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

    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’

    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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    ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT
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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

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    Eddie Hearn brutally predicts when Anthony Joshua will KO Francis Ngannou to set up undisputed world title fight

    EDDIE HEARN is sure Anthony Joshua will knock Francis Ngannou out in their upcoming fight.And Hearn, 44, is adamant the bout will be over “by the end of the eighth round”.
    Anthony Joshua is set to take on UFC legend Francis Ngannou in a boxing fightCredit: Alamy
    Eddie Hearn is adamant Joshua will knock Ngannou out in the eighth roundCredit: Alamy

    ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT
    UFC legend Ngannou, 37, will cross over to the world of boxing once more after his stunning display against Tyson Fury, when he went the distance and even knocked the Gypsy King down with a powerful punch.
    The Cameroonian went on to lose by a controversial split decision but his performance earned him a bout with Joshua, 34, which will take place on March 8 in Saudi Arabia.
    And Hearn is convinced the Brit will do what Fury couldn’t, and that is knock the MMA hero out.
    He told Matchroom Boxing: “I do [believe Joshua will knock Ngannou out].
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    “I believe that he is going to wear him down and chop him down and by the end of the eighth round this fight will be over.
    “Anthony Joshua will be ready to fight for the undisputed world championship.”
    That undisputed showdown would be against either Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, who will face off for all titles on February 17.
    Joshua has shaken off his two consecutive losses to Usyk with three big wins over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin.
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    His emphatic and dominant victory against Wallin was particularly impressive seeing as the Swede also gave Fury a hard time in 2022.
    The wins have improved Joshua’s record, which now stands at 27 wins and three losses from 30 fights. More

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    Tyson Fury meets Francis Ngannou for first time since huge Saudi showdown as Gypsy King fires brutal jibe at UFC legend

    TYSON FURY went face-to-face with Francis Ngannou for the first time since eking out a win over the boxing novice.The WBC heavyweight champion went the distance with the MMA man-mountain in their much-maligned Saudi showdown last October.
    Tyson Fury locked horns with Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia last OctoberCredit: REUTERS
    Fury was cut and dropped in the fight but beat the ex-UFC champ via split decisionCredit: GETTY
    The pair crossed paths at the Joy Awards in Saudi Arabia last weekendCredit: QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS
    Fury edged out the former UFC heavyweight king via split decision, although his stock suffered a huge black eye as he was cut and dropped in the third round of ‘The Battle of the Baddest’.
    The pair were both in attendance at the Joy Awards in Riyadh last week and embraced one another after crossing paths.
    After shaking Ngannou’s hand, Fury shouted: “He’s a big fella isn’t he?”
    Boxing fans were quick to comment on their meeting, with one saying: “He greets Francis humbly and he steps back.
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    “FRANCIS EDUCATED HIM. HE DON’T WANT THIS SMOKE!!”
    Another said: “Fury’s looking like he has PTSD.”
    And another said: “Fury knows Francis won that fight.”
    One remarked: “Tyson meeting his son.”
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    The pair were all smiles as they shook handsCredit: QUEENBERRY PROMOTIONS
    Another chimed in: “I’m so excited for this rematch after Fury beats Usyk twice.”
    Ngannou, 37, is hoping a rematch with Fury will come to fruition this year – although he’s refusing to hang around for The Gypsy King.
    He told MMA Fighting: “I win this fight and I’m fighting Fury period.
    “Whether or not he has the belt. Our rematch term was within next year, so it’s going to be October this year.
    “I just want to be free and fight, the thing is with the title is this is a system I don’t want to fall into anymore.
    “You have to make a concession with an organisation, I don’t want that political stuff.”
    Fury, 35, will be back in action next month when he bids to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over 25 years when he finally faces Oleksandr Usyk.
    Ngannou, meanwhile, will return to the ring three weeks later for a lucrative showdown with former two-time unified heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua. More

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    I’m an undefeated MMA star but my brothers are making their own way as Man Utd hopefuls

