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    Jake Paul’s boxing career is ‘on the line’ against Nate Diaz as he ‘may RETIRE’ if he loses biggest fight of his life

    JAKE PAUL fights Nate Diaz with his boxing career on the line – as defeat could spark an early retirement. The YouTuber-turned boxer returns over the weekend against ex-UFC star Nate Diaz in Texas.
    Jake Paul during his defeat to Tommy FuryCredit: Getty
    It comes following the first defeat of his polarising prizefighting career, having lost a split-decision to Tommy Fury in February.
    So it leaves his future in boxing at stake when he steps foot between the ropes as a beaten man for the first time.
    Paul’s business partner and advisor Nakisa Bidarian told ESPN: “He may retire if he loses to Nate Diaz.
    “His boxing career is on the line, in terms of being one of the top three or four guys in the entire sport globally.
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    “I think if he was to lose, he’d just go to being another prospect that’s coming up in the ring.”
    Paul snubbed a rematch with Fury, 24, to instead face Diaz, 38, who is now a free agent after a storied stint with the UFC.
    And the chance to finally fight the MMA veteran and fans’ favourite proved too good to turn down.
    Paul, 26, said: “Nate has a massive name, he’s a massive pay-per-view draw of the UFC times and to me that’s exciting. 
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    “I haven’t yet fought a massive pay-per-view draw in the prime of their career while they’re still hot and active. 
    “So, to me that’s super exciting and there was that beef that was there and this online banter that was there back and forth that we’ve been trying to and wanting to fight for a long time. 
    “Then finally the stars aligned.”
    Despite the allure of another career-crushing defeat, Paul insisted he only benefited from being beat for the first time.
    He said: “After losing to Tommy I landed myself a bigger name and a bigger fight in terms of the ticket sales, the commercial pay-per-view.
    “Everything is pointing towards this being the biggest event ever and I didn’t think that would be possible after losing to Tommy. 
    “So it’s interesting, I guess you can’t predict these things but I guess the number one thing is if people want to still see my fight then I’ll still have big fights. 
    “It’s really the fanbase that drives me, right. It’s like Deontay Wilder losing a couple of times to Tyson Fury but everyone still wants to see him fight. 
    “It all just depends and it’s really how you go out. If you’re going to get knocked out but if you lose a split-decision and it’s a war and it’s a good fight, it’s a lot easier to come back from that.” 
    Jake Paul facing off with Nate DiazCredit: @mostvaluablepromotions More

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    I’ve sparred Jake Paul and his right hand is like being hit with a baseball bat, Nate Diaz won’t be able to take it

    JAKE PAUL’S punching power has been compared to getting hit with a baseball bat, in a stark warning to Nate Diaz. The YouTuber-turned-boxer returns to the ring over the weekend in Texas against ex-UFC star Diaz.
    Jake Paul with ex-sparring partner Anthony TaylorCredit: Instagram @anthony_prettyboy
    Nate Diaz fights Jake Paul nextCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    It will be Paul’s fourth MMA veteran opponent, having beaten Ben Askren, 39, Tyron Woodley, 41, and Anderson Silva, 48.
    Cage fighter and now influencer boxer Anthony Taylor, 34, sparred Paul, 26, in preparation for two of those bouts.
    And he warned of the brutal power the American has in his backhand, believing it will be too much for Diaz, 38, to handle.
    Taylor told Neue Online: “I hear Jake Paul is looking superhuman in this camp, he’s training with killers and there’s no question he’s going to send Nate Diaz into retirement.
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    “Respect to Diaz, he’s had a great career, but he’s not going to know what’s hit him when Jake detonates on his chin.
    “I’ve tasted Jake’s power and his right hand hits like a baseball bat.

    “Given Diaz’s age and how much smaller he is compared to Jake, I don’t see how Diaz can stand up to that kind of firepower.”
    Diaz walked out on the UFC to cross over to the boxing ring, leaving behind a trilogy decider with Conor McGregor, 34.
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    But Taylor wants to see Paul snatch the McGregor super-fight instead and send both MMA superstars into retirement.
    He said: “If he makes it out of the third round i’d be surprised. Don’t blink.
    “Once he’s knocked out Nate, what I’d like to see Jake do next is bring Conor McGregor into the ring at a catchweight.
    “Conor is a sharpshooter, so it will be more of a difficult fight than Nate, but I expect Jake to rag doll Conor around the ring once he’s found his range and timing.
    “Ending the careers of Conor and Nate back to back would be a hell of an achievement.”
    Jake Paul facing off with Nate DiazCredit: @mostvaluablepromotions More

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    Watch Nate Diaz bizarrely WALK OUT of Jake Paul face-to-face interview as fuming fans say he ‘doesn’t give a f***’

    NATE DIAZ ramped up the mind games ahead of his showdown with Jake Paul by STORMING OUT of their face-to-face sitdown.The former UFC lightweight title challenger will make his professional boxing debut against the social media sensation in a Dallas dust-up early on Sunday morning.

