (Tommy Fury). Lmao, don’t forget that. But yes lol.”
      Paul then said: “I hate bullies, I was bullied and then was the bully sometimes in my YouTuber days.
      Watch Jake Paul in training for next fight against Ryan Bourland
      “But now all my energy is focused on Boxing Bullies and helping the youth. But when I see someone like Strickland constantly bullying people, it’s time to bully back.”
      Strickland was not in the mood for Paul’s comments though.
      He fired back with a brutal offer of his own, saying: “Real talk, jokes aside, Jake Paul is an utter f*****g joke.
      “You box small retired old MMA fighters and you sell sugar water to kids. If it were legal I’d take your f****** life with a smile on my face. Is there any place on this earth I can take this man’s life and walk?
      “Actually Jake I’ll make you a better deal because money can’t buy happiness and you have plenty of it and you’re still a c***.
      “No cameras, me and you in a desert. That would buy my happiness. No Instagram, no likes, no games. Just you that’s what I want.
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      “I wish we can go back to the days where s*** people would just die. Our founding fathers would’ve murdered him long ago legally. Instead you have to listen to them talk on Twitter across the country.”
      But Paul had the final say, adding: “Constantly talking about killing people, calling them scumbags or wishing them to die bc they don’t agree with your opinion reeks of insecurity, not of being a confident man.” More

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      Francis Ngannou will BEAT Anthony Joshua and become world ‘CHAMP’ by end of 2024, says ex-UFC champion

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has been tipped to take over the boxing world this year – by becoming a world champion.The UFC’s former heavyweight king turned the combat sports world upside down last October with a stunning display in his narrow defeat to Tyson Fury, whom he cut and dropped in their Riyadh rumble.
      Francis Ngannou locks horns with Anthony Joshua in a Saudi showdown next monthCredit: REX
      Ngannou goes into the contest on the back of a stunning display against Tyson FuryCredit: GETTY
      Former UFC champ Rashad Evans reckons Ngannou will win a world title in boxing by year’s endCredit: GETTY
      Ngannou, 37, will bid to go one better when he faces Fury’s Brit rival Anthony Joshua in a second successive lucrative Saudi showdown on March 8.
      The MMA man mountain’s chances of upsetting the former two-time unified heavyweight champ have been written off by many.
      But not by former UFC light-heavyweight king Rashad Evans, who reckons The Predator can reach the pinnacle of the sport by year’s end.
      During an interview with Give Me Sport, he said: “I mean, it’s hard for me to put anything past Francis, man.
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      “That performance and now he’s gonna be fighting Anthony Joshua. I mean, I think he’s gonna do it.
      “I made a prediction at the end of [2023] and I said, ‘I think that Francis Ngannou is gonna be a heavyweight boxing champ by the end of the year.'”
      Ngannou faces arguably a stiffer challenge in Joshua than he did in Fury, who recently saw his undisputed heavyweight fight with Oleksandr Usyk postponed.
      But he’s confident of derailing AJ’s hopes of becoming a three-time world champion with a vicious knockout victory.
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      ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT
      During a recent appearance on the High Performance Podcast, the Cameroonian clubber said: “Never say never.
      “Nothing is impossible. We don’t know the strength of Anthony Joshua.
      Francis Ngannou undergoes brutal strength and condition training session for Anthony Joshua showdown
      “Even though I don’t believe he has that strength, we’re going to find out.
      “In two months, we’re going to find out. I’m going to be the one taking his soul.”
      Joshua, who got his career back on track with three wins on the bounce last year, is refusing to overlook Ngannou after seeing him come agonisingly close to pulling off one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
      He said: “If Tyson underestimated Ngannou, I sure won’t.
      “Francis has lost the element of surprise with me.
      “We knew Francis had a reputation as the biggest puncher in the world but the surprise was how well he boxed.
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      “He was exceptional on the inside and made life very complicated for Tyson.
      “So much so that I do belong to the opinion that he beat Fury.” More

