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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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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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