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      Deontay Wilder’s loss to Joseph Parker could pave way for shock MMA switch after talks for never-before-seen fight

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      DEONTAY WILDER’S £100million deal to fight Anthony Joshua looks to have been KO’d – but it has opened the door to a shock MMA switch. The pair of former world heavyweight champions had signed to meet in a March 9 blockbuster in Saudi Arabia.
      Deontay Wilder after his December defeat to Joseph ParkerCredit: Getty
      Wilder had been expected to beat Parker and set up a fight with AJCredit: Getty
      But it was axed after Wilder suffered a loss to Joseph Parker, 31, just moments before AJ stopped Otto Wallin, 32.
      So the American is now left to reconsider his options following defeat – but Joshua was not the only super-fight on the table.
      Wilder had held talks with MMA promotion The Professional Fighters League, who last year prised Francis Ngannou away from the UFC.
      Discussions were ongoing for the boxing star to meet Ngannou in the middle with a never-before-seen hybrid fight of mixed rules in an MMA cage.
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      And PFL CEO Peter Murray insisted the loss to Parker does not kill the deal – it in fact only aids it.
      Murray told SunSport: “We had a number of conversations and conversations are ongoing.
      “I think despite Deontay’s loss, I believe it’s now a great opportunity for Deontay to take on a new challenge in MMA and modified rules to get these two hardest-hitting fighters in a cage together.
      “I think that’s a fight that fans would absolutely get up for and for both Francis and Deontay, I think it’s a real conversation.”
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      Murray hopes Wilder, 38, could now look for a fresh start altogether with his boxing career facing uncertainty.
      He said: “It’s a great opportunity for Deontay to take on a new challenge.
      “He’s a great fighter, despite the loss, he’s a great fighter, a great boxer and he has interest to get into a modified rules MMA fight.
      “I think this gives everybody the opportunity and flexibility to take it on.”
      Ngannou is yet to debut with the PFL having instead crossed over to boxing in October to fight current WBC champ Tyson Fury.
      And he astonishingly dropped Fury – only to lose a controversial decsion.
      With Joshua, 34, also forced to look elsewhere, Ngannou, 37, has been touted as a potential opponent for that March 9 date.
      And Murray confirmed the Cameroonian will fight in both the cage and ring this year – which will mark his anticipated PFL debut.
      He said: “It will definitely be in 2024.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Francis has announcements coming in boxing and in MMA. You’ll be hearing from us in the coming weeks on that.”
      Francis Ngannou knocked down Tyson Fury despite losing on pointsCredit: GETTY
      Anthony Joshua has been linked with fighting NgannouCredit: Getty More

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      Francis Ngannou changed my life with ‘unbelievable’ payout after Tyson Fury fight, reveals UFC legend’s coach

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU shared the wealth after his lucrative fight with Tyson Fury. The UFC legend shocked the boxing world after he pushed Fury all the way when the pair came to blows in October.
      Francis Ngannou earned himself a big payday after his bout with Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
      Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, left, has revealed that he was paid a life changing amount of money by the fighterCredit: instagram @eric_xcmma
      Ngannou was reportedly very well paid for his professional boxing debut with the 37-year-old said to have earned around £8.7MILLION.
      And the incredible sum didn’t just change his life, but also the life of his coach for the fight, Eric Nicksick.
      The Cameroon-born fighter has been coached by Nicksick since 2018 and certainly thanked the American for his help after the fight.
      Nicksick revealed that Ngannou’s generosity following his split-decision loss to Fury has flipped his life upside down.
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      Speaking to MMA Junkie, he said: “It was the most money I’ve ever been paid by a fighter – it was unbelievable,
      “It was more than I expected. Obviously, Francis has always taken great care of me, but it floored me.”
      Boxers are generally understood to pay coaches anywhere between five and 20 per cent of their earnings following a fight.
      And whatever figure it was that Ngannou gave Nicksick it certainly left him grateful for the changes it allowed him to make.
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      He went on to say: “When I saw my Wells Fargo account that morning, it literally brought me to tears.
      “That’s a true story. Literally brought me to tears because he changed my life – not only from a professional standpoint, but a monetary standpoint.
      “It allowed me a lot of financial freedom. To allow me to be able to enjoy my coaching, enjoy being a dad and a husband,
      “And I get to take my kids to Park City this weekend, for my daughter’s 16th birthday. It helped us buy a new car.
      “There’s a lot of things with Francis moving over to boxing, and the way he takes care of his team.
      “He loves every single one of us and he shows it. He takes care of us, and I couldn’t thank him enough.” More