    Nate Diaz will throw down with Jake Paul in a boxing match on Sunday nightCredit: DAZN
    Former UFC star Diaz continued his mind games by leaving a sitdown with PaulCredit: DAZN
    YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul couldn’t believe Diaz left their face-to-faceCredit: DAZN
    The pair, 38 and 26 respectively, recently took part in a traditional pre-fight sitdown hosted by veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani.
    But it ended prematurely when Diaz decided to up and LEAVE.
    Diaz’s early exit came after Paul hailed him by saying: “He’s a warrior, he’s put on some of the greatest fights in the history of MMA.
    “He has an amazing fanbase, obviously people love him for a reason and I know he’s coming to bring a war.
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    “That’s what he says, ‘Ready for f****ng war’.
    “I think the fans are the ones who get to win the most out of all of this because we both don’t want to lose and back down.”
    Diaz shocked both Paul and Helwani, by saying he would “be right back.”
    Fight fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “He doesn’t give a f**k.”
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    Another said: “This is the next level of I’m just showing up so I don’t get fined.”
    And another said: “Nate knows this is beneath him and he is just there for the paycheck.”

    MMA icon Diaz is no stranger to leaving media events early, dipping out of pre-fight press conferences for his 2016 rematch with Conor McGregor and upcoming clash with Paul.
    Problem Child Paul has been irked by Diaz’s lack of promotion for the fight, saying: “For my own pleasure, I like to fight people where it’s rowdy because it’s more entertaining for the fans.
    “It’s not as fun if there’s not as much s*** talk and funny moments leading up to the fight.

    “That’s why I do this, for my own joy and passion for this game. So it is disappointing for myself.
    “Nate has a massive name, he is a massive pay-per-view draw of UFC times.
    “To me, that’s exciting because I haven’t fought a massive pay-per-view draw in the prime of their career when they’re still hot and active.
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    “There was this beef and online banter back and forth that we’ve been trying and wanting to fight for a long time.”
    Former Disney star Paul will look to use Diaz as a stepping stone back to the win column following a split decision defeat in his February grudge match with Tommy Fury. More

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    Tyson Fury warned Francis Ngannou fight could end up being ‘catastrophic’ for his career as he could ‘be put to sleep’

    TYSON FURY has been warned he could suffer a “catastrophic” loss to Francis Ngannou if he doesn’t mind his Ps and Qs.The Gyspy King faces the former UFC heavyweight champion in a controversial crossover clash in Saudi Arabia on October 28.
    Tyson Fury faces Francis Ngannou in a controversial crossover clash in OctoberCredit: ESPN
    Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou has never boxed professionallyCredit: GETTY
    But Brit heavyweight Frazer Clarke reckons The Predator could pull off a big upset if Fury is not carefulCredit: GETTY
    Fury, 34, is the overwhelming favourite to win the much-maligned Saudi showdown on account of the fact Ngannou has never boxed professionally.
    But Olympian Frazer Clarke reckons the MMA knockout artist can cause a stunning upset in Riyadh if Fury doesn’t take him seriously.
    He told The Metro: “Fury is such a big fighter and big personality, he has got the governing bodies wrapped up around his little finger.
    “He does what he wants and that is the reality of it. He is going to earn a lot of money and have a lot of eyes on him from all walks of life.
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    “But boxing fans see straight through it.
    “Having said that, I wish him all the best and for God’s sake, don’t let Ngannou land a shot on your chin and put you to sleep because that would be catastrophic.
    “We all know he can punch and if you are fit and you can punch in heavyweight boxing, you have as good a chance as anyone because if you land that shot, it can be goodnight.
    “There has been lots of talk about levels in the sport and what level he it at having never done it professionally.
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    “But he probably has more of a shot than a non-puncher at British level.”
    Fury’s clash with Ngannou will be a ten-round affair, but the Brit’s WBC heavyweight title will NOT be on the line.
    The fight will take place under Queensberry boxing rules, although it’s not yet known if the contest will count on both men’s records.
    Wythenshawe warrior Fury hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his one-sided trilogy fight with Derek Chisora last December.
    Ngannou, meanwhile, last fought in the octagon last January – defeating Ciryl Gane in what proved to be his final outing in the UFC. More

