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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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    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

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    Francis Ngannou launches stinging attack on Tyson Fury over next fight and fumes ‘I don’t give a s***’

    FRANCIS NGANNOU insists Tyson Fury owes him a rematch – and he’s willing to forego a crack at undisputed glory to get it.The former UFC heavyweight champ embarrassed The Gypsy King in his professional boxing debut last October, dropping him in the third round of their Saudi showdown.
    Francis Ngannou locked horns with Tyson Fury last OctoberCredit: REUTERS
    The former UFC champ shocked the world by dropping and going the distance with FuryCredit: Getty
    Ngannou insists Fury ‘owes’ him a rematchCredit: REUTERS
    Fury eked out a controversial split decision victory over the boxing novice to preserve next month’s undisputed heavyweight title fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
    Ngannou is expected to be ringside for the historic clash but won’t pursue former pound-for-pound Usyk if he hands the Brit his first professional loss
    The MMA man-mountain told TMZ: “I’m not looking for the winner of Tyson Fury [and Usyk]. “I’m looking for Tyson.
    “Tyson owes me a fight. I don’t give a s*** about the winner of Usyk and Tyson.
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    “I’m coming after Tyson. Win or lose, I want Tyson.”
    Ngannou, 37, will return to the ring in March for a lucrative Saudi showdown with former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua
    The Cameroonian clubber is relishing the Riyadh rumble but admits the element of surprise won’t be in his favour come fight night.
    He said: “He’s seen me box already, so he knows a little bit what is coming after.
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    “Unlike Tyson Fury, that was out of the blue, didn’t know what to expect. Joshua kind of knows what to expect.
    “I think this time I need to put it up even more to get the job done.”
    That being said, the Professional Fighters League pounder believes he has what it takes to emphatically thwart AJ’s hopes of becoming a three-time heavyweight champion.
    During an appearance on The MMA Hour, he said: “Eddie [Hearn] is a promoter, that’s a routine for him.
    “He says the same thing all the time, just not about Francis Ngannou but somebody else.
    “That’s just what he does. The date is set.
    “It’s two months from now, and if any of them think they’re going to have easy money, that’s too bad for them.
    “If AJ takes the punch that Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he’s standing up.
    “I’ve heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I’m going to find out.” More

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    Eddie Hearn undergoes brutal 72 hour fast that transformed UFC chief’s body as promoter unveils healthy diet plan

    EDDIE HEARN underwent the same brutal 72 hour fast that transformed Dana White – before getting back to healthy eating. UFC president White last year went 86 hours without food, lasting with only water and claimed he felt like a “superhero”.
    Eddie Hearn underwent a brutal 72 hour fastCredit: David Venni / Men’s Health UK
    UFC president Dana White transformed his body
    Now boxing promoter Hearn – who recently featured on the cover of Men’s Health – has followed up with a three-day fast.
    He tracked his progress on Instagram before finally feasting at 7.30pm after living off just water and electrolytes.
    Hearn posted: “Job done! 72 hour fast complete. Feel good and was a good mental challenge!”
    The man behind Anthony Joshua’s career then shared his healthy diet plan.
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    It consisted of 500ml detox drink, green veg in spinach and broccoli as well as sweet potato and avocado.
    Hearn also had some coconut protein balls, a protein shake, peri chicken, a chicken curry and a coconut banana cookie.
    The 44-year-old recently embarked on a demanding ten-week workout programme to get in shape and now feels better than ever.
    He told Men’s Health UK: “When I wake up in the morning, I go into the bathroom and I get a glimpse of myself and go, ‘F**king hell yeah,’ and that’s good enough.
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    “That makes me feel great for the day.”
    Hearn’s outlook has completely changed as he focuses on improving his fitness even further.
    He added: “Right now, physically, I feel better than I’ve ever felt in my life, and I’m 44 years old.
    “I’m excited to see what’s going to happen in six months, what’s going to happen in 12 months, what’s going to happen in three years.”

    Read about Eddie Hearn’s workouts on the new Men’s Health app, available to download now.

    Hearn featured on the cover of Men’s HealthCredit: David Venni / Men’s Health UK More

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    Francis Ngannou vows to KO Anthony Joshua as UFC legend pinpoints why Brit is an ‘easier’ fight than Tyson Fury