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      Tyson Fury is ‘regretful’ over Francis Ngannou fight and ‘took it lightly’ but rematch with ex-UFC star remains on cards

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      TYSON FURY is “regretful” over his fight with Francis Ngannou and “took it lightly” leaving a rematch on the cards. Fury was dropped by the ex-UFC champion – who was making his ring debut – in their Saudi Arabia crossover clash in October.
      Francis Ngannou knocked down Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
      The Gypsy King escaped with a controversial split-decision win but his title unification with Oleksandr Usyk was delayed from December to February 17.
      But Todd DuBoef of Top Rank – who promote Fury – revealed a rematch with 37-year-old Ngannou remains possible.
      DuBoef told Sky Sports: “That’s an earned ability to get the rematch. He earned that.
      “His performance dictated that, ‘Woah, he has a chance. We never thought he had a chance’ and in that situation I think absolutely.
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      “I think Tyson is regretful. He blamed himself. He thought he had an off night.
      “He said: ‘I took it lightly. It was all on me.’ Didn’t point fingers, which was good.
      “Ngannou outperformed anybody’s expectation and as a result of that you have all the components to say, hey, I want to see this again and that creates and warrants a rematch.”
      Fury, 35, and Usyk, 36, are set to contest for all four world titles – a first in heavyweight history.
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      And the rivalry could extend over two bouts with the deal believed to include a rematch clause.
      DuBoef said: “I’m not a big rematch fan. I just think that it kind of takes the prize out of the prizefight.
      “It [the use of rematch clauses] is a new phenomenon that’s come in the last probably decade and a half.
      “So I’m not a big rematch fan but you have to understand that there are rematch clauses in fights and it’s more of the norm today.”
      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk facing offCredit: Reuters More

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      Conor McGregor releases statement teasing ‘big announcement’ alongside Cristiano Ronaldo photo as fans call him ‘King’

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      FANS are even more intrigued by Conor McGregor’s Saudi meet-up with Cristiano Ronaldo after the UFC icon teased a “big announcement”.Irishman McGregor shared a picture of himself next to the football legend at the huge boxing event where Anthony Joshua crushed Otto Wallin.
      Conor McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo had a fascinating exchangeCredit: Getty

      McGregor suggested a big opportunity for himself is coming soonCredit: Getty
      Photos of the former two-weight UFC king, 35, chatting to 38-year-old Ronaldo have already amused fans – with the Al-Nassr striker looking bored at times but also comparing their expensive wristwatches.
      It all left fans wondering: What’s going on with Con ‘n Ron?
      McGregor, however, found a far happier image of their get-together in Riyadh for Instagram – as the pair roared with laughter.
      And he added the words: “Legendary evening of Boxing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia! BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING. @turkialalshik @cristiano.”
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      Interestingly, the first of those two tags was for Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh.
      And in an interview at the same “Day of Reckoning” extravaganza, McGregor hinted he may face Manny Pacquiao, 45, in the ring.
      He lost his only previous bout, the 2017 “Money Fight” with Floyd Mayweather.
      McGregor also claimed he was getting frustrated with UFC over talks for a return to Mixed Martial Arts following two years out.
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      But he remains under contract to the organisation – a fact that complicates negotiations over boxing again.
      One fan called McGregor the “king” and another suggested his social media snap with Portugal’s ex-Manchester United hero Ronaldo was of “two goats”.
      But other followers insisted McGregor has much to do to earn such a title – making his upcoming announcement even more fascinating.
      McGregor and Ronaldo ‘enjoyed’ a big night of boxing in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Reuters More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo reveals boxing is only his THIRD favourite sport as he sits next to Conor McGregor for Joshua v Wallin