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    Jake Paul loses $1000 to UFC rising star as he is stunned in boxing skill challenge

    JAKE PAUL lost $1000 in a charity bet with UFC star Bo Nickal after the two engaged in a boxing challenge.The pair tested their reflexes with a reflex ball, a tennis ball which is connected to a boxers head by string.
    Paul lost the $1000 charity bet on Bo Gets BetrCredit: youtube / bo nickal
    The two engaged in a charity bet after Nickal’s interviewCredit: youtube / bo nickal
    The aim is to keep the ball airborne for as long as possible by punching it in a manner akin to doing keepy-uppies in football.
    The two were keen to point out that the challenge is not necessarily indicative of someone’s boxing ability before partaking in the challenge – but did say that it is a good way to test your reflexes.
    Paul and Nickal put down a $1000 charity bet, with the loser set to pay the amount to Paul’s foundation Boxing Bullies.
    Nickal managed to hit the ball eight times before dropping it, with Paul not able to watch in order to compare scores.
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    Paul only managed to hit the ball six times, ensuring he lost the charity bet.
    But, both agreed that they would pay $1000 to the charity whose mission statement is to: “instil self confidence, leadership, and courage within the youth through the sport of boxing while using our platform, voice, and social media to fight back against bullying.”
    The podcast episode was the latest insight we’ve got into Paul as he prepares to fight UFC legend Nate Diaz in Vegas this weekend.
    Paul is in the surprising position of entering the fight as favourite – with Diaz not having a boxing background.
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    This being despite Diaz being a legend of MMA and UFC and doing more than most to put the sport on the map.
    After the challenge the two discussed their philosophies as part of the Bo Gets Betr Podcast.
    Paul explained how his dad is key in helping him stay motivated and continue to improve on his boxing game.
    He said: “My dad says this and I’m going to steal this, shout out Greg Paul; ‘the road to success is always under construction so it’s always changing’ – some moments might be easier than others, some might be harder than others,”
    He then continued: “Some days you might not be feeling great and others you might be feeling like ‘why the f*** am I under attack from the Universe?’
    “And so you’re always going to be constantly changing and evolving but the No.1 thing is relentlessness. When you try to do something great, people are going to f***ing rip you down.
    “They’ll tear you apart, that just comes with the critics and that is the biggest thing.
    “You just have to have thick skin to push through all of that and remain committed to your goal and not let any of that get in your way – easier said than done, it kills most people. So are you made for this?
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    “Do you want to achieve your goal more than you want to mope about the critics and all the hard work and all the things that you have to do to get to your goal?
    “That’s something that you have to come to terms with within your own mind and inspiration is a fleeting thing, it’s not always there.” More

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    Watch Mike Tyson teach Francis Ngannou how to box as footage emerges after offer to train UFC star for Tyson Fury fight

    FOOTAGE has emerged of Mike Tyson teaching Francis Ngannou how to box after he offered to train the former UFC star.Tyson has put his hat in the ring to help Ngannou prepare for his upcoming fight with Tyson Fury.
    Footage has emerged of Mike Tyson teaching Francis Ngannou how to boxCredit: Instagram @francisngannou
    Mike Tyson has offered to train Francis Ngannou for his fight with Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram @francisngannou
    The Cameroonian will make his boxing debut against the heavyweight world champion in Saudi Arabia on October 28.
    However, Fury’s WBC world title will not be on the line in the 10-round bout.
    That has not stopped Iron Mike from offering to train Ngannou for the fight.
    Asked about the idea by ES News, he admitted: “I would like to do that, yeah. That would be cool. I like that.”
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    As for Ngannou’s chances against the Gypsy King, he added: “I think anything is possible. He has a hard punch.”
    Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou will be making his boxing debut in the bout.
    He comes into the fight with a 17-3 record in mixed martial arts, but has yet to compete inside the squared circle.
    Tyson has taught Ngannou some boxing techniques before, though, with footage emerging of an interaction between the pair three years ago.
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    In the video, Tyson can be seen performing several movements to Ngannou, explaining how to get around his opponent to land body shots.
    Fellow former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has also suggested the prospect of Tyson training Ngannou for the Fury fight.
    Lewis previously told TMZ Sports: “I think getting some advice or some training from Mike Tyson would be good.

