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    ‘Is he OK?’ – Fans fear for Butterbean as worrying footage of 58-year-old boxing icon’s ring return emerges

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    FANS voiced concern for boxing legend Butterbean after he made a return to the wrestling ring. The American – real name Eric Esch – became a star in the 1990s and early 2000s thanks to his knockout power and 26 STONE frame. Butterbean made a return to the wrestling ringCredit: X @GPWProductionsBut fans voiced their concern for the 58-year-oldCredit: X @GPWProductionsButterbean has fought in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and wrestlingHe appeared to struggle in his return matchAnd he also ventured into kickboxing, MMA and professional wrestling – even having a stint in the WWE. Butterbean’s last fight was in 2013, a boxing bout he lost to Kirk Lawton in Australia. But in retirement, Butterbean has dramatically transformed his body and lost an incredible 16 stone with the help of wrestler Diamond Dallas Page. And Butterbean actually returned to the wrestling ring for a match against Minoru Suzuki in Las Vegas.READ MORE IN boxing But he appeared to labour through the match, struggling to get to the canvas and out of the ring with Suzuki seemingly taking it easy on Butterbean. And at 58, fans had fear for Butterbean as one said: “What the hell is going on.”Another added: “In the immortal words of Johnny Knoxville: ‘Is Butterbean ok?'”But one argued: “Look, I don’t even care if the match was any good. Most read in Boxing”Just being able to see Butterbean be able to move around and do something is pretty great.”Another said: “People can s*** on the match, and rightfully so. “But it’s great to see Butterbean being able to at least do something and move around.”Butterbean has called out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and Mike Tyson after his weight loss. The famed puncher used yoga and dietary changes to go from wheelchair bound to wrestling again. Butterbean weighed 26 stone during his boxing careerCredit: GettyBut he lost 16 stone in retirementCredit: https://www.instagram.com/butterbeanboxer/ More

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      Jake Paul lines himself up for shock WWE role alongside brother Logan and teases major £11.5m career change

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      JAKE PAUL is lining himself up for a WWE role alongside brother Logan – but not to wrestle himself. Logan joined the WWE in 2022 and has since held the United States Championship. Logan Paul with younger brother JakeCredit: GettyYounger brother Jake is meanwhile 11-1 as a boxer but has talked up a WWE switch to manage Logan – like Paul Heyman famously did for Brock Lesnar. He told Newsweek: “I would be down to be Logan’s manager. “Paul Heyman-style in WWE, but I don’t think my body is cut out for the athleticism and the madness that the WWE takes. “I feel like I would break my back.” READ MORE IN BOXINGJake also teased a switch to MMA for a rematch with ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, who he beat over ten boxing rounds in August 2023. He said: “I definitely want to do MMA. Nate Diaz, still to this day, has not accepted the $15million (£11.5m) deal that we have for him. “For me in MMA, it’s just about finding the right opponent.” Jake’s only loss in the boxing ring came against Tommy Fury in February 2023, with the two recently talking up a rematch online. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe American also saw a May 3 Las Vegas mega-fight against Mexican great Canelo Alvarez collapse. It came after Canelo, 34, instead signed a bumped four-bout deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alsheikh. Jake Paul claims he has agreement to fight Anthony Joshua and reveals date but brother Logan fears he’s on drugs Jake, 28, said: “He went with the money play versus the legacy play of doing one of the biggest fights ever. “Now he’s fighting some random guy in Saudi. He snaked his fans and chose the money because they were threatening to pull his contract. “The people over there don’t want to see me to be the biggest name in boxing. “So, that’s the nature of the sport and the politics of the sport. At the end of the day, all of these rats want a bite of cheese. “So, he’s going to come back around and want to fight me again when he realises his fights over there don’t have any hype behind them.”Tommy Fury and Jake Paul have been teasing a rematchCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘That’s actually insane’ – Barcelona star Lamine Yamal spotted on TV at SmackDown after rubbing shoulders with WWE stars

