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      Carl Froch threatens to ‘smash Conor McGregor’s head in’ as social media feud with UFC superstar drags on

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      CARL FROCH has continued his war of words with Conor McGregor by vowing to “smash” the MMA superstar’s head in.Former two-division UFC champion McGregor has found himself embroiled in an ongoing feud with The Cobra over the last few months, exchanging jibes on social media.
      Conor McGregor recently claimed he’d beat both Carl Froch and George Groves at the same time in the cageCredit: AFP
      Froch has upper the ante by vowing to “smash” his head inCredit: INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMA
      MMA mogul McGregor recently claimed he’d “slaughter” both Froch and the boxer’s old rival George Groves inside the octagon.
      That notion has amused former WBC and IBF super-middleweight champion Froch, who said on his podcast with Groves: “Me and George Groves at the same time?
      ” Are you sure? Have you seen the size of George?
      “No disrespect to George.
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      “But literally I’d pepper you with the jab, maybe hit you with one right hand.
      “Actually, no, if I hit you with one right hand then the fight’s over.”
      Froch joked that former opponent Groves would keep McGregor grounded for the duration of the fight if he got his hands on him.
      He continued: “Let’s just say George Groves ends up on the ground with you and he rolls on top of you, then what are you gonna do?
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      “The fight would be done.
      “Then I could just smash your head in while George Groves lies on you.
      “Yeah if you fancy that, I’ll take that. Eddie Hearn, let’s get it made.”
      UFC superstar McGregor, 34, hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

      The Irishman, however, is set to return to action later this year in a blockbuster showdown with Michael Chandler.
      But a date for the eagerly-anticipated clash has yet to be finalised.
      That’s because McGregor has yet to re-enter the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s testing pool – which fighters must be in for a minimum of six months.
      As of of April 13, the date for the latest sample update, McGregor has still yet to be tested by USADA. More

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      Anthony Joshua in shock talks to face ex-UFC champion as he targets stunning cross-combat fight

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      EDDIE HEARN met for talks over lunch with ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannouu – paving the way for a fight with Anthony Joshua. Ngannou is a free agent having walked out on the UFC without losing his belt following a breakdown in negotiations to extend his contact.
      Anthony Joshua with promoter Eddie HearnCredit: Rex
      And the Cameroonian has set his sights on a lucrative switch to boxing, having been linked with the sport’s top stars.
      Joshua – who beat Jermaine Franklin on points in his return fight under new trainer Derrick James – is among those,
      Hearn said The MMA Hour: “People would give fighters a much better chance against AJ having watched that performance. In your world, that translates to Francis Ngannou. And why not?
      “I don’t feel like it’s a fight that’s going to continue the development of Anthony Joshua under his new trainer, but I’d done lunch with Francis Ngannou. You know his story.
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      “I was completely gobsmacked by the story of this man. We sat for two hours, and I was just listening to just the most remarkable — I mean, how this isn’t a film, I have no idea.
      “Unbelievable. I’m thinking, ‘Please let me go to Hollywood now with you and sell this film.’
      “People need to be educated about what that man has been through, and his story to get to where he’s got to.
      “I found him fascinating. Lovely guy, lovely guy, and I’d love to do something.”
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      Ngannou, 36, overcame poverty in his homeland before emigrating to France in pursuit of a fighting career.
      And having found it easier to find bouts in MMA opposed to boxing, the heavyweight transitioned sports and was later signed by the UFC.
      Ngannou went on to win the UFC title in 2021, making one defence before vacating after walking out on the promotion.
      Tyson Fury, 34, and Deontay Wilder, 37, are among the other alternatives for the African star in boxing.
      And Hearn admitted Ngannou carries a puncher’s chance when he does swap the cage for the ring.
      He said: “You cannot in a million years, with Francis Ngannou’s ability in boxing and pedigree in boxing, go in and compete technically, skill-wise.
      “Not just with AJ but with any top-20 heavyweight in the world. But in that division the difference is what you can do is you could knock someone out.
      “So it doesn’t matter whether Francis fights Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury — I agree with you, horrible fight for Francis Ngannou because he’d he just poke him around — Deontay Wilder, Dillian Whyte, Derek Chisora, Jermaine Franklin.
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      “He has no chance against those guys, other than to be aggressive, trade up, and catch someone clean and take him out.”
      Francis Ngannou formerly held the UFC titleCredit: Getty More