    “I also think of somebody like Lennox Lewis who could be good. I love his boxing style, very basic but very sharp and efficient.
    “One-two, all that stuff, classic but very good. I love stuff like that. One of those guys. We are definitely reaching out.”
    Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou will fight on October 28 in Saudi Arabia More

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    Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr takes part in body shot challenge with Tyson Fury’s next opponent Francis Ngannou

    REAL MADRID star Vinicius Junior hilariously took on former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in the “body shot challenge”… but did little to trouble the MMA star.Ngannou, 36, is preparing to make his boxing debut when he takes on WBC champion Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia on October 28.
    Francis Ngannou did not flinch at Vinicius Junior’s punchesCredit: Twitter
    He jokingly shrugged them off with a goading responseCredit: Twitter
    He has established himself as one of the toughest, hardest-hitting men in the history of the UFC.
    And that has led to him challenging people to punch him in the stomach.
    Now Real Madrid have shared footage of Vinicius being called out by the heavyweight.
    The Brazilian forward, 23, steps up and rattles off a few tame shots at Ngannou.
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    But the fighter simply shrugs them off by replying: “Come on bro.”
    Vinicius then returns to land a few more blows, but again Ngannou does not flinch.
    And the clip ends with an unmoved Ngannou adding: “That’s all?”
    Reacting to the clip, Ngannou said: “It was a good attempt bro@vinijr 😂.”
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    One fan responded: “Hope @vinijr didn’t hurt himself.”
    And another added: “Vini gotta get in the gym and get some hands 🥊.”
    Real Madrid are in the US for a series of pre-season games – the first of which they won 3-2 against AC Milan on Monday.
    They will also face Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus, before beginning their LaLiga campaign away at Athletic Bilbao on August 12. More

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    Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou dubbed ‘freak show’ as ex-boxing champ compares UFC ace to ‘Wetherspoons on Friday night’

    TYSON FURY’s crossover clash with Francis Ngannou has been branded a “freak show” fight.The Gypsy King faces the former UFC heavyweight champion in a multi-million-pound Saudi showdown on October 28.
    Francis Ngannou will throw down with Tyson Fury in a Saudi showdown on October 28
    The former UFC heavyweight champion’s clash with Fury will be his pro boxing debutCredit: GETTY
    The fight has been branded a ‘freak show’ by Tony BellewCredit: GETTY
    Fury’s first outing since a farcical trilogy fight with Derek Chisora last December pits him against an MMA fighter making his professional debut.
    And former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew can’t get on board with the notion of the bout being a competitive one, telling Joe: “It’s a freak show, not a boxing match.”
    Bellew, 40, also likened Cameroonian clubber Ngannou to a puffed-up bodybuilder out on the town.
    The Bomber continued: “This guy is just a big, huge, strong unit.
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    “But there is loads of them in Wetherspoons every Friday and Saturday night.
    “I’m not going to lie, I’m going to watch it, I’m intrigued.
    “Put this into context, this man is having his first ever professional boxing match of his life, and he is fighting the heavyweight champion of the world.”
    Fury, 34, has been slammed by the boxing world for his money grab against Ngannou – but promoter Frank Warren has vehemently defended the showdown.
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    During an appearance on talkSPORT, he said: “There isn’t anybody else, any other champion to fight.”
    When it was put to him that Fury could have fought either Frank Sanchez or Arslanbeck Makhmudov, Warren replied: “What planet are you on?
    “We’re in the business of selling events here.
    “They walk down the street, would anyone know them?”

    The Queensberry Promotions chief then said: “[Fury’s] absolutely the best of his generation, he’s the best out there.
    “He’s the one that draws the money and that’s why this fight Is going on, why shouldn’t he do it?”
    Team Fury are expected to resume negotiations over an undisputed heavyweight title fight with Oleksandr Usyk after his clash with Ngannou.
    Pound-for-pound king Usyk will defend his unified titles against Fury’s stablemate Daniel Dubois in a Polish punch-up on August 26. More