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      Manny Pacquiao officially OUT OF RETIREMENT and ready to face Conor McGregor in blockbuster Saudi showdown

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      MANNY PACQUIAO is officially out of retirement – and he’s targeting a big-name opponent for his ring return.The former eight-weight world champion hung up his gloves in September 2021 a month after losing his WBA welterweight title fight with Yordenis Ugas.
      Manny Pacquiao retired from boxing a month after losing to Yordenis UgasCredit: GETTY
      Pacman returned to the ring in December 2022 for an exhibition against DK YooCredit: GETTY
      The former eight-weight champ is out of retirement, according to his managerCredit: GETTY
      Pacquiao, however, took part in an exhibition bout against South Korean DK Yoo in December 2022 and is set to face Muay Thai legend Buakaw in a second in April.
      The 45-year-old recently teased a rematch with long-time rival Floyd Mayweather, which his manager Sean Gibbons has added fuel to by claiming the pride of the Philippines is no longer a retired fighter.
      He told Boxing Scene: “Technically, he’s out of retirement.”
      Pacquiao, according to Gibbons, plans to stick around for one more year and is targeting some of the biggest names in the sport.
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      He continued: “He would love to fight Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia. He’s got about a year left.
      “He just wants to fight. Manny feels that he’s in tremendous shape.
      “He’s training for this exhibition but hopefully that will lead to something bigger and better.”
      A lucrative showdown with former UFC champion Conor McGregor has been on the cards for the best part of three years but has yet to materialise.
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      Pacman was on the receiving end of a callout from the MMA mogul last December, with The Notorious challenging him to a lucrative showdown in Saudi Arabia.
      And a crossover clash with the UFC’s poster boy is something Gibbons insists Pacquiao is more than up for.
      “I do [see a pro return for Pacquiao],” he said. “One of the fights that people talked about for a long time was Manny Pacquiao versus Conor McGregor.
      “That’s something that will be sensational in Saudi Arabia, let’s go. It will be a good place to do it. It’s really simple.
      “His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, [the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia], loves big events.
      “And he’s putting on the best events.
      “It’s a very intriguing and fun fight bringing two of the biggest names together in combat sports.”
      McGregor, 35, hasn’t fought since breaking his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021 but will be welcomed back to the octagon by Michael Chandler later this year.
      Manny Pacquiao is open to fighting UFC superstar Conor McGregor this yearCredit: GETTY
      Conor McGregor is set to face Michael Chandler in his UFC this yearCredit: UFC More

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      Conor McGregor accused of not taking Michael Chandler ‘seriously’ as ex-boxing champ fears UFC star will get ‘beat up’

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      CONOR McGREGOR has been accused of not taking Michael Chandler “seriously” – which could lead him to a brutal beating.McGregor is set to make his long awaited UFC return against Chandler despite the fight not yet being officially confirmed.
      Conor McGregor pictured in December in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      Michael Chandler is expected to fight McGregorCredit: 2023 Zuffa LLC
      He raised eyebrows when he took to social media to claim he would face the American on June 29 at middleweight.
      That would be two divisions above his last fight weight and a jump of over TWO STONE.
      So retired former boxing world champion Carl Froch questioned McGregor’s commitment to the fight.
      Froch told Lord Ping: “Conor McGregor won’t be taking the fight that seriously if he fights at the higher weight class.
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      “It’s indication to me that he won’t be taking Chandler seriously in training and when you don’t prepare properly, he could end up getting hurt.
      “The mindset is not going to be right and he’s going to be unprepared and it could be really dangerous if he’s not training – he’s going to get beat up and knocked out or tapped out.”
      McGregor recently celebrated the trailer release of his Hollywood debut, starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in a Roadhouse reboot.
      But he also posted training footage to assure fans he is on track to fight for the first time since July 2021.
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      The Irishman, 35, has been sidelined since breaking his leg in the first round against Dustin Poirier, 34.
      And his return remains in doubt after UFC president Dana White shot down his claim of fighting in June.
      He said: “When Conor’s ready to fight, you know we’ll announce it. That’s what we do.”
      The historic UFC 300 card, set for April 13 in Las Vegas, is still without a headliner and McGregor hinted he will be the man to take it.
      He posted online: “McGregor on 300 seals the deal.”
      And Chandler, 37, replied: “I accept. See you soon.”
      McGregor facing off with ChandlerCredit: 2023 Zuffa LLC More

