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      Ben Askren trolled for ‘slow’ training video as MMA star is taught how to punch before unleashing on Jake Paul heavy bag

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      BOXING fans believe Jake Paul will have little to worry about after Ben Askren uploaded training footage online.Askren, a former UFC star, is making his debut as a pro boxer when he takes on Youtuber Paul on Saturday.
      Ben Askren was worringly slow in his uploaded training videosCredit: Youtube – Fight Hub TV
      He threw a number of punches on a bag emblazoned with Jake Paul’s faceCredit: Youtube – Fight Hub TV
      Paul, 24, has fought twice previously with KO wins against fellow internet star AnEsonGib and basketball player Nate Robinson.
      And fans believe the American could make it a hat-trick of victories after seeing Askren’s lack of punching power.
      A video posted to Youtube via Fight Hub TV sees the 36-year-old initially being told to throw a couple of combos with some pad work.
      But he appears to lack coordination, power and technique.
      The second clip shows Askren laying into a punchbag with Paul’s face emblazoned on the front.
      The former Bellator champ is later filmed working on the pads but, by this point, fans had seen enough.
      One commented: “This man literally dominated MMA promotions his entire career without knowing how to punch.”
      Another said: “It’s hard to believe someone with so many years of fighting experience as Ben can look like a guy who just stepped into the boxing gym 6 months ago.”
      Boxing fans joked that Askren had never thrown a punch beforeCredit: Youtube – Fight Hub TV

      A third added: “The beauty of Askren’s flat feet is that they compliment his slow hands perfectly.”
      Although some fans believe this could be a ploy by Askren to make Paul head into the ring overconfident.
      One said: “I really hope Ben is doing this to throw Jake off and make him underestimate him.”
      A second wrote: “If Ben is pretending to learn how to throw a normal punch for the first time then he deserves an Oscar. His acting is really really good.”
      Jake Paul vs Ben Askren – Watch LIVE, channel info and start time More

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      Billy Joe Saunders trains at UFC Performance Institute ahead of Canelo Alvarez fight while rival works out in gym

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      BILLY JOE SAUNDERS is training at the UFC Performance Institute during the final preparations for his fight with Canelo Alvarez.The Brit will attempt to unify his WBO super-middleweight crown with the Mexican’s WBC and WBA belts on May 8.
      Billy Joe Saunders is training at the UFC Performance InstituteCredit: Twitter
      Canelo Alvarez is doing the final preparations for the fight at the gymCredit: Instagram / @daznboxing
      The Mexican has been squatting with heavy weights ahead of the bout next monthCredit: Instagram / @daznboxing
      And Saunders’ strength and conditioning coach has revealed the pair have been doing sessions at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas.
      Cameron Goff shared a picture of himself alongside the boxer on Instagram with the caption: “Final preparations underway at the amazing @ufcpi.”
      Saunders’ opponent Canelo traditionally fights in Las Vegas, but their contest is set to be held in Texas due to the coronavirus pandemic.
      Mexican star Canelo is currently busy in training as well after sharing his own video squatting with heavy weights before hitting the bag.
      Fans went wild for the clips on social media, with one commenting: “Canelo looks SHREDDED!”
      Another said: “”RIP Saunders”, while a third added: “Welp, Billy Joe Saunders is dead.”
      Chris Eubank Jr – beaten by Saunders in 2014 – seemingly agrees after he claimed he will wager £10k on a KO defeat for his rival.
      But southpaw Saunders did not hold back in response to the jibe this week, as he hit out at his former opponent.

      He told Behind The Gloves: “At the end of the day, what he should have done was put the ten thousand on himself to beat me if he was that confident.
      “He didn’t, because I beat him. It’s one of them, look he’s desperate isn’t he? He’s just really irrelevant to me.
      “The closest he’s going to get to a fight like this is go and buy a ticket. Sit ringside if you really want.
      “Go and spend you ten thousand, he’s probably going to get about ten thousand to box Marcus Morrison, whatever his name is.

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      “So, spend that money on a ringside ticket, but that’s the closest he’s going to get to an Alvarez fight.”
      Eddie Hearn was recently forced to deny Saunders had ‘ruptured his testicle’ after the Brit went on a social media wind-up last month.
      But the Matchroom promoter did insist that the WBO champ could inflict a first loss on Canelo since he fought Floyd Mayweather in 2013.
      Canelo has also been impressing fans with his work on the bagCredit: Instagram / @caneloteam
      He will attempt to unify the WBC and WBA super-middleweight titles with Saunders’ WBO strapCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Billy Joe Saunders slams Chris Eubank Jr over $10k bet Canelo Alvarez will beat him and wants rival to buy fight ticket More

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      Five fights for Conor McGregor after he CANCELS Dustin Poirier UFC trilogy including Justin Gaethje and Manny Pacquiao