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      BARCELONA star Lamine Yamal stunned fans by appearing on TV at SmackDown.And the teen prodigy could not hide his excitement as he rubbed shoulders with WWE stars.Lamine Yamal was seen in the crowd for WWE SmackDownCredit: TwitterYamal got pictures with Cody RhodesCredit: https://x.com/CastagnaTiffanyYamal could not hold back his excitement during the showCredit: https://x.com/Peps_WrestlingHe was seen in the crowd with team-mates Hector Fort, left, and Alejandro Balde, rightCredit: TwitterThe wrestling promotion was in Barcelona, Spain, for its European Tour, which will also include events in Belgium, Germany, Scotland, and London’s O2 Arena.On Friday night WWE welcomed special guests including Yamal to promote the tour.Yamal, 17, was pictured alongside stars including Triple H, Randy Orton and WWE champion Cody Rhodes.Rhodes was kind enough to allow Yamal to hold his championship belt as they posed for a photo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Kopa Trophy winner was later seen in the crowd alongside Barca team-mates Alejandro Balde, 21, and Hector Fort, 18, enjoying the show at the Olympic Arena.Fans were stunned to see him in attendance, with one writing on social media: “LAMINE YAMAL IN THE CROWD IN SPAIN!”A second said: “Lamine Yamal in the crowd for Smackdown, that’s actually insane.”A third added: “Bro became a WWE legend at 17yo.”Most read in FootballAnother said: “Didn’t expect this collab man.”Captioning his post on Instagram, Yamal said: “New WWE champion?”I sold Lamine Yamal trading card for life changing amount – my wife doesn’t think it’s a silly hobby nowYamal’s performances this season have once again been nothing short of electric, with 12 goals and 17 assists in 37 games.After meeting Yamal, Triple H, now the Chief Content Creator for WWE, said: “The future of @fcbarcelona is brighter than ever… enjoy the show.”Inside the baffling, brilliant story of Lamine Yamal – from being bathed by Messi to doing homework while taking Euros by stormLAMINE YAMAL has confirmed his status as football’s next superstar at Euro 2024 – but has only been playing 11-a-side games for four years, write Jack Rosser.Spain’s incredible 16-year-old bent home the goal of the tournament so far against France as La Roja sealed the spot in the final.But his first five years in Barcelona’s academy were spent playing seven-a-side football, up until the age of 12 in 2020 when he finally got a crack at 11-a-side games.Yamal’s story is baffling, brilliant and barely believable in equal measure.He is a boy born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, who turned 17 the day before the Euros final, and was cradled by footballing royalty at just six months old.Staggering pictures of Yamal as a baby being held and bathed by Messi, taken for a Barcelona charity calendar 16 years ago, resurfaced this week.He did not restrict his brushes with greatness to Barcelona either, with footage of Yamal as an academy player walking as a mascot with Spain and Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos at an El Clasico in 2016.There is a touch of fate about this gem, Spain’s “little MVP”, as team-mate Nico Williams has dubbed him.Yamal has been doing homework in his spare time and received exam results during the tournament. He passed, obviously.Now he’s the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros, also becoming the youngest player to ever start a major semi-final – claiming that title from Pele.But it’s Yamal’s humble approach on and off the pitch that most impresses everyone he meets.And France star Adrien Rabiot probably felt quite embarrassed as he boarded his plane back home from Germany.He had tried to intimidate Yamal ahead of their semi-final clash – telling Yamal he “needs to do more.”Was this good enough, then? Yamal responded with a goal for the ages and a man of the match performance.A season which started with a pre-season game against Tottenham where Yamal excelled but was overshadowed by Oliver Skipp scoring a brace will end on the biggest stage European football has to offer on Sunday.From being outshone by Skipp to eclipsing Pele’s records is not a bad year’s work – just imagine what he will do when he grows up.Read all about the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal in full… More

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      Logan Paul ‘suplexes’ Joe Weller with WWE-style celebration before goal of his own in Sidemen vs YouTube All Stars