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has revealed that boxing is only his THIRD favourite sport.Ronaldo, 38, is one of football’s biggest and most iconic names.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed boxing is his third favourite sportCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo led celebs attending the Day of ReckoningCredit: Getty
      But tonight he was seen taking a break from the Saudi Pro League season by attending the blockbuster “Day of Reckoning” boxing show.
      The Al-Nassr ace was pictured ringside while wearing a jazzy green Gucci jacket.
      And while seated he was asked by a Queensberry Promotions official whether boxing was his second favourite sport.
      In response, he simply said: “Third!”
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      Past comments from the Portugal legend suggest his second favourite sport is actually very similar to boxing.
      Ronaldo previously suggested that MMA and UFC were high on his list of sports to sit down and watch.
      Speaking in 2020, he said: “Playing football is my passion, but I prefer watching other sports on TV.
      “Between watching a football match or a boxing or UFC fight, I choose boxing or UFC.”
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      He also revealed he has dabbled in boxing for his training, believing it to be beneficial to sharpening his senses.
      Ronaldo added: “When I was at Manchester United, a coach boxed with me.
      “I think practicing boxing is useful for football because it sharpens your senses and you learn to move.”
      Ronaldo was not the only celebrity in attendance tonight.
      He was later joined by MMA star Conor McGregor.
      And the pair were seen deep in conversation and sharing a laugh as they compared watches.
      However, some fans believed Ronaldo was “terrified” of his interaction with him.
      Tonight’s boxing is being headlined by Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin.

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      Joshua vs Wallin viewers in hysterics as TNT Sport cameras spot Cristiano Ronaldo looking ‘terrified’ of Conor McGregor

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      BOXING fans were in stitches as they saw Cristiano Ronaldo looking “terrified” of Conor McGregor.The global football icon was seated next to the outspoken Irishman to watch Anthony Joshua’s blockbuster bout with Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.
      Conor McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo were seated next to each other in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      But fans reckon football legend Ronaldo was terrified of the IrishmanCredit: Getty
      Manny Pacquiao was called out by McGregor once againCredit: AFP
      Cameras panned to the pair ringside, just as UFC legend McGregor was aiming a rant at a Saudi boxing boss, about old rival Manny Pacquiao.
      But viewers on TNT Sport were more interested in the incredibly uncomfortable Ronaldo..
      McGregor ranted: “I love Manny, tell Manny to grow a set of balls. Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight.
      “Why not? It’s his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight he should let me use more of my weapons.
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      “I should be able to kick, I should be able to grapple. Shouldn’t that be fair? Say it to him, is he a man or a mouse? Is Manny a man or a mouse?”
      He signed off his demands by sharing a laugh with Ronaldo – but fans were convinced the Manchester United was petrified deep down.
      One said: “Ronaldo is terrified of him.”
      Another added: “Ronaldo looks terrified.”
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      While airline Ryanair chimed in too, joking: “Middle seat vibes.”
      Pacquiao signed with Paradigm Management, who also represent McGregor, in 2020, to set up a potential bout between them.
      But PacMan would later be embroiled in a legal dispute with Paradigm, which he lost in May.
      Pacquiao, 45, was ordered to pay $5.1 million (£4m) after he fought Yordenis Ugas, 36, without Paradigm’s involvement.
      He retired after the loss but the Filipino hero has talked up a comeback ever since.
      McGregor, 35, has not returned to the ring since his 2017 loss to American Floyd Mayweather, 46.
      And he needed special permission from the UFC to cross over to the ring and break out of his contract.
      McGregor has refused to rule out another boxing match in the future having struck up a relationship with the Saudis.
      Read more on The Sun
      He joined Pacquiao in Riyadh in October when ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, controversially lost to Tyson Fury.
      And McGregor was back out in Saudi with Ronaldo, 38, to watch as Joshua topped the bill against Wallin.
      Roberto Duran, McGregor, Mike Tyson and Manny PacquiaoCredit: @MannyPacquiao More