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      CONOR McGREGOR has thrown his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier into doubt after claiming ‘the fight is off’. McGregor, who knocked out the American in 2014, enjoyed a cordial build-up to their rematch in January.
      Conor McGregor was beaten by Dustin Poirier at UFC 257Credit: Getty
      So much so, that he vowed to donate $500,000 to Poirier’s ‘The Good Fight Foundation’, before he himself was stopped to level the series.
      But McGregor was accused of not following up with his pledge, despite revealing he was waiting for details on exactly where the money would go.
      The two have gone back and forth online, which resulted in the Irishman calling off the fight – though it is not yet clear how serious that threat is. The UFC have not commented.
      But just in case, here SunSport lists five potential alternatives for McGregor.
      Justin Gaethje
      The pair were in line to fight in the summer of 2019 until an injury kept McGregor out for the year.
      Gaethje went on to beat Donald Cerrone and Tony Ferguson before losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight title.
      McGregor has a personal feud with the American, after he was called ‘s*** human and parent’.
      It led to McGregor responding: “I am going to f*****g butcher you. Your teeth. I’m going to put them on a f*****g necklace. Speak on my skills as a father? You are f*****g dead.”
      It would leave to a blockbuster grudge match with their styles promising all-action.
      Justin Gaethje has feuded Conor McGregor beforeCredit: Getty
      Michael Chandler vs Charles Oliveira winner
      After Khabib’s retirement was made official, he was stripped of the belt.
      With Poirier preferring a rematch with McGregor, the UFC turned to Chandler and Oliveira to challenge for the vacant belt on May 15.
      With McGregor planning to stay on track for July 10, his starpower could be enough to convince the UFC to put him in with the new champion.
      It would be a stretch for the winner to return so quickly, and harsh on Poirier, but stranger things have happened.
      Chandler also confirmed his interest in the proposal, as he tweeted: “May 15 and July 10…book it!”

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      Nate Diaz vs Leon Edwards winner
      McGregor and Diaz share one of the greatest rivalries in UFC history after their 2016 double header.
      Despite a win for each, a trilogy decider has failed to materialise.
      Diaz recently announced he will return against Leon Edwards, meaning he would be unavailable to face McGregor next.
      But a win for the fan-favourite sets him up perfectly with his old rival, Edwards on the other hand does not have any history with McGregor.
      Having said that, he is the No1 UFC star in England, and could push to sell out Wembley Stadium with The Notorious, which could break an attendance record.
      Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor are yet to have a trilogy boutCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Jorge Masvidal vs Kamaru Usman winner
      Usman again defends his welterweight title against Masvidal, as the rivals headline UFC 261 on April 24.
      McGregor was called out by Masvidal last year as their styles and personalties has the formula for box office success.
      Usman on the other hand offers the Irish star the chance to make history by becoming the first ever three-division UFC champ.
      The 170lb king has traded words with McGregor before and along with his belt it is more than enough to drive demand.
      Whoever wins at the end of the month is a viable option for McGregor, who would again move up to welterweight.
      Kamaru Usman is set to rematch Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261Credit: Zuffa LLC
      Manny Pacquiao
      McGregor made his boxing debut in 2017, losing to Floyd Mayweather in ten rounds – and has since flirted with a return to the ring.
      Himself and Pacquiao – both signed to management group Paradigm Sports – were close to signing to fight each other this year.
      That was until McGregor was beaten by Poirier, and admitted he focussed too much on boxing, with one eye on the PacMan clash.
      Despite that, if The Notorious is in need for a stopgap opponent, no one offers a more lucrative payday than Pacquiao.
      The Filipino icon is currently searching for an opponent too, and offers McGregor the chance to stay active and receive another unprecedented payday.

      Manny Pacquiao was in talks to fight Conor McGregorCredit: AP
      Cormier says Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier’s ‘bad blood’ is back More

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      Dillian Whyte wants to make sensational UFC switch to challenge Francis Ngannou for heavyweight title

