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    ‘Can he take a shot?’ – Jake Paul ‘would really hurt’ Anderson Silva, 46, if he landed right hand, says UFC champ

    UFC CHAMPION Aljamain Sterling claimed Jake Paul would ‘really hurt’ Anderson Silva – if he lands the right shot. MMA legend Silva has long been touted as a potential opponent for the YouTube star-turned-prizefighter.
    YouTube star-turned-prizefighter Jake PaulCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain SterlingCredit: 2015 Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
    And despite Silva’s wealth of experience in the cage, Paul is 5-0 as a boxer and naturally the bigger man.
    It leads to fears from bantamweight Sterling, 32, who questioned the Brazilian’s punch resistance now at the veteran age of 46.
    He said on his YouTube channel: “I know Anderson Silva was supposedly a frontrunner to fight Jake.
    “If Jake were to connect, I think he would really hurt Anderson. I think Paul is going to tie him up, lean on him.
    “He’s a young guy, he’s going to grab him. Against [Tyron] Woodley, he clinched 30 times over the first five rounds.
    “With this one, Silva’s got hands. But the only thing is, can he take a shot?”
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    Paul, 24, has knocked out every opponent he has faced, after leaving Woodley, 39, out cold in December, four months after beating him on points.
    It added to KOs over YouTuber ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 37, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 37.
    Tommy Fury, 22, was set to be Paul’s first opponent with prior professional boxing experience.
    Legendary UFC middleweight Anderson SilvaCredit: Getty
    But Fury was forced to pull out with a broken rib and bacterial chest infection, with Woodley filling in as his replacement.
    Paul has since been in talks to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 35, the Mexican former middleweight world champion.
    Coincidentally, Chavez Jr was stunned by Silva in June over eight rounds. More

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    Watch UFC legend Anderson Silva, 46, spar BOTH his sons at same time leaving one on floor with ease

    ANDERSON SILVA showed his sons how it is done after taking them BOTH on at the same time. The Brazilian is affectionately known as ‘The Spider’ and during his prime was gifted with unrivalled speed and timing.
    Anderson Silva showed his sons how it is done after taking them BOTH on at the same time
    Anderson Silva sparring with his sons in California
    But even at the age of 46, Silva is proving he is still the daddy and takes no prisoners, not even with his boys.
    Sons Kalyl and Gabriel – both kickboxers – were captured sparring with their legendary dad in California.
    And they could not get near the middleweight great, who was slipping and sliding for fun.
    At one point, Silva even floors one of his sons with a perfect leg sweep.
    The veteran southpaw in 2020 left the UFC after being released from his contract following three consecutive losses.
    He has since transitioned to boxing, having twice competed in the ring during his earlier career.
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    During the final chapter of his illustrious career, Silva has also been focusing on the next generation, coaching and corning his lads.
    Kalyl, 22, is 2-0 in kickboxing, winning his debut in August after just eight seconds.
    Meanwhile, older brother Gabriel, 24, has won titles and holds a record of 5-1, but most recently being knocked out in November.
    In June, their dad beat ex-boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 35, in a shock points win over eight rounds.
    Then in September, he KO’d fellow former UFC champion Tito Ortiz, 46, in round one of their boxing bout.
    Gabriel Silva with dad Anderson and brother KalylCredit: @gabrielrmnl More

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    Francis Ngannou told he would need to quit UFC and train for THREE-YEARS to compete with Tyson Fury in boxing ring