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      LOGAN Paul is putting on a show in front of a sold-out crowd at the Sidemen Charity Match.Over the top celebrations are a key part of the Sidemen Charity Match, and Paul has just entered a contender for the best yet.KSI is the face of the SidemenCredit: alamyPaul is an experienced wrestlerCredit: gettyLogan Paul grabs Joe Weller by the Wembley touchlineLogan Paul flips his team-mate over his headJoe Weller is pole-axed as Logan Paul completes the wrestling move by grabbing his legAfter Joe Weller scored his early goal, Paul celebrated by following him to the byline and ‘suplexing’ the goalscorer.Weller was evidently winded, staying down to catch his breath after hitting the floor.The move drew rapturous applause from the supporters.Paul has experience with wrestling – he was a successful wrestler in high school, and has appeared with WWE.Read more footballBut he also showed his prowess at football by scoring later in the game.The dramatic match ended 9-9 with iShowSpeed sealing the win for the All Stars with the decisive penalty in the shootout.Weller and Paul have close to 30million subscribers between their respective YouTube channels.Accompanying them on the pitch are the seven founding members of the Sidemen and a variety of other content creators and celebrities.Most read in FootballThis year’s Sidemen Charity Match is an all action affair, producing eight goals before halftime.The occasion is raising money for Bright Side and Children in Need.Having sold out Wembley Stadium and landed sponsorships from companies including Qatar Airways and Footasylum, they will be set to raise record amounts.Luke Littler in brand new business venture as darts star, 17, teams up with SidemenPast editions of the match, held at St Mary’s Stadium, The Valley, and the London Stadium, have been incredibly successful, raising £2.4 million in 2024.Charities supported in the past include the Campaign Against Living Miserably, Young Minds, and the NSPCC.Rapper AJ Tracy played the match’s halftime show. More

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      UFC and WWE to set up new boxing league with four ‘super-fights’ to be held

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      THE owners of the UFC and the WWE are on the brink of creating a new boxing league funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.UFC supremo Dana White teased the formation of Zuffa Boxing in the build-up to Conor McGregor’s crossover clash with Floyd Mayweather in August 2017 but it never got off the ground.UFC supremo Dana White teased the formation of a boxing league back in 2017Credit: GETTYThe owners of the UFC and WWE have plans in place to create the league later this yearCredit: GETTYTKO Group Holdings Chief Mark Shapiro has revealed the league could be announced imminentlyCredit: GETTYBut the MMA promotion’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, revived those grand plans with Saudi investors last year and are on the verge of announcing a potentially revoluntionary league.TKO Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro said: “Everybody knows we’re in talks with the Saudis but to give you a little more color.”I will tell you that we are close on an agreement with the Saudis on a creation of a boxing league where we TKO would be the producer, the promoter and responsible for all day-to-day operations of the venture.”Where by we would receive a fee of $10million plus. Again, we’re not putting any money in, we’re not putting any capital in, we’re not on the hook for any [costs].READ MORE BOXING NEWS“Additionally, we would have some earn-in equity per time, specifically over a five-year period but it would be dependent on us achieving certain milestones, including us exceeding board-approved annual budgets over that five years.”The format of the proposed league is currently unclear, although Shapiro has revealed TKO will put on “four large scale super-fights” throughout 2025 and 2026.He explained: “I think I’ve given you at least a framework of what the deal would be. It’s its own league and we’d have consistent fights throughout the year.”I think on top of that you should know as part of the partnership, we would be the promoter, producer and event operator for four large scale kind of super-fights, as I call them, that would air probably two this year and two in [2026].Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe promotional power behind the TKO Group could make the boxing league a real successCredit: GETTY“Those may or may not fall into the boxing league itself, they may just be one offs, but we would be paid a fee to act as the promoter, the producer and the event operator.”According to Shapiro, the groundbreaking deal could be confirmed imminently.Dana White provides major update on ‘biggest fight in UFC history’ as MMA mogul makes defiant vow Shapiro revealed: “We’ve just sent a delegation to London to meet with the Saudi delegation led by Andrew Schleimer, our [chief financial officer] and Nick Khan, of course who runs WWE, and Lawrence Epstein who runs UFC.”They had a full day meeting earlier this week and we’re getting awfully close and when we have something official, we’ll come out [with the news].”The millions at the disposal of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority has changed the landscape of boxing over the last three years, with fights that were seemingly once-thought impossible being made at the drop of a hat.And Shapiro believes the promotional power possessed by TKO can further revolutionize the sport.He said: “There’s an audience for boxing and there’s a dearth of boxing on the national platform.”There’s a desire to have it back in the forefront of the American sports ecosystem.”It’s just been broken for too long, it’s been fragmented, it’s been poorly managed and we think we can do a lot with it.” More