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      Conor McGregor invited to make brutal bare-knuckle boxing switch after UFC superstar strikes deal with BKFC

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      CONOR McGREGOR has been invited to make a switch to brutal bare-knuckle boxing after striking a sponsorship deal. McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout is now partnered with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
      Conor McGregor with BKFC founder David FeldmanCredit: BKFC
      The Irishman himself talked up the idea of one day taking the gloves off for a brutal bout with exposed fists.
      In 2017, he crossed over to the boxing ring to face Floyd Mayweather, losing in ten rounds but making around £100million in doing so.
      The UFC gave McGregor special permission to do so and co-promoted the money-spinning spectacle.
      So it leaves BKFC founder David Feldman refusing to rule out the 35-year-old stepping into the world of bare-knuckle boxing.
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      He told SunSport: “Look, theoretically he can’t because he’s under contract with the UFC and we actually have a great relationship with the UFC.
      “But I think Conor plays by a different set of rules any maybe there’s a way to partner on an event, who knows?
      “But as far as us doing it by ourselves, I don’t think that ever happens. But maybe a collaboration? It could happen, he likes it.”
      McGregor was ringside in April when his former opponents Eddie Alvarez, 40, and Chad Mendes, 38, fought at BKFC 41.
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      Later that night, ex-UFC star Mike Perry, 32, defeated Luke Rockhold, 39, and McGregor jumped in the ring afterwards for a face off.
      Feldman said: “They’d both stand there and bang and Mike Perry talks good, Conor talks good and it wold be really, really fun to watch.
      “There’s a lot of guys out there too. A lot of guys in the UFC that would be fun; Justin Gaethje, he would be really fun to watch here.
      “I think Conor versus Mike Perry, the whole world would tune in.”
      McGregor paraded around with a BKFC championship belt and squared up to their biggest star in Perry.
      And it gave Feldman quite possibly the greatest bit of marketing possible.
      He said: “It’s huge and since that time we were able to sign a deal with him for his Forged Irish Stout, which is now a sponsor of ours.
      “He’s going to be an ambassador and it was a great thing. He liked what he saw, it’s had not to like it if you’re a real fighter.
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      “It’s hard not to get excited about it and he got excited about it. Now it’s turned into a good relationship.
      “It’s amazing, you’ve got the number one combat sports guy in the whole entire world who likes your product and want to be involved with you in some shape or form.”
      Mike Perry squaring up to Conor McGregorCredit: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship More

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      I fought Manny Pacquiao and Canelo but my toughest opponent was ‘the drunken master’ whose record didn’t show his skill

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      DESPITE conquering Manny Pacquiao and Canelo Alvarez in his legendary career, neither were Floyd Mayweather’s toughest opponent. Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor in what would have been deemed his easiest night’s work.
      Floyd Mayweather retired unbeaten at 50-0Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      But he had iconic wins over the likes of Pacquiao, Canelo, Oscar de la Hoya, Miguel Cotto among several more.
      Although it was the eccentric Emmanuel Augustus who Mayweather named as his most difficult rival.
      He told Fight Hype in 2012: “Emmanuel Augustus was my toughest opponent.
      “His record didn’t show his skill-set, but the guy was unbelievable.”
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      Mayweather beat Augustus on points in 2000 but struggled to deal with the maverick American’s movement.
      Augustus got the nickname ‘The Drunk Master’ for pretending to be intoxicated during bouts while boxing in an unorthodox fashion.
      He boxed up until 2011 and retired with a record of 38 wins, 34 losses and six draws.
      But Mayweather was full of praise for Augustus in his post-fight interview right after beating him.
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      He said: “He’s a true warrior, a true champion.
      “Before the fight, I heard he had got robbed [by bad decisions] a lot of times – and I believe that’s true.”
      Mayweather, 46, retired at 50-0 after beating McGregor, 35, but he has continued to box in exhibitions since.
      Floyd Mayweather beat Emanuel Augustus in 2000Credit: YOUTUBE -Top Rank Boxing More

