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    Jake Paul identifies three ‘extremely good’ opponents in the frame for MMA debut amid talks to rematch boxing rivals

    JAKE PAUL has three names on a list of potential MMA opponents. The YouTuber-turned-boxer is 11-1 in the ring and most recently beat 58-year-old heavyweight great Mike Tyson in November. Jake Paul has three names on a list of potential MMA opponentsAnd already Paul is back in training for his next bout – but behind the scenes talks are ongoing for an MMA switch. The American is signed to the Professional Fighters League – where he and promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian share equity.Bidarian – who once served as Chief Financial Officer for the UFC – is working with Paul to pin down an MMA opponent. PFL founder Donn Davis told SunSport: “Nakisa has three names that he’s focused on. READ MORE ON JAKE PAUL”I don’t want to share those because I don’t think that’ll help, Nakisa and Jake get those done. They’re really good at that. “So I don’t think it’s one name. I think there’s a group of three that would be extremely good and they’re working on this.”Paul, 27, signed for the PFL just one month before losing to Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023 which is his first and only defeat. He has won five times since, most recently against Tyson which attracted controversy amid their huge age gap. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut over 100 MILLION tuned in live on Netflix – with Paul’s commercial success in the boxing ring so far delaying a switch to MMA. Nate Diaz, 39, who was beaten by Paul in their August 2023 boxing bout was linked with an MMA rematch worth £10million.Francis Ngannou set for boxing return in 2025 with Tyson Fury rematch and Deontay Wilder fight targetedFury was also approached for a two-fight deal that included bouts in both the cage and the ring worth £15m.And while talks with potential opponents continue, Davis expects this year will mark Paul’s debut in the PFL cage. He said: “Jake has been so successful at boxing that that’s delayed his MMA. No question about it. And I think 2025 will be the year.”We thought 2024 would be the year, but it was just so much success forthcoming in boxing.”I don’t think you could have seen the cultural phenomenon of the Tyson fight coming, and that really took over 2024.”So, I’m pretty confident 2025. But it’s also about the right opponent. At one point the Diaz opponent was set up and things didn’t happen.”So it’s opponent-driven, but I think this is the year.”Mike Tyson was beaten on points by Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Give him Jake Paul next’ urge fans as Tyson Fury’s ex-sparring partner Jai Opetaia delivers ‘killer’ KO on David Nyika

    JAI OPETAIA scored a very early contender for Knockout of The Year following his brutal stoppage over David Nyika. The Aussie defended his IBF cruiserweight title Down Under against rival Nyika on the Gold Coast. Jai Opetaia knocked out David NyikaCredit: Gettyhe retained his cruiserweight titlesCredit: GettyAnd a thrilling bout came to a crashing halt in round four after Opetaia landed a stunning right uppercut. Somehow, Nyika made it to his feet but a left hand sent him tumbling to the canvas face-first and out for the count. Opetaia – who like Nyika formerly sparred Tyson Fury – retained his title and called out WBA and WBO champ Gilberto Ramirez to a unification. He said: “Ramirez, I’m coming for the belts. We’re coming for the rest of those belts.” read more in boxing Ramirez, 33, is coming off a big points win over Brit Chris Billam-Smith, 34, to add the WBO to his WBA title. But despite Opetaia’s plans to unify the 200lb titles – fans were more bothered about having him fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. One said: “Jake Paul should fight this fella. He said he wants to fight for a cruiserweight belt.”Another added: “Give Jake Paul next.a boxer same weight, same age.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne joked: “He’s ready for Jake Paul, the uncrowned king of Cruiserweight.”Promoter Eddie Hearn wants Opetaia to become undisputed champ at cruiserweight before moving up to challenge Oleksandr Usyk, 37.Horror moment referee gets punched in face as officials forced to storm boxing ring to break up chaotic fightHe said: “Jai is going to pick up all the belts in the cruiserweight division to become undisputed. “And then we want to push him into a fight with Oleksandr Usyk as well to try and become undisputed at heavyweight as well. “You have to search for greatness, he’s good enough to do it. “I believe he’s the only person now in the division, cruiserweight or heavyweight that can genuinely give Oleksandr Usyk a real, real fight. “But to do it, we have to pick up every belt in the cruiswerweight division first.”Fans want Opetaia to fight Jake PaulCredit: GettyOleksandr Usyk is another option for Opetaia to fightCredit: Reuters More