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      I thought I was being scammed after WWE offered me trials on Instagram… but here’s why I chose boxing instead

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      PREPARING himself for Olympic glory, boxer Delicious Orie received a suspicious Instagram message offering him trials with the WWE. But the super-heavyweight star brushed off the invite as nothing more than a scam. Delicious Orie was beaten in the opening round of the 2024 OlympicsCredit: PAOrie was on holiday in Thailand when he realised he had been offered WWE trialsCredit: @deliciousboxingIt was only after he was controversially beaten in the opening round of the 2024 Paris Games that he gave the DM a second thought. By then, Orie was on holiday in Bangkok enjoying some well-earned rest off the back of heartbreaking defeat to Armenia’s Davit Chaloyan.He did a bit more digging and realised the offer from the WWE was real – and had already been accepted on his behalf. Orie, 27, told SunSport: “So they messaged me actually on Instagram – this was during the Olympics.READ MORE IN BOXING”So I wasn’t on my social media during the Olympics. I actually saw it on holiday a few weeks after.”And I’m looking up, I’m just looking through the messages and I’m seeing the WWE – initially I thought it was just like one of those fake things trying to get scam you.”But then I opened the message, I looked into the account and I’m like, ‘This is all legit, you know, they want me out.'”So I’m in Thailand, I bell my manager because I messaged them back and said, ‘Yeah, of course, let’s talk.’Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And they said, ‘Oh no, we’ve already been speaking with your manager and we’ve sorted everything out, you’re flying out this day.'”I’m calling my manager like, ‘What’s going on here? I’ve haven’t been told this!Former world heavyweight champion who KO’d Lennox Lewis, 59, wins second comeback fight as opponent retires “And he goes, ‘You just need to chill out, just relax, have a good time on holiday and then you can reset because your mind’s going to be going.'”And I’m like, well it’s too late now my mind’s going now. But yeah, I went out there just to have a look, see what they offer and it was a fantastic experience.”Orie did undergo a physical trial with the WWE in Florida – but stopped short of any high-flying turnbuckle moves.He said: “We did bits, it was very light, though. I’d watched a lot of the real physical jumping off the the ropes and all that stuff.”The main reason why was they were a little bit more cautious on it because as athletes and the things that we’ve got going on behind the scenes, injuries, as you may know, there’s there’s a high injury rate in wrestling, jumping off things and stuff like that.”So I got to try out a little bit, but not too much.”What Orie realised most though was the WWE stars’ talent on the microphone – something boxers rarely excel at. He said: “That’s why the likes of Tyson Fury and all them stand out so much because he’s able to do that, whereas you don’t get many in the UK that can do it.”Orie only began boxing at 18He suffered a controversial Olympic defeat to Armenia’s Davit ChaloyanCredit: PAOrie – born in Moscow to a Russian mother and Nigerian father – moved to the UK aged seven seeking a better life. He only started boxing at 18 and excelled as an amateur winning national titles as well as Commonwealth gold and European bronze. And with still so much to achieve in the professional ranks, Orie decided to politely turn down the WWE’s approach. He said: “I was thinking what’s gonna get me the most fulfilment out of my life?”I could have gone down that route, but do I wanna be a 70 year old looking back thinking what could I have been as a professional boxer?”I think there’s something quite real, raw, primal about boxing. “There’s nowhere to hide, the amount of work you put in is what shows. No matter whether it is you win, lose, it doesn’t matter.”It’s how much work you can portray and show people how much work you you’ve put in. And that’s basically what I wanted to do.I’m just looking through the messages and I’m seeing the WWE – initially I thought it was just like one of those fake things trying to get scam you.Delicious Orie”That’s the reason why I decided to sort of say, ‘Look, amazing offer, but definitely the professional boxing is for me.'”Orie has now turned pro with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren at heavyweight with his debut set to be announced soon. And he arrives on the scene just as superstars Anthony Joshua, 35, and Tyson Fury, 36, prepare to depart leaving a gaping gap behind them. Orie said: “When I started boxing, I knew that there was a target audience that I can appeal to.”I believe that I’m quite real and I could just appeal to normal people and I can also try and inspire as many people that were or still are in my position or were in my position in the past.”So I thought to myself, there’s definitely a gap in that market for me. So from before I even thought about turning professional, I knew that.”Orie expects to fight regularly in 2025 – and promises plenty of eyeballs – whether they are booing or cheering. He said: “I’ll be very, very busy, and it’ll be very, very exciting.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’ll be people gathering together watching Delicious Orie box, whether they don’t like me or like me, doesn’t matter. “They’ll be watching me box.”Anthony Joshua with OrieCredit: @deliciousboxing More