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      UFC legend Conor McGregor reveals ‘game-changing’ link-up with Ryan Reynolds at ‘magic’ Wrexham in surprise announcement

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      UFC legend Conor McGregor has surprisingly linked-up with Wrexham to help promote his new drink. The National League side are owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
      Conor McGregor’s stout will be served near the Racecourse GroundCredit: Getty
      Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has helped facilitate the dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And the two stars have joined forces with McGregor to help him sell his Forged Irish Stout at the Turf Hotel before Wrexham face Yeovil tomorrow.
      All takings will be handed to striker Paul Mullin’s supported charity Your Space, which helps people suffering from autism.
      McGregor took to Twitter to reveal his delight at helping the good cause and to team-up with the Welsh side.
      He said: “Taking my Forged Stout tank into the absolute magic that is happening at Wrexham, and in aid of helping a great charity ‘Your Space’ that raises awareness and support for autism.
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      “Drop by and show love if you are in town. Try out the game changer.”
      Meanwhile, Turf Hotel owner Wayne Jones tweeted: “This Tuesday before Yeovil we will be selling McGregor’s very own Irish Stout from a mobile truck by the marquee.
      “We will be donating all sales to Mullin’s backed charity Your Space. I’m told it’s a belting pint so all support would be very much appreciated.”
      Wrexham are on the verge of promotion to League Two with three games of the season remaining.
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      They are one point ahead of Notts County but have a game in hand.
      Meanwhile, Yeovil could be relegated if they fail to beat Wrexham or Aldershot pick up a win versus Wealdstone.
      McGregor has not stepped into the octagon since losing to Dustin Poirier in 2021 and he has hinted that he could switch to WWE after they were taken over by the Endeavour Group, who also own the UFC.
      His Forged Stout is not the Irishman’s first business venture in the alcohol world, he also owns whisky brand Proper No. Twelve. More

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      Jake Paul sends warning to Tommy Fury after announcing rematch plan ahead of clash with UFC legend Nate Diaz

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      JAKE PAUL has warned Tommy Fury he’ll bring him back down to earth when they eventually rematch.The YouTuber turned boxer suffered a split decision defeat to his bitter social media rival in their Saudi showdown in February.
      Jake Paul suffered a split decision loss to Tomy Fury in February and hinted at an immediate rematchCredit: GETTY
      But The Problem Child has since agreed to take on former UFC star Nate DiazCredit: MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS
      The YouTuber turned boxer, however, still has revenge on his mindCredit: GETTY
      Paul hinted he’d immediately exercise the rematch clause in his contract to face the former Love Islander but has since opted to box mixed martial arts legend Diaz.
      But The Problem Child inists he still has unfinished business with Fury, saying: “I know I can beat Tommy.
      “That was the worst version of me possible.
      “It just wasn’t my night, he was the better man, he had an amazing performance, and congrats to Tommy for that.
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      “But I wanna come back and take what’s mine from that kid.”
      Fury, 23, has relished the biggest win of his career – enjoying a victory lap on mainstream UK TV.
      But Paul plans to knock him down a peg or two the next time they share the ring.
      The former Disney star said: “I hope he enjoys it.
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      “Tommy, I hope you’re enjoying this victory.
      “You know, you earned it. Respect.
      “Enjoy it for as long as possible because you’re not going to have the taste of victory on your tongue for a while.”
      Paul will throw down with MMA fan favourite Diaz – who left the UFC last September – in a Dallas dust-up on August 5.
      How Jake Paul and Nate Diaz stack up ahead of their grudge matchCredit: SUNSPORT
      Fury, meanwhile, doesn’t have a fight lined up but is set to play for the World XI at Soccer Aid 2023 on June 11.
      TNT said: “I’m taking off my boxing gloves and lacing up my football boots.”
      He added: “The big match is taking place at Old Trafford, Manchester.
      “I’ll see you there.” More

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      Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz is no shock after Tommy Fury kicked his ass, he’s almost 40 and a non-boxer, says Michael Bisping