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    Conor McGregor sends £200million warning to Logan Paul after ‘confirming’ shock boxing match

    CONOR MCGREGOR has sent a blunt warning Logan Paul’s way amid continued talks over a shock exhibition bout.The former two-weight UFC champion revealed late last year he’d accepted a boxing match against the WWE superstar.Conor McGregor revealed a shock showdown with Logan Paul was in the works late last yearCredit: GETTYThe Irishman claimed he’ll throw down with the YouTuber in IndiaCredit: SPLASHThe UFC superstar has sent a chilling warning the YouTuber’s wayCredit: XSunSport understands negotiations over the bout are in the exploratory phase and neither the UFC nor the WWE are at the table.McGregor, 36, has suggested a whopping deal for the £400million ($500m) showdown – the brainchild of Indian billionaire Anant Ambani – has been finalised.And he’s done so once again with a blunt warning to social media superstar Paul.Along with a photo of Paul in the WWE ring and an India flag emoji, McGregor wrote on X: “$250,000,000. #ImComing.”READ MORE ON MCGREGORScores of McGregor’s followers commented, with one saying: “Easy work.”Another said: “I hope it’s true. I ain’t mad lol.”One remarked: “A quarter of a billion dollars to fight Logan Paul. surely not?”[The] world’s gone absolutely MAD if that turns out to be the reality.Most read in Boxing”Surely this fight won’t make enough to pay both fighters that silly amount.Another chimed in: “Doesn’t matter the fighter, if they’re offered $250M they’ll fight. Logan Paul Teases Conor McGregor Fight Announcement”Can’t blame them either.”A stunning report last December claimed both McGregor and Paul will receive a whopping £200m for their proposed Mumbai melee.Both men added fuel to the raging fire surrounding their proposed crossover clash, with McGregor resharing the report and Paul liking an Instagram post citing it.The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is being lined up to host the crossover clash, which will reportedly be in conjunction with the ‘Visit India’ tourism campaign.Logan Paul hasn’t fought since beating Dillon Danis in October 2023Credit: GettyConor McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his left leg in July 2021Credit: APYouTube sensation Paul hasn’t fought since winning his Misfits Boxing grudge match Dillon Danis in October 2023.MMA mogul McGregor, meanwhile, has been on the sidelines since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.He was slated to make his UFC return against Michael Chandler last June but was forced out of their Sin City showdown with a broken toe.READ MORE SUN STORIESMcGregor’s next fight, wherever it’ll take place, will be his first since being found civilly liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.The Irishman – who was accused of “raping and battering” Ms Hand – has vowed to appeal the verdict of last month’s civil trial at Dublin’s High Court. More

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    Jake Paul shares ten-man boxing hit-list for 2025 including British world champion and Tommy Fury