    FRANCIS NGANNOU would need to quit mixed martial arts and solely train in boxing for THREE YEARS to stand a chance against Tyson Fury.The UFC’s heavyweight champion accepted a shock call out from The Gypsy King on social media last week.
    Tyson Fury called out UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou earlier this monthCredit: TWITTER
    The Predator quickly accepted the shock call out from FuryCredit: GETTY
    But Ngannou’s old coach Fernand Lopez reckons he’d need three years of training to be able to compete with the Gypsy KingCredit: GETTY
    But the Predator’s old coach Fernand Lopez reckons he’d need to immerse himself in the sweet science the the next three years to have any hope of hanging with the WBC heavyweight champ.
    The MMA Factory chief said: “I think the fight makes sense for Francis because he thinks he can cash out.
    “There’s also something there for Tyson Fury – he doesn’t care that it’s not a competitive fight, he just wants to make money and make some news.
    “It would take at least three years for Francis Ngannou to be competitive from a boxing standpoint with Tyson Fury, and I mean three years only dedicated to boxing.
    “Realistically he would have to stop everything else and probably do nothing else for three years, only boxing. No grappling, nothing else.”
    Ngannou, 34, has shown conditioning problems in the past and Lopez reckons they’d rear their head in a fight with Fury.
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    He added: “The way that his body and muscles are built, it will not allow him to keep throwing punches after the third round.
    “I’m not sure Francis can ever challenge the stamina or endurance of Tyson Fury.”
    Should the shock bout come to fruition, Lopez can only see former lineal heavyweight champ Fury having his hand raised.
    He said: “All he can do is have a high defence; be elusive, close footwork, change direction.
    “But eventually Tyson will wear him down, get him tired, work the body and then go up with the uppercut, and sooner or later Francis will give up because of the volume, because of the pressure shots and he will just go down. I don’t see how he can win the match, this is an opportunity for him to cash out.
    “I’m not sure if you’re a UFC fighter it’s worth letting it all go and have three years of steady boxing training – how would you live your life, what would be your income?
    “And after three years you may be competitive enough to stand there and keep throwing punches.
    “We are not expecting anything brilliant, Francis is not a boxer. You train a lot to be a boxer.
    “Boxing needs dedication, boxing needs sacrifice, you need years and years to train. So we know the outcome of that fight.”
    BUMPER PAY DAY
    That being said, Lopez reckons his former student – who is said to be out of contract at the end of the year – could make a bumper payday fighting Fury.
    He said: “The question is how much Francis Ngannou can make a lot of money, because he only has one shot.
    “Objectively speaking, he cannot think about having a boxing career because his boxing skill will not be enough for him to become a boxer.
    “Francis Ngannou wants to move over to boxing but that can only happen if he’s the champ.
    “If he leaves the UFC and he’s not the champion, no matter which company he wants to go to, it won’t look good. We have to keep that in mind.
    “You can’t ask for a new contract with a clause that allows you to go boxing, it makes no sense.
    “And you cannot impose this on the UFC now you are a big name just because you want to cash in – those are not the terms of the agreement.”
    The quotes in this article first appeared on the Betway US blog
    Lopez reckons Ngannou would struggle to hang with Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
    Francis Ngannou will be back in action a week on Saturday at UFC 270Credit: UFC
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    UFC star Francis Ngannou warned he is ‘not ready’ for Tyson Fury fight after being called out by Gypsy King for clash

    UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has been told he’s nowhere near ‘ready’ to face Tyson Fury in a crossover bout.The Predator was last week on the receiving end of a shock call-out from the WBC heavyweight king, a challenge he gleefully accepted.
    UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou was recently called out Gypsy King Tyson Fury
    The heavy-handed Ngannou quickly accepted Fury’s shock call-outCredit: Getty
    But former world title challenger and coach of Jake Paul BJ Flores reckons Ngannou has no chance against The Gypsy KingCredit: Instagram @bjflorespro
    But the heavy-handed Cameroonian’s chances of battering the Gypsy King have been written off by many in the boxing world, including former WBC cruiserweight title challenger BJ Flores.
    He told The Schmo: “Francis Ngannou is so fun to watch.
    “He’s so big, strong and explosive and such a powerful athlete.
    “But with Tyson Fury, it’s very, very difficult to go in there with a guy like Tyson Fury.
    “It might look easy on TV but Tyson Fury is the real deal and Francis will struggle incredibly with a guy like Tyson Fury.
    “He’s not just going to go out there and just hit him.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “Fury is going to beat him, period I’d like them to fight other guys who are big as well – he’s not ready for Tyson Fury.”
    Ngannou, 34, is currently on the last fight of his UFC contract and hopes to negotiate a new deal that will permit him to box too.
    The former refugee will be back in action a week on Saturday in the main event of UFC 270 in Anaheim, California.
    Ngannou’s first title defence will see him lock horns with former MMA Factory team-mate Ciryl Gane.
    Francis Ngannou will defend his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane next weekendCredit: UFC
    In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Ngannou said of his maiden title defence: “I don’t recognize [Gane’s] belt.
    “I’m the undisputed heavyweight champion. [Gane’s belt] isn’t legitimate, it is a replacement.
    “The presence of the champion makes the interim title invalid. And I’m here.”
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    UFC stars Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal will find it ‘very difficult’ to beat Jake Paul, says his coach

