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

    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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    Non-league club left stunned after 100 Spanish fans join them in stands for match after following team online

    FANS of footie minnows Harborough Town were stunned when more than 100 Spanish supporters joined them in the stands.Two coachloads visited for the clash with St Ives Town in seventh tier Southern League Premier Division last Saturday.100 Spanish football fans turned up to support seventh tier club Harborough TownCredit: RB MediaThe fans have been following the team on YouTubeCredit: RB MEDIAMany wore the team’s yellow shirt and chanted in their own language in Market Harborough, Leics.They were on a trip organised by YouTube channel La Media Inglesa, which covers British football for Spanish speakers.Ilie Oleart, who founded the group in 2011, asked 440,000 subscribers which lower league team they’d like to see and they backed Harborough.Earlier this season, the club reached the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in their 50-year history.read more on footballIlie said: “I met people at the club in September to get to know their history, the town and the facilities. “We thought they were the perfect club with the right values to share with our audience. “It was the best trip we have had so far.”The Espanyol supporter, from Barcelona, hopes to bring 300 fans next year. Most read in FootballAfter Harborough’s 2-1 defeat, players shared a beer with their new fans, who can stream future matches on YouTube. The group has previously taken supporters to games at Brighton and Hove Albion, Sheffield United and Wycombe Wanderers.Barcelona ‘chasing shock Son Heung-min transfer as cash-strapped Spanish giants target FOUR massive name free agents’Alvaro Sanz, from Madrid, added: “Some of the local fans were quite surprised, probably wondering what 100 Spaniards were doing there.“We occupied a full stand and started cheering from the first second of the game. “Quite a few local fans joined us, and we even taught them some chants in Spanish.”Harborough chairman Pete Dougan also revealed the Bees will travel to Spain for a pre-season tour of Barcelona and Madrid in July.He said: “It was a great day and the atmosphere they generated was superb. “Our fans were singing in English then they sang back in Spanish. It was good fun.”Many wore the team’s yellow shirt and chanted in their own languageCredit: Facebook More

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    Jake Paul announces next fight against ex-world champion and vows to knock out man ‘Canelo Alvarez could barely beat’

    JAKE PAUL has announced he will fight former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr next.The YouTuber-turned-boxer will return for the first time since his controversial bout against Mike Tyson.Jake Paul has announced his boxing returnCredit: GettyAnd he will face former WBC middleweight world champion Chavez Jr – son of one of Mexico’s most celebrated fighters – on June 28 in California.Paul, 28, posted: “Five years ago, I stepped into the ring for my pro debut after 1 amateur fight, and every fight since has been a step towards becoming world champion. “I just defeated the baddest man on the planet and broke multiple records, and now I’m going against a former world champion with 54 wins who Canelo could barely beat. “Chávez Jr. is Mexican, but I, El Gallo De Dorado, mexi-CAN knock him tf out. READ MORE IN BOXING”On Saturday, June 28, live on DAZN pay-per-view, I will defeat Julio and make Chávez Sr. proud in ways Jr. never has. Viva La Puerto Rico.” The bout will be contested at the 200lb cruiserweight limit, over ten rounds, on DAZN PPV at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Paul’s only defeat in the ring came via split-decision against Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023 in Saudi Arabia.But he has won five since, most recently up at heavyweight against Tyson – who came out of retirement aged 58 for his first pro fight in 20 YEARS.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPaul won on points with over 100 MILLION watching on Netflix – in what was the streaming service’s first live boxing event.But now the American will drop back down to the 200lb cruiserweight limit to face Chavez. The Mexican – son of the legendary Chavez Sr – held the middleweight title for three defences from 2011-2012 including a win over Andy Lee.He also went the distance in a pay-per-view points loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2017 and has suffered inconsistent for since. Chavez lost an embarrassing decision to UFC great Anderson Silva, 50, in 2021, a year after Paul beat the Brazilian himself.But Chavez has bounced back with two victories since – most recently on Paul’s undercard against ex-UFC star Uriah Hall last July. He has been linked with fighting Paul for three years now – with talks dating back to 2021.I just defeated the baddest man on the planet and broke multiple records, and now I’m going against a former world champion with 54 wins who Canelo could barely beat. Jake Paul Chavez – who claimed he turned down around $3million (£2.3m) – said he would RETIRE from boxing if he lost to Paul.He again called out the social media sensation last summer – with WBA president Gilberto Mendoza stating he would sanction the fight for a belt. But Paul talked down the bout with Chavez and any token title – stating he wanted a “tougher fight”. He was in talks to face Canelo, 34, in May in Las Vegas with the two close to announcing a shock bout. But Canelo walked away at the last minute to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.Paul’s camp then began negotiating for an exhibition against WBA lightweight champ Gervonta Davis – despite the SIX STONE weight difference.Read More on The SunBut Davis, 30, is set to rematch Lamont Roach, 29, in the summer following their controversial March draw. So Paul went back to the well to fight 54–6–1-1 veteran Chavez.Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will be Jake Paul’s next opponentCredit: Esther Lin/MVPChavez Jr lost to Canelo in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Jake Paul ‘to fight former world boxing champion and son of ring legend’ next in shock broadcasting deal