    JAKE PAUL has revealed his ten-man boxing hitlist of opponents.The YouTuber-turned-boxer ended 2024 by improving his record to 11-1 after beating 58-year-old great Mike Tyson in their controversial clash. Jake Paul revealed his ten-man boxing hitlist of opponentsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @jakepaulPaul’s points win sparked some of the sport’s biggest names to call him out and the American has revealed his own list of dream opponents. He uploaded a poster which included the likes of Tommy Fury, Daniel Dubois, Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather.Paul is depicted holding a bag of cash with the caption: “Who next?” Gervonta Davis, Artur Beterbiev, Ryan Garcia, Alex Pereira, Nate Diaz and KSI also feature on the mocked up poster. READ MORE IN BOXINGAmerican superstar Davis fights FIVE STONE lighter than Paul but recently called him out. The WBA lightweight champion told: “This my callout, Jake Paul, what’s up?” Paul previously said: “I’d be down. Let’s run it. I’d be super, super down. Is there a height limit in boxing?”Mayweather, 47, officially retried in 2017 but continues to box in exhibition bouts, including against Paul’s brother Logan, 29. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe undefeated legend has been linked with a fight against Paul, 27, but their weight difference has prevented it from being professionally sanctioned.McGregor, 36, is also believed to be in talks with Logan for a boxing bout in India despite his contract with the UFC.Tommy Fury calls out Jake Paul for rematch as war-of-words continuesThat is what stands in the way of Paul fighting UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, 37, following his callout in July.Boxing champ Artur Beterbiev, 39, is another to have challenged Paul on social media.He posted: “What can you do in the ring against the current undisputed champion? “Just know that I’m always open to any suggestions.” Paul hit back: “Top 5 pound for pound fighter in the world calling me out. Hahahahahaha. 4 years in and I run this sport.”IBF heavyweight champ Dubois, 27, also called out Paul on Instagram but did so in private messages that were leaked. Garcia, 25, is another top star to have called out Paul despite their friendship and weight difference. Heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois called out Jake PaulCredit: ReutersConor McGregor is in talks to fight Jake Paul’s brother LoganCredit: APLogan Paul faced Floyd Mayweather in a 2021 exhibition boutCredit: GettyJake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury in 2023Credit: GettyBut he suggested 185lb catchweight clash and added: “I kinda like gave birth to his boxing career, and I’m here to end it. That’s it.”Paul’s social media post included controversial insults aimed at McGregor and Garcia.Diaz, 39, was beaten over ten boxing rounds by Paul in 2023 but he was offered a £10m rematch in MMA. Fury, 25, also fought Paul in 2023 and became the first and so far only to defeat the social media sensation. Paul then accused Fury of turning down a £6.4m offer to rematch on Netflix in 2024 leaving the rivalry brewing. And Fury told ESPN: “I mean at the end of the day I think me and him, we’re set in stone.”He’s only got one defeat and that’s to me, so it’s inevitable that we are going to get back in the ring.” Last but not least is Paul’s oldest and most arch rival, KSI.READ MORE SUN STORIESKSI, 31, defeated his brother Logan in 2019 but a grudge match with Jake is yet to materialise. The latest stumbling block between them is a disagreement over what weight they would fight at with Paul demanding 200lb and KSI 185lb. KSI and Jake Paul clashing in 2020Credit: Getty Images – GettyJake Paul and Nate Diaz are linked with a rematch in MMACredit: ReutersRyan Garcia called out Jake Paul despite their friendshipCredit: RexGervonta Davis has called out Jake PaulCredit: APArtur Beterbiev offered Jake Paul a shot at his light-heavyweight titleCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAlex Pereira was called out by Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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    Former world champion, 47, vows to end Jake Paul’s boxing career with ‘one punch’

    CARL FROCH has threatened to end Jake Paul’s boxing career with just one punch. Froch, who retired in 2014, has embarked on an outspoken punditry career since hanging up the gloves.Carl Froch has threatened to end Jake Paul’s boxing career with just one punchCredit: RexJake Paul has come under criticism by FrochCredit: GettyAnd YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul has been among the most criticised by the British legend.Froch, 47, has vowed to come out of retirement to fight the American and claimed he would even do it for free. He said on his YouTube channel: “I will fight for charity. Which part of that do you not understand? “You conveniently left that out cause that shatters your whole illusion of, ‘oh, Carl Froch is begging for a payday.’READ MORE IN BOXING”I ain’t begging for a payday, I’m begging to ram Jake Paul’s teeth down the back of his f***ing throat. Boom. Game over. “Jake Paul’s bulls***, fake, clown career over with one punch. That’s all I’m begging for.”Froch retired in 2014 after knocking out George Groves in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.Paul, 27, is meanwhile 11-1 as a boxer with his only defeat coming in 2023 against Tommy Fury, 25, via split-decision in Saudi Arabia. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHis last bout was marred in controversy after he beat 58-year-old great Mike Tyson over eight rounds. And Froch was among the harshest of critics as he then called to fight Paul for charity. ‘I’m kind of depressed a little’ – Boxing legend Mike Tyson’s alarming confession one month on from Jack Paul fightAnd Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa 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.”Show up with an offer that makes sense for MVP 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.”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.”Jake Paul with Nakisa BidarianCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable Promotions More