    JAKE PAUL’S trainer said it would be ‘very difficult’ for Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal to beat the YouTube star. Paul has called out the trio of UFC stars in the past, having built a rivalry with the premier MMA promotion.
    Jake Paul knocked out Tyron Woodley and wants a crack at other UFC superstarsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Irish UFC superstar Conor McGregor is on Paul’s listCredit: Getty
    And all three are potential opponents for the future, his head coach BJ Flores revealed.
    But the ex-cruiserweight contender also insisted despite their wealth of experience in the cage, Paul will have their number in the ring.
    Flores told The Schmo: “There’s a lot of names, a lot of guys, you know obviously guys that are in the UFC now that have contracts.
    “Masvidal and Diaz and guys like that and McGregor, a lot of guys that would make good matchups with Jake and he’s going to beat them.
    “You know, that’s obviously my biased point of view but it’s going to be very difficult for them to be able to do what they got to do to be able to beat Jake for eight rounds or ten rounds.”
    Paul, 24, is now 5-0 as a boxer having most recently knocked out Tyron Woodley, 39, three months after beating the ex-UFC champion on points.
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    It means he has KO’d every opponent he has faced, including YouTuber ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 37, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 37.
    Paul was due to fight Tommy Fury, 22, until the Brit was forced to pull out with a broken rib and bacterial chest infection.
    Woodley then filled in as a late replacement and was brutally knocked out, before Diaz, 36, and Masvidal, 37, left the arena.
    Fury has since called to have their fight rescheduled, but according to the Flores, Paul has no interest.
    He said: “Yeah he fumbled, I don’t even think Tommy Fury is in Jake’s mind right now.
    Masvidal and Diaz and guys like that and McGregor, a lot of guys that would make good matchups with Jake and he’s going to beat them. Jake Paul’s trainer BJ Flores
    “We all thought at the time that we would be surprised if this fight comes off.
    “Even after the contracts were signed and even after Tommy was talking we were working so hard for a gameplan for Tommy and when they said two weeks before we weren’t surprised.
    “We talked about a couple of options but Nakisa (Bidarian) and Jake decided to have that rematch with Tyron as he deserves his holiday and time off and we didn’t want to push it back and not allow him to fight.
    “It’s the worst feeling in the world so I don’t think Tommy is in Jake’s mind at all right now.
    “Tommy should go and do his own pay-per-view so we can see the numbers, analyse them and go from there.”
    UFC star Jorge Masvidal is another fighter Paul has called outCredit: Getty
    UFC veteran Nate DiazCredit: Getty More

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    Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou fight welcomed as ‘exciting nonsense’ by Eddie Hearn as he focuses on Dillian Whyte clash

    TYSON FURY’S bid to fight UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is just ‘exciting nonsense’, according to Eddie Hearn.The Matchroom boss would much rather match the 33-year-old WBC king against mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte or former unified champ Anthony Joshua.
    Tyson Fury recently called out UFC heavyweight champion Francis NgannouCredit: TWITTER
    Cameroonian KO artist Ngannou accepted The Gypsy King’s call-outCredit: GETTY
    But the prospect of the pair meeting has been laughed off by Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie HearnCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING
    But the Gypsy King has been having fun calling out the Cameroon knockout sensation on Twitter instead.
    The 6ft 9in undefeated superstar has offered to fight The Predator under boxing rules but with the UFC’s dangerous 4oz gloves.
    And Ngannou replied with an invite into the octagon with the standard boxing gloves instead.
    Hearn would much rather Fury handled the serious business of negotiating a deal to face Whyte but is enjoying the show.
    “I think it’s nonsense but it’s all good,” he said after launching his and DAZN’s stacked start to 2022.
    “Anything that gets people talking is good.
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    “It is quite exciting to think of the prospect of Tyson Fury fighting Francis Ngannou in a ring or in a cage, wherever. But I don’t see it happening any time soon.
    “Anything like that drives fan engagement, which is good, it’s good for Tyson and Francis Ngannou, boxing and the UFC.
    “Anything that gets people talking is good news.”
    Whyte is furious that the WBC have ordered him to accept just 20 per cent of the purse for his potential fight with Fury, especially as he is their interim champion.
    Hearn expects Tuesday’s purse bids to be pushed back to help all parties come to an agreement and he confirms the always bullish Whyte – who has been the sanctioning body’s No1 contender since 2017 – has been drained by the frustration.
    He said: “We swapped a couple of messages earlier this week and Dillian is not the type to accept anything that is not fair.
    “I would be tired as well, if I was Dillian Whyte, but I think his team has done a good job of shielding him from a lot of it.