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      Watch crazy moment WWE legend Sheamus leaves Gary Neville writhing in pain as Man Utd legend swipes at Liverpool

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      WWE legend and Liverpool superfan Sheamus left Manchester United great Gary Neville writhing in agony during a hilarious segment.The four-time world champion is one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time having shared the ring with the likes of John Cena, Triple H, Randy Orton and more.WWE superstar Sheamus left Manchester United legend Gary Neville in agonySheamus is one of the greatest WWE stars and a well-known Liverpool fanCredit: GettyNeville took part in a hilarious segment with SheamusCredit: PAThe Irish bruiser is also a massive football fan and a loyal Red that has made his allegiance to the Kop perfectly known throughout his 21-year career.And the 46-year-old got to meet one of United’s best ever players in Neville, 49, during a surprise appearance on The Overlap where they both sat down with Rebecca Lowe.At some point the ex-England international wanted to know how it is to be in the ring as a WWE superstar.And Sheamus decided to give the former full-back a taste as he put him in his signature Clover Leaf submission move.Read More on FootballLowe was left laughing her socks off as the ex-WWE Champion caught Neville with his fly open.He initially struggled to apply the manoeuvre as the pundit appeared to be a little heavier than expected.But the Clover Leaf was ultimately applied and the former defender was left in agony.Sheamus added insult to injury when he ordered Neville to say “Liverpool are going to win the league” and that Arne Slot’s side are “No1”.Most read in FootballNeville, though, showed some grit as he refused to submit and instead took a swipe at United’s rivals twice.The heavyweight grappler ultimately let the analyst go with Lowe left in stitches. ‘Are you serious there-’ – Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher reveal team of the year but come to blows over four picksSheamus is now gearing up for the Royal Rumble, which is an event that has seen him enjoy tremendous success as he won the esteemed 30-man over-the-top-rope battle royal in 2012.The Rumble takes place on February 1 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. More

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      in Motorsport

      WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event live stream FREE: How to watch epic New York show