    JAKE PAUL is set to face a former boxing world champion as part of a shock broadcasting deal the next time he steps into the ring.Paul, 28, has an 11-1 record fighting against a variety of opponents ranging from retired world champions and influencers to converted MMA fighters.Jake Paul has reportedly lined up his next boxing opponentCredit: GettyHe is reportedly set to take on former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.Credit: AP:Associated PressHowever, “The Problem Child” is now set to square off with former boxing world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, according to Ring Magazine.Chavez, 39, is the former WBC middleweight world title – a title he held across five fights from January 2011 to September 2012.Last summer Chavez returned from a three-year boxing absence to beat Uriah Hall on Paul’s undercard.His overall record in the ring stands at 54 wins, six defeats and one draw.READ MORE IN BOXINGAll six of his defeats have come after 2012, with his stunning record before that giving him a 46-0-1 record.Chavez is, of course, also the son of legendary three-weight champion Julio César Chávez.Paul had been closing in on a deal to fight Canelo Alvarez last month, before that deal collapsed.But the main shock of the fight is the potential media partner.Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKPaul’s next fight will NOT be broadcast on streaming giant Netflix.The YouTuber-turned-boxer’s last fight against Mike Tyson last year was broadcast on Netflix, bringing in an estimated 108 million viewers worldwide to make it the most-streamed sporting event in history.Shocking moment Jake Paul drops 20 stone heavyweight as fans say he would ‘end Anthony Joshua’s career’ More

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    Tommy Fury will fight on same card as own brother with Love Island star set for family affair

    TOMMY FURY and brother Roman will fight on the same boxing card.The 2019 Love Islander beat YouTube’s biggest boxing stars in Jake Paul and KSI in 2023 – but has not returned since. Roman Fury and brother Tommy will fight on the same card in HungaryCredit: @romanfury_Fury had hand surgery last year and was due to face MMA fighter-turned-boxer Darren Till in January. But he pulled out after the former UFC middleweight threatened to KICK him in the head.It led to speculation over Fury’s future in boxing – but he took to social media to announce his comeback fight on May 9 in Hungary. And older brother Roman – who is 4-0 himself – is due to feature on the undercard despite neither of their opponents being confirmed. READ MORE IN BOXINGRoman, 28, posted: “May 9, Budapest, back with a BANG.” The cruiserweight was due to fight Misfits Boxing rival Chase DeMoor, 28, on KSI’s undercard in March.But KSI withdrew with illness and the event has not yet been rescheduled. Tommy – still linked with a rematch with Paul afer his split-decision win in Saudi Arabia – posted: “Two years out. One surgery. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The hardest battle I’ve faced has been the mental battle of being away from boxing. “But I’m back stronger, sharper, and more HUNGARY than ever. May 9th, Budapest… It’s showtime. Let’s go!” Tommy, 25, is also still believed to be contracted to Misfits – amid rumours of also rematching KSI, 31, following his controversial win. Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul in February 2023Credit: GettyKSI was beaten by controversial decision against Tommy Fury in October 2023 More

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    ‘Next question’ – Jake Paul refuses to entertain Carl Froch fight after making $10m demand to British legend, 47