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    ‘He’ll get f***ed up’ – Conor McGregor issued brutal warning over £400m Logan Paul boxing match

    CONOR MCGREGOR has been warned he could get “f**ked up” if he doesn’t take a fight with Logan Paul seriously.Preliminary talks over a shock exhibition bout between the pair – which is the brainchild of Indian billionaire Anant Ambani – took place last month.Conor McGregor appears to be closing in on a boxing match with Logan PaulCredit: GettyYouTuber Paul will have a massive size advantage over McGregor in the proposed punch-upCredit: GETTYMcGregor has been warned he could get “f**ked up” if he parties in the build-up to the fightCredit: INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMAThe claim warning has come from former UFC heavyweight Brendan SchaubCredit: GETTYAnd the pair, 36 and 29 respectively, each hinted that the stunning crossover clash was a done deal just before the turn of the New Year.Paul’s chances of beating McGregor have been written off by many, despite his massive size advantage.But former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub reckons he could pull of an almighty upset if McGregor doesn’t curb his partying ways.The fighter-turned-podcaster said: “My only concern is if Conor doesn’t take it serious.READ MORE IN MMA”If he kind of moseys in, he’s partying, I think he’ll get f***ed up.“Now, if it’s prime Conor, Logan might be get pieced up.“At one point, you’ve got to give it to the Paul brothers; one fought Mike Tyson, the other is fighting Conor McGregor.’No matter how you feel about it, it’s pretty cool.”Most read in BoxingA stunning report recently claimed MMA mogul McGregor and Paul are set to earn a whopping £200million each for their proposed Mumbai melee.Social media sensation Paul hasn’t boxed since winning his Misfits grudge match with Dillon Danis in October 2023.Logan Paul Teases Conor McGregor Fight AnnouncementFormer two-division champion McGregor, meanwhile, has been on the sidelines since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.His next fight, whenever it may take place, will be his first since being found civilly liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.’The Notorious’ who was accused of “raping and battering” Ms Hand – has vowed to appeal the verdict of last November’s civil trial at Dublin’s High Court. More

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    Conor McGregor ‘CONFIRMS’ £400m Logan Paul boxing match in India with UFC star set to receive INSANE purse