    IBRAGHIM IBRAGIMOV is the undefeated MMA prospect looking to make his way to the UFC – but he could end up being overshadowed by his football-playing brothersThe Russian-born Brit is a perfect 6-0 in his mixed martial arts career and is one of the most highly-touted teen fighters in the UK.
    Ibragim Ibragimov is an undefeated Brit teenage MMA prospectCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60
    The Russian-born Brit has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in the sportCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60
    Ibragimov is 6-0 and on course to become a starCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60
    The 19-year-old could be overshadowed by his football-playing brothersCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60
    Ibraghimov, 19, regularly rubs shoulders with some of the biggest British names in the sport – including former UFC title challenger Darren Till and PFL star Brendan Loughnane.
    The teen sensation is well and truly on track to make it to the UFC – but his brothers could end up becoming bigger stars than him.
    Ibragimov’s younger brothers – Amir and Gazik – are working their way through the ranks of Manchester United’s youth teams.
    Amir, 15, is considered to be one of the best prospects in United’s academy and was recently invited to train with the first team.
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    The midfielder has seemingly already been earmarked for a future leadership role having captained United-14s and Under-15s.
    His displays for the club’s younger teams have seen him rewarded with five appearances for the Under-18s.
    Despite also being held in high regard by the club’s coaches, Gazik, 14, has yet to be called up to train with the senior Red Devils.
    Amir and Gazik are often cheered on by their fighting brother Ibraghim, who proudly shares their highlights and achievements on his Instagram.
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    Ibraghimov’s younger brothers Amir and Gazik play for Manchester United’s youth teamsCredit: INSTAGRAM@AMIR_IBRA7
    Amir and Gazik aren’t the only members of the Ibraghimov family trying to make it at the Premier League giants.
    The duo’s youngest brother Muhammad is also on the club’s books following a move from Manchester City’s academy last November.
    The starlet was proud as punch with his move to United, which he lauded with his near 7,000 Instagram followers.
    Along with a snap of himself holding up a club shirt, he wrote: “Here to create history.”
    Given United’s recent willingness to promote academy stars to the first team and give them starts – Kobbie Mainoo being a testament to the fact – it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that either Amir or Gazik will be handed full debuts in the coming years.
    And who knows, they could by then have a UFC star of a brother cheering them on at Old Trafford.
    Amir has even had a sitdown with club legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: INSTAGRAM@AMIR_IBRA7 More

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    Manny Pacquiao in talks for boxing return in Saudi Arabia with Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor touted opponents

    MANNY PACQUIAO is in talks to make a boxing return in Saudi Arabia – eyeing fights with Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. The Filipino icon retired in 2021 following defeat to Yordenis Ugas but he has continued to tease a comeback since.
    Manny Pacquiao is in talks to make a boxing return in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP
    Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor could be opponents for PacquiaoCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Pacquiao, who been keeping active in exhibition bouts, has met with boxing bosses in Saudi over a return.
    And a rematch with Mayweather – who he lost to in 2015 – or a crossover clash against McGregor would be top of his wishlist.
    Pacquiao’s advisor Sean Gibbons told Betway: “We are having discussions and Manny is talking to his Excellency Turki Alalshikh.
    “Conor McGregor has said he is fighting in the UFC in June so there’s nothing happening at all there, but it can be revisited alongside Floyd Mayweather.
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    “They are fights he could do at 100 years old, off the couch with ease.”
    McGregor, 35, made his boxing debut in 2017 but lost against Mayweather, 46.
    He later held talks with Pacquiao, 45, but a legal dispute between the camps saw the bout collapse.
    Gibbons reiterated that McGregor is currently not an option due to his UFC obligations but the fight remains a fantasy of Pacquiao’s.
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    He said: “In a dream fight, McGregor would be tremendous.
    “Ten years ago, Pacquiao against McGregor wouldn’t have even been competitive but due to the fact Manny is a little older, Conor is still young and really has improved his boxing and gave Mayweather a great run, it would be a great fight.
    “So, with the age factor, he could give Manny a good run but there’s no need to even discuss that fight until after June and see if a real fighter comes around and Manny can fight them.” More

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    OnlyFans star Elle Brooke calls out UFC legends Ronda Rousey and Paige VanZant but first wants to fight Astrid Wett