    Dillian Whyte is the mandatory challenger for Tyson Fury’s WBC heavyweight titleCredit: Getty
    “His management and legal team have put so much work in to get Dillian what he deserves and a lot of people would have quit a long time ago.
    “Sometimes these things are a battle of endurance because it is legal letter after letter, case after case, petitions, just relentless work.
    “But they are not going to give up and they will keep fighting for what they believe Dillian Whyte deserves.”
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    Tyson Fury calls on Dana White to set up boxing match against ‘beast’ Francis Ngannou with UFC GLOVES as feud hots up

    TYSON FURY has teased a crossover fight against UFC champion Francis Ngannou – but with a twist. The WBC heavyweight boxing champion shared a poster of himself and Ngannou, tagging UFC president Dana White in the post.
    Tyson Fury teased a crossover fight against UFC champion Francis Ngannou

    He captioned it: “Who would like to see me fight this beast boxing rules @ufc gloves?”
    It comes following a feud between Fury and UFC heavyweight Ngannou, who has talked up a boxing switch before.
    The Cameroonian, 35, defends his title against former training partner Ciryl Gane, 31, on January 22.
    It is the last fight on his UFC contract and Ngannou has threatened to walk out on the promotion amid a pay row.
    And more recently, he discussed wanting a stipulation on his next UFC deal which would allow him to box at the same time.
    Ngannou told TMZ: “It’s always been down the line. This is something I’m not taking my eyes off of.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “It’s gonna happen, either way. Even if, when the UFC and I finalise a deal, the boxing part has to be into it because I can’t see myself retire without boxing.
    “Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder. I would like to test myself to that level. It’s not the same sport, although I’m the champion, I’m in the top in this division.”
    UFC stars are prohibited from fighting outside the promotion, unless given a special exemption.
    Conor McGregor, 33, was given so in 2017 for his lucrative boxing loss to American legend Floyd Mayweather, 44.
    But no fighter has since been given such treatment, which has led to Ngannou pondering a UFC exit.
    Fury once promised to ‘roast’ Ngannou in a fight, and called him ‘easy work’.
    Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder. I would like to test myself to that level.Francis Ngannou
    But the Gypsy King has ruled out ever making a full-time switch to MMA, instead proposing a striking bout in the cage, with the smaller 4oz gloves.
    He told talkSPORT in June: “I’ve got no real interest in grappling up and down on the floor and all that sort of stuff.
    “I’m a stand-up fighting man, I don’t wrestle up and down and grab each other’s arms and sit on each other and all that.
    “I’ve no interest in all that stuff – I like to stand up and fight so would I ever compete as an MMA fighter? Hell no!
    “Would I compete with small gloves on in a cage in a fight? Yes. But no gripping and grappling.
    “The noble art of standing up and what men have been doing for centuries. I don’t see any noble science in wrestling up and down the floor.”
    UFC heavyweight champion Francis NgannouCredit: Getty
    Darren Till with Tyson Fury, who is wearing UFC glovesCredit: Refer to Caption More

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    Billy Joe Saunders backs old enemy Jake Paul in his Twitter spat with Dana White over UFC stars’ pay

    BILLY JOE SAUNDERS backed Jake Paul in the YouTube star’s Twitter row with Dana White. Paul has hit out at the UFC president on several occasions, often criticising his fighter pay.
    Jake Paul has feuded with UFC boss Dana WhiteCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Former two-weight boxing champion Billy Joe SaundersCredit: Getty
    The American social media influencer, 24, then stepped up the feud and insisted he would retire from boxing and fight Jorge Masvidal, 37, in the octagon.
    But Paul demanded certain terms be met, which included the increase in fighters pay.
    The demands were as follows: “1) Increase min fighter pay per fight to $50k (it’s $12k now).
    “2) Guarantee UFC fighters 50% of UFC annual revenues ($1bn in 2021).
    “3) Provide long term healthcare to all fighters (you previously said brain damage is part of the gig… imagine the NFL said that).
    “There are many UFC alums who have publicly said they are suffering from brain damage.”
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    Former two-weight boxing champion Saunders, 32, who Paul once said he could beat in a fight, was in support of the terms.
    He posted on Instagram: “His (sic) got a point.”
    Former UFC middleweight champ Robert Whittaker was also another to publicly get behind Paul.
    Whittaker, 31, told The Mirror: “I would certainly love some healthcare, I would love that long-term post-fighting career security and I’m sure every fighter would.
    “I would like different things to change. But I’m not crying over spilt milk, it is what it is.
    “I’m very blessed to be able to do what I do for a living anyway. Instead of asking for what I don’t have, I’m grateful for what I do have.”
    Robert Whittaker pictured with UFC president Dana WhiteCredit: Getty More