    JAKE PAUL has refused to even entertain the idea of fighting Carl Froch.British legend Froch retired in 2014 after knocking out George Groves in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley.Jake Paul has refused to even entertain the idea of fighting Carl FrochCredit: iFL TVFroch has been critical of Jake PaulHe has since embarked on an outspoken career in punditry, with YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul frequently on the end of Froch’s wrath.So it is no wonder the 11-1 American is not interested in a fight. Paul told media with a simile at the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano press conference: “Next question.” Froch held the super-middleweight world title twice and only lost to American great Andre Ward and Mikkel Kessler – winning the rematch.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd he has snubbed offers for a comeback fight in the past after hanging up his gloves. But Froch, 47, has maintained in the past he will return to fight Paul, 28, even offering to donate his purse to charity.Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian did respond in January – challenging Froch to put $10million (£7.7m) on the table for the fight.Bidarian told SunSport: “Sure Carl, show up with an offer that makes sense – since he’s fighting for charity anyways – he’s made it clear that he’s going to donate 100 per cent of his earnings to charity.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Show up with an offer that makes sense for MVP [Most Valuable Promotions] and Jake Paul, who drive the biggest numbers in the entire sport and we’ll have happy to have a conversation.”We’re certainly not looking to come to the UK to offer a 47-year-old Carl Froch – who’s never sold a pay-per-view in his life in the US which is the most important market – and make him an offer.Shocking moment Jake Paul drops 20 stone heavyweight as fans say he would ‘end Anthony Joshua’s career’ “And, he’s fighting for charity anyways, he’s fighting for free.”So, if and when they’re ready to show us an offer that shows that he’s 100 per cent donating all proceeds that he gets paid and any entities associated with him to charity.”And that it is an eight-figure opportunity for Jake Paul – which is what Jake Paul makes in every single fight – happy to have the conversation. Absolutely.”Froch was critical of Paul’s last fight – which he won over eight rounds against Mike Tyson after returning to the ring aged 58.Paul’s only loss came against Tommy Fury, 25, in Saudi Arabia via split-decision. He is set to announce his next fight after talks with Canelo Alvarez, 34, and Gervonta Davis, 30, collapsed.Jake Paul is set to announce his next fightCredit: Sportsfile More

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    Jake Paul reveals what Anthony Joshua told him on phone after claiming Brit superstar ‘doesn’t have a chin’

    JAKE PAUL has revealed what Anthony Joshua told him over the phone following his blistering blast and viral callout. YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul audaciously vowed to knock out two-time heavyweight world champion AJ. Jake Paul revealed what Anthony Joshua told him over the phoneJoshua and Jake Paul agreed to a 2026 fightCredit: Rex FeaturesAnd Joshua looked to quite literally call the American’s bluff by phoning Paul up to confront him. The pair then teased an agreement to fight in next year – with Paul opening up on his impromptu chat with Joshua. He said after the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano press conference: “We’re going to plan that for 2026. I talked to Anthony on the phone. “He called me up and said, ‘I saw you call me out, let’s run it. Let’s make it happen.'” READ MORE IN boxing Paul moved up to heavyweight for his last fight when he controversially brought Mike Tyson out of retirement aged 58 in November.He weighed 16st 2lb and won over eight rounds – with 100 MILLION watching in what was Netflix’s first live boxing event. But Paul would still be TWO STONE lighter than Joshua, 35, who was 18st for his September KO loss to Daniel Dubois, 27. The American sent social media into a frenzy when he called out AJ on his podcast – and hit out at the 2012 Olympic gold medallist. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPaul, 28, said: “I want to fight Anthony Joshua – exclusive – because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s ass.”He doesn’t have a chin, and he has no skill and he’s stiff. I love you Anthony, we’e friends, all this s*** but I want to fight you.” Shocking moment Jake Paul drops 20 stone heavyweight as fans say he would ‘end Anthony Joshua’s career’ Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed to SunSport that AJ is on board for the fight – and called to make it happen THIS YEAR. But Paul’s promotional partner, Nakisa Bidarian, hit back: “I saw Eddie Hearn made a comment around ‘Why 2026? Why not in 2025? It’s just clickbait.’ No, it’s not clickbait.”Jake realises he needs some more in-ring experience to be in the best position to hold his own against Anthony Joshua. So we’re not rushing into a fight against Joshua.”We’re not financially dependent on Jake having a fight against Anthony Joshua for 2025 for our business to flourish.”We’re gonna do at least two Jake Paul fights in 2025, and then we’ll definitely sit down with the appropriate parties to look at Jake Paul versus Anthony Joshua in 2026.”Paul was close to announcing a shock 200lb cruiserweight fight with Canelo Alvarez on May 3 in Las Vegas.But Canelo, 34, walked away at the 11th hour to instead sign a four-bout deal with Saudi’s Turki Alalshikh.Paul then considered an exhibition bout against WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis – who is seven stone lighter. But Davis, 30, is set to rematch Lamont Roach, 29, in the summer following their controversial draw. Read More on The SunPaul is due to reveal his next fight but said: “We do have an announcement next week but I’m just not going to leak anything.”We’ve had these fights pulled twice now at the one-yard line, Canelo, Gervonta, so I’m just not going to jinx it and say anything.” Jake Paul is preparing to announce his next fightCredit: Sportsfile More