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      Conor McGregor flies to Saudi Arabia in private jet as UFC star prepares to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo ringside

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      CONOR McGREGOR took a private jet to Saudi Arabia as he prepares to join Cristiano Ronaldo ringside to watch Anthony Joshua. AJ returns in Riyadh against Joseph Parker on the same night Deontay Wilder faces Joseph Parker.
      Conor McGregor took a private jet to Saudi Arabia
      The UFC star is out to watch Anthony Joshua
      McGregor boards the jet in a stylish blue suit
      The Irishman travels in style
      A win for the pair of former world heavyweight champions sets them up for a blockbuster back in Saudi in March.
      McGregor was in attendance for AJ’s last fight in August when he knocked out Robert Helenius at the O2 Arena.
      A month later, he was invited over to Tyson Fury’s crossover clash with ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou.
      And he watched as Ngannou, 37, dropped Fury, 35, but lost a controversial points decision.
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      The fight caused Fury’s undisputed title decider with Oleksandr Usyk, 36, to be postponed to February 17.
      So Joshua, 34, and Wilder, 38, stepped in to co-headline and again the stars are out in Riyadh.
      McGregor, 35, travelled in style as he strutted across a runway to board his private jet wearing a sharp blue suit.
      And he will be seated next to football icon and Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 38, in the front row.
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      Ronaldo took his seat next to promoter Frank Warren dressed in a green Gucci jacket.
      And McGregor was not far behind him as as he showed off his custom-made suit which had dollar bills printed on the back.
      He told Queensberry Promotions: “We’ve got the dough on the back!”
      McGregor soon took his seat next to Ronaldo and the multimillionaire pair were all smiles and even compared their watches.

      Ronaldo took his seat ringsideCredit: Getty
      The Manchester United legend with promoter Frank WarenCredit: Getty
      The sports stars reunited at the boxingCredit: Getty
      McGregor and Ronaldo sharing wordsCredit: Getty More

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      Conor McGregor jets to Saudi Arabia for massive Day of Reckoning boxing showdown as UFC legend plots 2024 return

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      UFC megastar Conor McGregor is jetting out to Saudi Arabia to attend tonight’s blockbuster ‘Day of Reckoning’ event.The epic card is co-headlined by heavyweight fighters Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, while a host of other top names will also be in action.
      Conor McGregor has confirmed he is returning to Saudi Arabia for ‘Day of Reckoning’Credit: Getty
      Anthony Joshua will face Otto Wallin in the co main event in the Middle EastCredit: AFP
      AJ will take on Swede Otto Wallin while the Bronze Bomber is facing Joseph Parker.
      And should Joshua and Wilder both emerge victorious as expected, then they look set to lock horns in the Middle East early next year.
      Meanwhile, Brit heavyweight Daniel Dubois will battle Jarrell Miller with tensions already high after an explosive weigh-in yesterday.
      Dmitry Bivol meets Lyndon Arthur, Jei Opetaia fights Ellis Zorro and Agit Kabayel will be looking to shock the world and beat Arslanbek Makhmudov elsewhere on the bumper card.
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      And McGregor has confirmed that he will be in Saudi to watch all of the action after confirming it on social media.
      Tagging Chairman of General Authority for Entertainment Turki AlAlShikh in the post on X, formerly Twitter, he wrote alongside a Saudi and crown emoji: “See you there, @Turki_alalshikh!
      “Thank you for my invite once again to the Kingdom, I cannot wait!”
      It is not the first time that 35-year-old McGregor, who is rumoured to be returning to the octagon at UFC 300, has been ringside for the boxing in Saudi.
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      He was also in attendance for the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ to witness Tyson Fury secure a controversial win over UFC legend Francis Ngannou in October.
      And that was after he had joined a host of other sporting superstars at a ‘World Champions Lunch’ the day before that fight.

      🥊ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASH🥊 More