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      DILLIAN WHYTE is ready to switch to UFC to fight Francis Ngannou for the heavyweight title.The Bodysnatcher is firmly back in the world title hunt in the noble art after getting his revenge against Alexander Povetkin with a fifth-round KO.
      Dillian Whyte might finally get a world title shot – in UFCCredit: Dave Thompson Matchroom Boxing
      Whyte fancies a crack at UFC heavyweight king Francis NgannouCredit: Getty
      But his calls to finally fight deposed WBC champ Deontay Wilder appear to be falling on deaf ears in the American’s camp.
      And speaking to talkSPORT, the Brixton-based brawler is ready to swap the ring for a cage.
      His promoter Eddie Hearn teased a two-fight deal last year against Ngannou – and even suggested Anthony Joshua fancies it too.
      But Whyte, who started as a kickboxer, seems first in line for the sensational switch.
      He said: “Imagine me going and winning the UFC heavyweight championship.
      “I’d be the first boxer to ever do that and, with the stage of my career that I am, I can do that.
      “As the interim heavyweight champion, going and winning the UFC undisputed heavyweight championship, I am definitely up for that.”
      Matchroom boss Hearn has still not given up on the idea of the historic cross promotion alongside the UFC between Ngannou, 34, and Whyte, 32.
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      Hearn said: “I love Francis NGannou. We almost had a presser with Dillian Whyte and him, but the UFC shut that down after we taped it.
      “We do have the footage, though. I would love to see a double match-up with Ngannou and Dillian Whyte.
      “One in the cage and one out of it.”
      Before deciding to take up boxing, Whyte competed in both kickboxing and MMA.
      He beat a man called Will Riva in 2009 to win the WPKL British kickboxing title.
      Dillian Whyte admits he would love to smash Deontay Wilder’s face in More

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      Floyd Mayweather set to fight Henry Cejudo as UFC ace claims ‘it’s on, we’re working on HUGE deal’ in social media taunt

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      BOXING champ Floyd Mayweather is set to fight Henry Cejudo in his next bout.The retired UFC star tweeted the news in the early hours of this morning, describing Mayweather as an ‘Olympic bronze medallist’.

      Mayweather, 44, eased to victory in his 2018 exhibition against MMA star Tenshin NasukawaCredit: EPA
      There will always be speculation about Mayweather’s future after he retired from professional boxing in 2017 with an unbeaten 50-0 record.
      But rumours have escalated during the last week after the 44-year-old posed with UFC chief Dana White on Instagram, posting the caption: “We’re working on a huge deal!”
      And now Cejudo is claiming he will fight the boxing icon, posting a mocked up image of the two with the caption: “It’s going down! The Triple C Vs The Olympic bronze medallist.”
      His comment is in relation to the bronze medal Mayweather won at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 before he turned professional, disregarding his outstanding boxing record.
      The American won world titles at five weight classes and defeated many legends, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao.
      Cejudo, meanwhile, is an Olympic champion, winning the men’s freestyle wrestling at the 2008 games.
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      Cejudo, 34, is a former UFC and Olympic championCredit: Getty

      It is unclear whether the fight will be a boxing match, although that would be a safe bet considering Mayweather’s reputation in the ring.
      And it is likely to be an exhibition as Cejudo has never boxed professionally.
      The 34-year-old, who has won countless medals in professional wrestling, is a former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion.

      Cejudo’s tweet about the potential bout was mocked by many as current UFC star Belal Muhammad responded with laughing emojis.
      Mayweather has fought one exhibition since his retirement, embarrassing MMA star Tenshin Nasukawa in their 2018 scrap.
      He is set to fight Logan Paul later this year, despite the YouTube star being SIX inches taller.
      Logan Paul reveals five reasons he can beat Floyd Mayweather More

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      Ex-Man Utd wonderkid Ravel Morrison left with huge bruise on arm after MMA training session with UFC star Lerone Murphy

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      FAILING to make the grade at Old Trafford might have bruised his ego – but Ravel Morrison is now getting battered for real after starting MMA.The ex-Red Devils wonderkid is without a football club and showed off a huge bruise on his arm after beginning sessions in the octagon with UFC star Lerone Murphy.
      Ravel Morrison showed off his war wounds from MMA training
      Man Utd graduate Morrison has swapped the pitch for the octagon
      The midfielder last appeared for ADO Den HaagCredit: Getty
      Morrison cancelled his contract with Dutch side ADO Den Haag in January.
      And the 28-year-old has not been holding back in training, as he keeps fit with close pal and featherweight fighter Murphy.
      The midfielder is on the look-out for his 12th club since leaving Manchester United in 2012, having been tipped for greatness after making his debut aged 17.
      Morrison played in the same FA Youth Cup-winning side as Paul Pogba, but didn’t make the cut and was shipped out to West Ham nine years ago.
      Morrison has been in talks with Championship and LaLiga clubs as he bids to get back into first team action, following spells with Sheffield United, Middlesbrough, Ostersunds, Lazio and others.
      Huddersfield confirmed they were considering signing the Jamaica international.
      And last month he started training with Sheffield Wednesday with a view to a potential free transfer to aid the struggling Owls’ season.
      Sir Alex Ferguson lauded Morrison’s ability as a teenager and said he was on a par with club icons Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes at the age of 15.
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      The legendary United boss made the remark in a text sent to Rio Ferdinand who hosted Morrison on his YouTube channel in February.
      The former England defender revealed he was close to tears upon hearing Ferguson’s testimony.
      Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel FIVE: “Sir Alex Ferguson texted me this morning and said you was on a par with Scholes and Giggs at 15. He’s never seen anything like it.”
      BT Sport pundit Ferdinand then read out another message from Fergie which said: “Rio, my first and last impression of Ravel as a young lad was that he has always got time and space, always available to be on the ball, so unusual for a young lad of his age.