    FRANCIS NGANNOU has vowed to knock out Anthony Joshua – believing it will be an easier night’s work than against Tyson Fury. Ngannou put his MMA career on hold last year to cross over to the boxing ring for a fight with the Gypsy King.
    Francis Ngannou fights Anthony Joshua nextCredit: AFP
    Joshua and Ngannou will meet in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP
    And the boxing debutant astonishingly floored Fury, 35, but failed to keep him down before losing a controversial decision.
    But Ngannou, 37, claimed he will not make the same mistake of letting Joshua, 34, back up when they share the ring in March.
    He said on The MMA Hour: “I think most likely [I will] knock Anthony Joshua out. I think that he’s easier to go down than Fury.
    “That was my first fight in boxing. As anyone, I’m just improving, and the gap of improvement for a beginner like me, it’s huge.
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    “I’m just a beginner improving. No one still knows what I can do. Not that he’s not a strong fighter.
    “He’s a very tough fighter, but he’s easier to send down than Fury, and it’s harder for him to get back up than Fury.
    “If AJ takes the punch that Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he is getting up.
    “I have heard that he doesn’t have a chin, I am going to find out.”
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    Joshua was expected to face Deontay Wilder, 38, until the American was stunned by Joseph Parker, 31.
    So AJ was forced to look elsewhere for a blockbuster bout and fell on the ex-UFC champion, who praised for British star for his last win over Otto Wallin. 32.
    Ngannou said: “He looked amazing. Congratulations to him. He was doing his job properly. His speed was there.
    “He looked sharp, very sharp, but on the other hand, I think there wasn’t a response in front of him.
    “I think I will have a better response in front of him that will put him not in such comfortable positions and situations.
    “I think he’s still the same fighter, that doesn’t mean he can’t lose. I’m intending to hand him a loss. Things will change.
    “Things will be different. I will not stand there and just look at him. It’s going to be different.
    “I’m going to throw some bombs out there, and he’s going to be mindful of what he’s doing.” More

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    UFC legend announces shock comeback just weeks before 50th birthday despite admitting he has brain damage symptoms

    UFC legend Mark Hunt has announced plans to make a comeback – despite previously admitting he has brain damage symptoms. Heavyweight Hunt – who turns 50 in March – is an icon in New Zealand with a storied kickboxing and MMA career.
    Mark Hunt celebrates his win over Sonny Bill Williams in 2022Credit: Getty
    But he has not fought since November 2022, when he became the first to defeat All Blacks star-turned boxer Sonny Bill Williams.
    Now, Hunt revealed he is looking to make a return in 2024.
    He said on Instagram: “I’m looking forward to a good new year this year,’ Hunt said in a video message.
    “[In] 2024 I’m looking at fighting again, three or four [fights] maybe. I’m taking some offers.
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    “It’s especially a challenge at my age. I’m going to be 50 this year, but looking forward to the challenge and financially it will be great.”
    Hunt has also opened the door to a move into bare-knuckle boxing.
    He commented on the post: “3 fights and I will take the belt.”
    Hunt had 29 MMA fights, nearly 50 kickboxing bouts and four in the boxing ring.
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    And in 2017, Hunt admitted to suffering from brain damage symptoms.
    He said: “My body is f****d but my mind is still here.
    “I’ve still got my senses about me and I know what’s right and wrong, which is the main thing.
    “Sometimes I don’t sleep well. You can hear me starting to stutter and slur my words. My memory is not that good anymore.
    “I’ll forget something I did yesterday but I can remember the s*** I did years and years ago.
    “That’s just the price I’ve paid – the price of being a fighter.”
    Hunt has been fighting since 1999, and has competed as a boxer, a kick boxer, a wrestler and a MMA fighter. More

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    Anthony Joshua receives chilling warning from Francis Ngannou who claims Brit ‘doesn’t have a chin’ ahead of Saudi clash

    FRANCIS NGANNOU has vowed to give Anthony Joshua’s chin a good test in their shock showdown.The former UFC heavyweight champion will throw down with the golden boy of British boxing in a lucrative March melee in Saudi Arabia.
    Anthony Joshua will be back in action in Saudi Arabia in MarchCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING
    AJ will face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis NgannouCredit: GETTY
    Ngannou has vowed to hand AJ his second professional stoppage lossCredit: PA
    Ngannou, 37, bagged the Riyadh rumble with AJ on the back of a stunning display against Tyson Fury last October, in which he dropped the Gypsy King.
    And The Predator is confident the left hook that floored the WBC heavyweight king will put AJ out for the count.
    During an appearance on The MMA Hour, the Cameroonian clubber said: “If AJ takes the punch that Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he’s standing up.
    “I’ve heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I’m going to find out.”
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    Long-time AJ promoter Eddie Hearn was critical of Ngannou’s boxing skills prior to his shock display against Fury, who eked out a split decision victory over the MMA man mountain.
    The Matchroom Boxing chief has somewhat changed his opinion, although he believes Ngannou will be “easy work” for Watford warrior AJ.
    Ngannou, however, plans to give both men a rude awakening with another shock display in Riyadh.
    He said of Hearn’s comments: “Eddie is a promoter, that’s a routine for him.
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    ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT
    “He says the same thing all the time, just not about Francis Ngannou but somebody else.
    “That’s just what he does. The date is set.
    “It’s two months from now, and if any of them think they’re going to have easy money, that’s too bad for them.”
    Ngannou is so confident of getting the better of AJ that he’s already mentally drawing up plans to rematch the Nigerian-born Brit 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.
    Read more on The Sun
    “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