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      TIME to take a trip down memory lane as WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event returns tonight – and fans can tune in for FREE!The iconic event is back on the big screens for the first time since it was last aired in 2008.And it is expected to be jam-packed with nostalgic moments which includes Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura on commentary.Jesse Ventura will be on commentary duties at WWE Saturday Night’s Main EventCredit: GettyFurthermore, the card is stacked with battles for THREE championship belts and a new title on up for grabs.This historic show also marks the final event before WWE makes it major move to Netflix in January.But first and foremost, fans want to know how they can watch WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, and you can find out below.Where can I watch WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event for FREE?Fans in the US can tune into WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC.While fans in the UK will be able to stream the entire action for FREE on WWE’s official YouTube channel.These huge events are typically only available via the WWE Network or on TNT Sports Box Office.But this will all change in January, 2025 when the WWE complete the switch to Netflix as part of a mega $5billion deal.Most read in MotorsportWhen is WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event?WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place TONIGHT – Saturday, December 14.It is scheduled to get underway 8pm in the US.Fans in the UK will have to wait until 1am before seeing the action unfoldWhat is the WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event FULL card?Here is the full card for this iconic event:WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin OwensWorld Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Damian PriestWomen’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Iyo SkyWomen’s United States Championship final: Bayley or Chelsea Green vs. Michin or Tiffany StrattonSami Zayn vs Drew McIntyreWhat has been said?Mike Johnson of PWinsider reported that WWE planned to finish off the feud between Seth Rollins and Bronson Reed before Reed sustained a broken foot injury.However, Drew McIntyre’s early return from the treatment table will see him go straight into the ring against Sami Zayn.Speaking on his absence, McIntyre said: “I was off the past two months. “My last match was a Hell in a Cell match, a very brutal match. I got hit in the head at one point, I needed 16 staples to close a wound on the top of my head.”I suffered a family loss as well. So I had to go back to Scotland, deal with that, re-evaluate my priorities.“I realized that I had probably given a bit too much to my profession and to my colleagues and not enough to my family. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Kind of realized I’ve been giving too much for the past 17 years, and it’s time to probably start taking a little more, so I’m very much going into tonight with the mentality, I’m gonna take what’s mine, I’m gonna beat up people that deserve to be beat up. “Yeah, this is gonna be an interesting phase for Drew McIntyre.” More

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      Jake Paul teases major career change from boxing to follow in footsteps of brother Logan despite beating Mike Tyson

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      JAKE PAUL has teased a career change from boxing to follow in the footsteps of older brother Logan. The YouTube star is 11-1 as a fighter after beating Mike Tyson on points over eight rounds at the weekend. Jake Paul beat boxing legend Mike Tyson on pointsCredit: GettyMeanwhile Logan is a WWE star who could soon be joined by Jake in the professional wrestling business. Jake, 27, said on Logan’s Impaulsive podcast: “I would love to. I would want to be like your Paul Heyman.”I wouldn’t want to wrestle as much. I can do some s***, but I would want to be your sidekick businessman or some s***.”Logan, 28, replied: “I’m gonna go for it. I’m gonna go for it. READ MORE IN BOXING”Perhaps, if you retire, you become world champion, then you retire, and I’m still wrestling, you can be like my manager who also has a mean right hand.”Jake then asked: “Why can’t I do it now?” Logan responded: “I guess you can do it now. It’s just time consuming.” The brothers then mapped out a plan to become champions in their sport while Jake’s speedskater girlfriend Jutta Leerdam takes Olympic gold. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLogan said: “The ultimate goal would be for me to become WWE champion, for you to become boxing champion and then for your girlfriend Jutta to win Olympic gold.” The podcaster joined WWE in 2021, making his debut a year after, and has since won the United States Championship. Jake Paul admits he failed to knock out Mike Tyson ON PURPOSE after flop Netflix fight is slammedJake made a brief cameo in 2022 as back-up for Logan, attacking The Usos at the Crown Jewel pay-per-view in Saudi Arabia. The American has just one defeat in the boxing ring, a split-decision loss to Tommy Fury, 25, in 2023. A rematch has been eyed while Jake has also called out Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez, 34, after beating Tyson, 58. Jutta Leerdam with partner Jake PaulCredit: GettyJutta is a professional speedskaterCredit: Instagram / @uttaleerdamLogan Paul is a WWE starCredit: Splash More