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      MICHAEL BISPING taunted Jake Paul for choosing to fight Nate Diaz in his boxing return. The YouTuber-turned boxer is set to face ex-UFC star Diaz on August 5 in Texas over eight rounds at a catchweight of 185lb.
      Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul on pointsCredit: AFP
      Nate Diaz is set to fight Jake Paul nextCredit: Getty
      It will be his fourth opponent with an MMA background, following wins over Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 40, and Anderson Silva, 48.
      But when Paul, 26, fought the first recognised boxer in his career in Tommy Fury, 23, he was beaten by split-decision.
      So UFC legend Bisping was left unsurprised when the American chose to snub a rematch with Fury to instead focus on Diaz.
      He said on his YouTube channel: “Nate Diaz, this will be a fun fight.
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      “Nate Diaz is no walk in the park – very, very tough, extremely hard to finish. Granted, he’s not a boxer. He’s almost 40 years old.
      “He’s got a great submission game – you can’t use that. But the hands of Nate Diaz are good. You cannot deny that.
      “I’m not hating on Jake Paul, but this is the pattern, this is the flow. It’s an almost 40 non-boxer.
      “It’s a guy that’s a submission specialist with decent hands, and he’s much smaller.
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      “Diaz is very tall – he’s not a small man by any stretch of the imagination.
      “But he did fight the majority of his career as a lightweight, OK? So it is going to be very interesting to see how this goes down.”
      Paul looked set to invoke his rematch clause with Fury, after the success of their Saudi Arabia grudge match which drew 800,000 pay-per-view buys.
      But Bisping, 44, believes the social media sensation has played it safe by choosing to fight Diaz in his return.
      He said: “You do learn more from your losses than what you do in your victories, but he’s not talking about that.
      “He’s saying, ‘Listen, everyone just thinks I’m vulnerable.’
      “Well, you were clearly showing that when you first went up against a professional boxer – not a basketballer, not a wrestler, not a past-his-prime MMA guy. (Fury) was a boxer.
      “He was young, he was a novice boxer, and you got beat fair and square. So you are more vulnerable, but it’s not the best thing that’s happened to your career.
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      “He stepped up against Tommy and he got his ass kicked. Let’s be honest. Maybe not kicked. He got beat fair and bloody square, though.”
      British UFC legend Michael BispingCredit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz tale of the tape: How YouTube star and UFC icon compare ahead of huge boxing fight

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      JAKE PAUL returns to settle a score with Nate Diaz in his next fight. The YouTube star is coming off the first defeat in his seven-bout prizefighting career, losing a split-decision to Tommy Fury in February.

      But Paul decided against invoking his rematch clause to instead welcome Diaz to the boxing ring on August 5 in Texas.
      The bad blood has been brewing and will come to a head in Dallas, as SunSport runs down how the rivals compare.
      Diaz, 37, spent 15 years in the UFC, becoming a beloved cult hero alongside his brother Nick, 39.
      He shot to fame following his March 2016 upset over Conor McGregor but went on to lose the thrilling rematch five months later.
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      A trilogy with McGregor, 34, has failed to materialise and Diaz walked out on the UFC last year when his contract expired.
      He crosses over to boxing with a storied 35 MMA bouts, winning 22 and losing 13, with 18 combined stoppages in the cage.
      Diaz is a jujitsu specialist with a boxing base, having sparred American legend Andre Ward during his prime.
      Paul, 26, meanwhile is still a relative novice, having only made his professional debut in 2020 following one exhibition win.
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      But during that three-year period, he racked up six wins, four by knockout, while facing three ex-MMA champions.
      Paul KO’d Ben Askren, 38, in April 2021, before twice beating former UFC welterweight champ Tyron Woodley, 40, that year.
      He outpointed Woodley and won the rematch by KO while a year later bettering UFC icon Anderson Silva, 47, over eight rounds.
      But when stepping up against a recognised boxer for the first time in Fury, 23, Paul was beaten on points in Saudi Arabia.
      He had the option for a rematch or a bitter grudge match against online rival KSI, 29, but Diaz was instead selected.
      Diaz was at Paul’s October 2022 win over Silva and their opposing teams clashed backstage.
      A war of words had ensued both before and after the incident, leading to an expected score-settling showdown.
      Jake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury on pointsCredit: GETTY
      Nate Diaz beat Tony Ferguson in his final UFC fightCredit: GETTY
      Paul is one inch taller than Diaz at 6ft 1in, and will take a natural size advanatage into the fight.
      He weighed a career-lowest (13st 1lb) before losing to Fury, having largely boxed at 190lb.
      Meanwhile, Diaz fought most of his UFC career in the 155lb lightweight division (11st).
      But he finished his career at 170lb (12st 1lb) as a welterweight, including his finale win against Tony Ferguson, 39.
      Paul will meet Diaz at a 185lb catchweight, over eight rounds.
      He has gone that distance three times before, against Woodley, Silva and Fury, losing just the once.
      Diaz, known for his conditioning, only went the full five-round UFC distance three times during his career.
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      And with only five KOs to his name, Paul will be the bigger puncher of the two.
      Diaz is by far the more experienced fighter, but Paul’s prior wins over MMA stars show it can matter little when the cage is swapped for the ring.
      Tyron Woodley was brutally knocked out by Jake Paul in their rematchCredit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul announces huge fight with UFC legend on August 5 as star snubs Tommy Fury rematch