    CONOR MCGREGOR has appeared to suggest a shock showdown with Logan Paul has been FINALISED.The Notorious revealed earlier this month that he was in preliminary talks over an exhibition boxing match with the YouTube sensation.Conor McGregor revealed earlier this month that he’s in talks to box Logan Paul next yearCredit: GettyMcGregor revealed his proposed clash with Paul would take place in India next yearCredit: GettyThe Notorious has seemingly confirmed that the fight has been finalisedPaul added more fuel to the fire on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@HAPPYPUNCHAnd the 36-year-old has suggested the fight – which is set to be financed by Indian billionaire Anant Ambani – is on the brink of being announced.Veteran MMA journalist Emmett Glenn reported on Sunday that McGregor is now gearing up to face the social media sensation in a Mumbai melee next year.Glenn also revealed both men are set to earn a whopping £200MILLION ($250m) each for the South Asian slugfest.The crossover clash is said to be set to take place at the Wankhede Stadium and will be part of the country’s “Visit India’ tourism campaign.READ MORE ON MCGREGORAnd McGregor seemingly confirmed Glenn’s report by quoting his post on X with a Indian flag and a love-heart emoji.Casual and hardcore fight fans were quick to comment on the seemingly done deal, with one saying: “$250M each for an exhibition fight?”That’s more than most world title fights pay!”Another said: “Money talks, $250M is crazy for each.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another said: “I’m tired of these gimick fights. Dude is scared to go back into the UFC.”One remarked: “Holy s**t that will be wild! $250 mil each??”Conor McGregor names his top five MMA fighters of all time including WWE legend and actor nicknamed ‘The Handsome One’ Another chimed in: “Lots of money for a boring fight.”YouTube phenom Paul added even more fuel to the fire by liking an Instagram post citing the report.It was revealed last week that neither the UFC nor the WWE, who McGregor and Paul are respectively contracted to, have been approached about the bout.Both entities, however, are under the TKO Group Banner – meaning the possible punch-up would be incredible easy to make.Former two-division champion McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.His next outing will be his first since being found civilly liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.The Irishman – who was accused of “raping and battering” Ms Hand – has vowed to appeal the verdict of last month’s civil trial at Dublin’s High Court. More

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    Jake Paul set to fight Conor McGregor in blockbuster bout despite UFC star claiming he was in talks with brother Logan

    JAKE PAUL is reportedly on course to pip brother Logan to a grudge match with UFC superstar Conor McGregor.McGregor revealed earlier this month that he’s accepted a shock offer to face Logan in an exhibition boxing match in India next year.Conor McGregor sensationally claimed earlier this month that he’ll boxCredit: GETTYLogan Paul added fuel to the fire via his Instagram storyCredit: INSTAGRAM@LOGANPAULBut his brother Jake is reportedly set to steal the McGregor fight from underneath himCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAKEPAULIt was later revealed by reporter Ariel Helwani that preliminary talks over the bout – which could come together thanks to Indian billionaire Anant Ambani – have taken place but both the UFC and the WWE have yet to be approached.Ambani, however, initially wanted Jake to be the man standing across from McGregor in the crossover clash.And according to a sensational report, he could very well get his wish.ESPN boxing correspondent Salvador Rodriguez claims a grudge match between Jake and McGregor is now “on the table” for mid-2025.READ MORE ON MCGREGORHe wrote on X: “Sources: Jake Paul vs Conor McGregor on the table for July, August or September 2025 in India.”The sensational claim comes just days after Jake revealed he’d be making a “big announcement in January”.A fight between Jake and McGregor has been brewing for the best part of four years.Jake started his pursuit of a multi-million-pound showdown with the MMA mogul in late 2020.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe began taunting McGregor in a series of videos, which included sick jibes at the Irishman’s fiancee Dee Devlin.The pair have traded several jabs over the years, with recently McGregor blasting Jake’s crossover clash with boxing legend Mike Tyson last month.Jake Paul beats Mike Tyson in unanimous decision as crowd boo fightHe said: “A 16-minute spar in sparring gloves. F*** off.”Paul took aim at the UFC’s poster boy late last month after he was found civilly liable to have assaulted a woman – Nikita Hand – at a Dublin hotel in December 2018.McGregor responded a few hours after vowing to appeal the verdict by branding Jake a “little gay nerd.”Jake renewed his war of words with McGregor shortly after the Dubliner went public with his potential exhibition with Logan.He wrote on X: “Now it all makes sense why Conor Mcgregor & his management team have been desperately trying to get MVP to negotiate for a fight between us.”As we told them privately & I’m now saying it publicly.”The only way we’re willing to explore me vs Conor in a pro boxing / mma fight is if Dana White / UFC are at the table directly or make it clear they are ok with discussions.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Conor is washed. Needs the Paul’s. Logan by however he wants.”Former two-division champion McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier three-and-a-half years ago.Conor McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his left leg over three years agoCredit: AP More