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      Conor McGregor releases boxing sparring footage and drops biggest hint yet he WILL fight Michael Chanlder at UFC 300

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      CONOR McGREGOR dropped the biggest hint yet that he WILL fight Michael Chandler at UFC 300 – all while releasing sparring footage. The Irishman has been eagerly awaiting confirmation of his return, having been out the cage since July 2021.
      Conor McGregor facing off with Michael ChandlerCredit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
      And with a UFC 300 headliner yet to be announced for April 13, fans were hoping it would mark McGregor’s comeback.
      Now, the former two-weight champion has teased the news supporters around the world have all been waiting for.
      He posted on X, formerly Twitter: “McGregor on 300 seals the deal.”
      Chandler, his expected opponent, replied: “I accept. See you soon.”
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      McGregor, 35, has not fought since breaking his leg in the first round against Dustin Poirier, 34.
      He last year coached reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter alongside Chandler, 37, with the two expected to face each other afterwards.
      That never came to fruition, putting the bout in doubt.
      But before the new year, McGregor took to social media to claim he would fight Chandler on June 29 at middleweight.
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      UFC president Dana White was quick to shut down the announcement by saying: “When Conor’s ready to fight, you know we’ll announce it. That’s what we do.”
      White did suggest McGregor will fight in 2024 but did not commit to revealing when.
      He told SportsNet: “So McGregor will be back this year – possibly him and Chandler. We’ll see how this whole thing plays out.”
      McGregor recently celebrated the release of his Hollywood debut, starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in a Roadhouse reboot.
      But he assured fans that training is still resuming behind the scenes and gave a glimpse into his sparring.
      McGregor shared rounds of boxing footage at the Crumlin Boxing Club, where he first began training aged 12. More

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      UFC champ offers Anthony Joshua help in training to fight MMA star Francis Ngannou and says ‘give me a call’

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      TOM ASPINALL has offered to help Anthony Joshua in preparation to fight Francis Ngannou. Joshua faces the MMA star on March 8 in Saudi Arabia just five months after Ngannou’s controversial loss to Tyson Fury.
      Tom Aspinall has offered to help Anthony Joshua in sparringCredit: Getty
      Anthony Joshua fights MMA star Francis Ngannou on March 8Credit: Getty
      And Aspinall – the UFC’s current interim heavyweight champion – would be happy to spar AJ in the build up to the crossover clash.
      He told Matchroom Boxing: “If [Joshua] needs help, give me a call and I’ll be there.
      “Boxers are used to fighting boxers, so they know the patterns of a boxer.
      “The patterns, movement and thought process of a boxer. In MMA we’re doing different stuff than a standard boxer would.
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      “We’re throwing different shots from different angles and that’s something an MMA fighter, I’m not saying just me, could definitely help out AJ with.”
      Ngannou, 37, walked out on the UFC last year to cross over to the ring to fight Fury, 35, in October.
      He sensationally dropped the Gypsy King on his boxing debut but suffered a controversial split-decision loss.
      Ngannou instead returns against Joshua, who Aspinall warned must acclimatise to the unpredictability of facing an MMA fighter.
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      He said: “If you get standard boxers in that have been boxing since they’re ten years old, they’re going to move and have the same thought process as every other boxer.
      “As MMA fighters our patterns are different, movements are jerkier and the way we defend is different to a boxer.
      “I’m not going to tell AJ what to do, but it would be definitely recommended to get a decent level MMA fighter in as a sparring partner.”
      Joshua and Ngannou facing offCredit: AFP More