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      JAKE PAUL has snubbed a rematch with Tommy Fury and instead confirmed a bumper showdown with Nate Diaz.The Problem Child suffered the first defeat of his career following a split-decision in February to the Love Island star.
      Jake Paul will next be in action in August in a bumper boxing boutCredit: Getty
      He will face UFC legend Nate Diaz, who will make his pro boxing debutCredit: Getty
      The YouTuber declared that he wanted a rematch with the Brit – but now he has announced another huge clash.
      He will now be facing UFC icon Diaz in a 185lb catchweight bout at the American Airlines Center on August 5th in Dallas, Texas.
      The ‘Stockton Slugger’ was a free agent after his contract with Dana White’s MMA promotion ended and now he is swapping the octagon for the boxing ring.
      And Paul cannot wait to get it on with Diaz after years of bad blood and public jabs between them.
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      The 26-year-old said: “My last fight didn’t end the way I wanted, but the result was the best thing that could have happened to my professional boxing aspirations.
      “Now, the world thinks I am vulnerable, when all I am is more focused than ever. My team wanted me to take an easy fight like KSI next, but that’s not how I am built.
      “Nate Diaz is considered one of the most bad-ass fighters of all time, but he and his team have been running their mouths for too long.”
      Paul, who is 6-1 in the ring, continued: “People tell me Nate has been training with Andre Ward for years. That he has insane stamina. That he refuses to back down. Good for f***ing Nate.
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      “I haven’t forgotten about the slap backstage in Arizona, and on August 5, a Problem Child is going to piece up and knock out the Stockton G.”
      Diaz beat Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September in the last fight of his deal with the MMA company.
      Boxing has been a staple throughout the 37-year-old Diaz’s near two-decade career.
      He has 22 fights as an MMA pro, including a victory over Conor McGregor.
      Diaz said: “Besides Canelo he’s the biggest thing in boxing. I’m here to conquer that. I’m the King of combat sports and then I’m headed back to get my UFC belts.
      “I f***ed up Conor for acting out and now here I am again, like a Super Hero of the Real Fight game, the King of the Real Fight game.”
      Meanwhile, Fury has been linked with a fight against One Direction’s Liam Payne after losing out on a money-spinning rematch with Paul. More

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      UFC legend Georges St-Pierre reveals talks to fight Floyd Mayweather but says boxing legend must accept mixed-rules bout

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      GEORGES ST-PIERRE has revealed talks to fight Floyd Mayweather – but will only do so in a mixed-rules bout.Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor in ten rounds.
      Georges St-Pierre has revealed talks to fight Floyd MayweatherCredit: Getty
      Floyd Mayweather has had six exhibition bouts since officially retiringCredit: AFP
      But the boxing icon has continued to fight in exhibitions, against stars of the MMA and social media world.
      Now UFC legend St-Pierre, 41, is the latest to be linked with a bout against Mayweather, 45.
      But the Canadian refuses to be restricted to using just his hands as he demanded a hybrid fight with kicks or takedowns included.
      St-Pierre told TSN: “The biggest name in boxing came up to me, to fight me in boxing.
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      “I told him, ‘For me it’s a question of honour, it’s not of money. You cannot buy me.’
      “They asked me to box the biggest boxer of our time. I said to them, ‘It’s either you let me use my legs or the takedown!’
      “I’m like well it’s one or the other, I’m not going to fight the best boxer for money.
      “For me, if they want to fight me, they have to accept my terms. There needs to be a fair compromise, 50-50 compromise.”
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      St-Pierre has not fought since 2017 when he beat Michael Bisping and retired two years later when talks to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov collapsed.
      He was in line to face boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya in 2021 but was prohibited due to his UFC contract still being active.
      GSP’s deal is now up, meaning he is free to fight in either boxing or MMA again and has refused to rule out a return.
      Meanwhile, Mayweather made his UK boxing debut in February dominating reality TV star-turned boxer Aaron Chalmers, 35, over eight rounds.
      Aaron Chalmers faced Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition boutCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More