      “Give my regards to him please. Another thing about Ravel which I’ve always treasured, because no other young player who made their debut did this.
      “After the first game in the first team that he played, the next morning he came into my office and gave me a letter, thanking me for giving him his debut.
      “I was gobsmacked Rio. The boy had a good heart, he was just beaten by his background.”
      And Morrison opened up about his regrets saying he would change 90 per cent of his life if he could.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ravel Morrison reveals he used to steal boots from Man Utd dressing room to sell and feed his family More

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      Ben Askren says ‘almost impossible to tell’ if Jake Paul is a good fighter as ‘level of his competition was so low’

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      BEN ASKREN reckons it is ‘almost impossible to tell’ if Jake Paul is a good fighter because his level of competition ‘was so low’. Paul has won both his fights by knockout since turning pro in January 2020.
      Ben Askren reckons it is ‘almost impossible to tell’ if Jake Paul is a good fighterCredit: Getty
      YouTuber Jake Paul is 2-0 as a proCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But those have come only against online rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and ex-NBA star Nate Robinson.
      His biggest challenge comes on April 17, against retired UFC welterweight Askren.
      And the former Olympic wrestler admitted he is still in the dark about what to expect, having seen Paul untested in his boxing career.
      Askren, 36, told The Metro: “We haven’t seen anything.
      “The level of his competition was so low that it was almost impossible to tell if he is actually good at this.
      “If there is one thing people respect about all fighters it’s the toughness to deal with adversity in battle and we have not seen that out of him.
      “I don’t think he was hit hard by either one of those guys. They were so incredibly terrible at boxing. So we haven’t seen anything out of him yet.”
      Askren was considered one of the best talents outside of the UFC before he finally signed with Dana White in 2018.

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      He divided opinions due to his wrestling-based style, and hung up his gloves after just one win and two losses in the UFC.
      But as Askren heads into his unprecedented boxing match with Paul, 24, he finds himself in an unusual position – as the more popular headliner.
      He said: “I didn’t realise how much people didn’t like Jake Paul until I tuned in and started listening to what people were saying about him.
      “At best for me, it’s like 50 percent positive comments and 50 percent negative comments.
      “That’s my persona. But everyone freaking hates Jake Paul.
      “One of the things you have to realise about prize fighting is that the more recognition and scrutiny you can bring to yourself, the faster you are going to move up the ranks.
      “When you look at the job, you have to look at all parts of the job. Is part of the job being good at fighting? Absolutely.
      “But a part of the job is also figuring out how to promote yourself so you can advance much quicker.”
      Watch Ben Askren train with legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach as ex-UFC star prepares for Jake Paul fight More

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      Anthony Joshua cleared to face Francis Ngannou but Eddie Hearn prefers two-fight boxing and UFC deal with Dillian Whyte 

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has been given the green light to fight Francis Ngannou – but Dillian Whyte is first in line for the UFC champion. Ngannou first set his sights on a boxing career aged 22 but, after moving to France, he instead embarked on an MMA career as it was easier to find fights.
      Anthony Joshua has been given the green light to fight UFC champ Francis NgannouCredit: Instagram
      Francis Ngannou is the current UFC heavyweight championCredit: Getty
      Fast-forward 12 years and Ngannou is the UFC heavyweight king after knocking out Stipe Miocic.
      But he has not given up hope of reaching the boxing summit, and recently called to fight Tyson Fury, 32 and Joshua, 31.
      AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn is on board and threw out the possibility of UFC legends Amanda Nunes or Cris Cyborg challenging Irish boxing champion Katie Taylor.
      Hearn told SiriusXM: “AJ wants to be the best, but he also wants to do different things once he meets his goals.
      “So a fight with Francis Ngannou isn’t impossible. Just like Katie Taylor vs Cyborg or Nunes, potentially.”
      Hearn last year had plans for Whyte, a former European kickboxing champion, to face Ngannou in a two-fight deal.
      It would have seen one bout in the ring and the other in the cage, as both have experience in the rivalling sports.
      Hearn even filmed an explosive online press conference between the pair, but it never aired as the UFC were not aware of the recording.
      Dillian Whyte was in line to fight Francis NgannouCredit: Dave Thompson Matchroom Boxing
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      The promoter has still not given up on the idea of the historic cross promotion alongside the UFC between Ngannou, 34, and Whyte, 32.
      Hearn said: “I love Francis NGannou. We almost had a presser with Dillian Whyte and him, but the UFC shut that down after we taped it.
      “We do have the footage, though. I would love to see a double matchup with Ngannou and Dillian Whyte.
      “One in the cage and one out of it. Ditto for Taylor and Nunes.”
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