    ELLE BROOKE wants to fight former UFC stars Ronda Rousey and Paige VanZant in a boxing match.OnlyFans star Elle has been trying her luck at influencer boxing where she boasts a 3-1 record and is set for a rematch against former Love Island contestant AJ Bunker at Misfits Boxing 12 on Saturday.
    Elle Brooke wants to face ex-UFC stars Ronda Rousey and Paige VanZantCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledong
    But first Elle wants to lock horns with OnlyFans nemesis Astrid WettCredit: Twitter / @AstridWett
    Paige has also put together a strong OnlyFans game after leaving UFCCredit: Instagram @paigevanzant
    The model is also looking to face off another nemesis in the adult content world in Astrid Wett, who’s currently top of her list.
    The 26-year-old is then looking to follow in the footsteps of other social media personalities like Jake Paul by crossing paths with former MMA fighters.
    And that is why she would like to face off against UFC Hall of Famer Rousey and former MMA athlete-turned OnlyFans model Paige, whom the Brit wouldn’t mind facing in a bare-knuckle fight.
    Elle told talkSPORT: “A really huge fight like Paige VanZant or Ronda Rousey. Someone like that, but then in between I need that Astrid fight.
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    “I don’t think those fights would ever work without that one because that is the money fight, that could be like a main [event].
    “Nate Diaz has fought Jake Paul and then he’s facing another opponent in a couple of months.
    “I know it’s called influencer boxing but it’s a crossover scene. You can get other fighters into the scene [and] I think that would make sense.
    “I think the only people who have done it are Jake Paul, KSI, and Bryce Hall. I would definitely love to put my name on the map by winning against a real fighter.
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    “Not that I’m underestimating influencer boxers, but someone that is known to be good, tough, and shocking. I want to be a true underdog and come out on top.
    “I would do bare-knuckle. Apparently, it is better for you because it just grazes your face rather than rattle your brain in your head. Sure, I’ve seen people get their teeth knocked out but okay.”
    Rousey is still regarded as UFC’s greatest female fighter of all time as she enjoyed a four-year undefeated streak that saw her winning all 12 of her fights.
    However, the American bruiser picked up her first loss in 2015 against Holly Holm and never managed to bounce back as she went on to suffer another defeat at the hands of Amanda Nunes a year later.
    Rousey is a UFC Hall of Famer who currently competes in professional wrestlingCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Rowdy left Dana White’s promotion that year and crossed over to WWE in 2018 where she went on to dominate the women’s division by becoming RAW and SmackDown Women’s Champion.
    The Baddest Woman on the Planet left the company after SummerSlam in August when she lost to close friend and fellow UFC hero Shayna Baszler.
    The 36-year-old has since been competing in the independent circuit with MMA comrade Marina Shafir, with whom she also appeared in Ring of Honor.
    Rousey hasn’t shown intent to participate in influencer boxing as she is already a major attraction in professional wrestling.
    Meanwhile, Elle is focused on AJ after releasing a bizarre video mocking her rival.
    Inside Elle’s glamorous life as a boxer and OnlyFans star…
    Elle traded in OnlyFans for boxingCredit: PA
    Elle boasts 843k followersCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    She also showed fans a red outfitCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    Elle always embraces the seasons traditionsCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong

    She also recently posed in laceCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    She also posed in a pink lingerieCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledong
    And also embraced yellowCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    The influencer posed with a championship beltCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledong
    Elle recently visited the USCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    Including visiting TexasCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thedumbledong/
    The influencer has posed for several photoshootsCredit: instagram More

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    Tyson Fury set deadline for Francis Ngannou rematch ahead of Usyk fight as ex-UFC champ issues ultimatum

    TYSON FURY has received a deadline for a proposed rematch with Francis Ngannou.The Gypsy King locked horns with the former UFC heavyweight champion in a controversial crossover clash – which was dubbed ‘The Battle of the Baddest’ – last October.
    Former UFC champ Francis Ngannou locked horns with Tyson Fury last OctoberCredit: Reuters
    Ngannou cut and dropped The Gypsy King in the third round of their Saudi showdownCredit: GETTY
    The Predator has set Fury a deadline for their proposed rematchCredit: REUTERS
    But he was left red-faced by the boxing novice as was cut and dropped on his way to eking out a narrow split decision win.
    Ngannou, 37, is hellbent on sharing the ring with Fury again but refuses to hang around forever for a second crack at the Brit.
    While discussing his upcoming showdown with Anthony Joshua, he told MMA Fighting: “I win this fight and I’m fighting Fury period.
    “Whether or not he has the belt. Our rematch term was within next year, so it’s going to be October this year.
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    “I just want to be free and fight, the thing is with the title is this is a system I don’t want to fall into anymore.
    “You have to make a concession with an organisation, I don’t want that political stuff.”
    Before Ngannou can think about throwing down with Fury again, he must first get past former two-time unified champ Joshua.
    Joshua, 34, has breathed new life into his career following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk with wins over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin last year.
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    ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT
    But Ngannou is confident he’ll dramatically halt AJ’s bid to become a three-time champion.
    He said: “I think he’s still the same fighter but that doesn’t mean he can’t lose.
    “He lost to Andy Ruiz and to Usyk. He can still lose by the way.
    “If Joshua takes the punch that Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he is getting up from it.
    “I have heard that he doesn’t have a chin, but we are going to find it.”
    Professional Fighters League pounder Ngannou is so confident of having his hand raised that he’s already thinking of a historic showdown with AJ in Africa.
    He said: “At the end of the day, it’s great stuff for both of us.
    “He could be my brother and I’d still fight him because it elevates us both, it elevates the sport, it elevates the continent.
    “It’s not about a fight.
    “You are not fighting somebody because you hate him, you fight him because it’s a challenge and the fight always elevates both fighters.
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    “Eddie Hearn said a lot of s***, but one thing he said that makes sense is maybe a potential rematch in Africa with Joshua.
    “I think that sounds cool. We will call that Black Excellence.” More