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    ‘People talk a lot of s***’ – KSI defended by his coach for being spotted at concert a week after pulling out of fight

    KSI has been defended by his boxing coach after being spotted at an Usher concert – one week after pulling out of his fight with Dillon Danis. The YouTuber was due to face MMA star Danis on March 29 in Manchester – but he withdrew with a week to go after falling ill. KSI was spotted at an Usher concert a week after pulling out of fighting Dillon DanisAlexis Demetriades is the coach of KSIBut Danis hit out at KSI after the British social media sensation was spotted at an Usher concert at the O2. Derek Chisora posted a video on his Instagram story showing KSI in attendance and Danis said: “You can’t make this s*** up. “@KSI faked the sniffles. He’s a scared little b***h. I was told he couldn’t get out of bed, and he’s out on the night of the fight? WTF.”KSI’s trainer Alexis Demetriades has since spoken out in defence of the Misfits Boxing co-founder. READ MORE IN BOXINGDemetriades said on Fred Talks Fighting: “It’s quite a strange one for people to jump on that because let’s say I’ve hurt my hand and it’s really hurt, doesn’t mean I can’t go to a concert.”I’m not fighting anymore, I can’t train and put my heart rate at max zones and do my VO2 Max and kill myself in sparring because I can’t fight.”It doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy my life and go out. I think because he’s a high-profile kid a lot of people talk a lot of s*** online like, ‘Why’s here there? What’s he doing?'”He’s been on antibiotics and he’s ill and he can’t fight – doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy his life. It’s a very different scenario.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think people read a bit too much into it. He’s a young man that needs to let off some steam. “If he wants to go out and go to a concert, I don’ think there’s an issue with that.KSI issues worrying statement on health battle and gives major update on boxing career after latest fight collapse “He’s been ill for a month off with two sets of antibiotics and a lot of pressure for him to make this work and it didn’t work out.”KSI, 31, is yet to return since suffering defeat for the first time, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023. He was due to fight in August but pulled out with an injured hand before his most recent illness. And KSI – who founded Misfits to home to celebrity-style crossover bouts – even refused to confirm if he will fight again. But coach Demetriades does expect the Britain’s Got Talent judge to fight again and opened the door to a bout with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He said: “We’d love that fight, I think stylistically it’s a great fight.”And also, because the fight everyone wants and we want is the Jake Paul fight and obviously he doesn’t necessarily want it at the moment.”That’s a great idea for people to see JJ fight somebody that orthodox, that’s 200+lb right now that’s got 56 wins and won a world title. It’s quite a good look for JJ.”He’s been on antibiotics and he’s ill and he can’t fight – doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy his life. KSI’s trainer Alexis DemetriadesChavez – son to the legendary Mexican Julio Cesar Sr – held the WBC middleweight world title from 2011-2012. And he went 12 rounds with Canelo Alvarez in 2017 but has suffered inconsistent form of late. Chavez, 39, was beaten by UFC great Anderson Silva, 49, in 2021 but did beat MMA middleweight Uriah Hall in a crossover boxing bout last summer. He was in talks to fight KSI earlier in the year and has also been linked with facing Paul, 28, in the past. Demetriades also talked down a tune-up fight – despite KSI’s inactivity in the ring. He said: “I’m not about warm-up fights, personally. “I don’t think we need warm-up fights. I think what you do is get a fight camp and go straight into a fight.Read More on The Sun”As far as I’m concerned the sparring that we have and the pressure we put on KSI, he’s a game day kid. He performs on game day.”When he comes out to fight he comes out to fight. I’m not worried about him performing, that’s what he does. He’s very, very good at that.”Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is linked with fighting KSICredit: Esther Lin/MVP More