Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury plans to hang up the gloves after his upcoming fight against Dillian Whyte in London.
Fury is coming off of back-to-back wins over Deontay Wilder and won the rubber match of their trilogy last October. Despite some rumblings regarding a potential crossover fight against UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, the WBC required that he negotiate a fight with Whyte.
Fury’s tenure in the boxing ring is well documented. After battling issues with his mental health, he returned to defeat Sefer Seferi before eventually earning the WBO inter-continental heavyweight belt against Tom Schwarz.
“This is the final countdown of ‘The Gypsy King.’ Hollywood awaits,” Fury said. “This is my retirement fight. 100,000 people at Wembley, all British world title fight. Return of the Mack after four years to the U.K. This is it, going out on a high. Retiring on top. Two-time world heavyweight champion and I’ll have made eight defenses of the lineal championship. Never to lose a fight. To go down as only the second heavyweight in history to retire unbeaten. Me and Rocky Marciano.” (h/t MMA Fighting)
Fury went on to clarify that while he plans on retiring from professional boxing, a crossover fight with Ngannou is still in the cards.
“I don’t count that as a real boxing fight. That’s not a boxing fight. That’s gonna be a ‘special’ fight. That will be in a cage in four-ounce gloves, in Las Vegas, at the Raiders Stadium….
“I will have retired from competitive, championship boxing and I’ll be ready to do the crossover fights completely. He won’t be the UFC heavyweight champion anymore, I won’t be the WBC heavyweight champion anymore, but I will still be the lineal heavyweight champion because they can’t take that from me!”
Fury and Ngannou have gone back-and-forth on social media for months, and a matchup between them seems imminent. Ngannou will miss a chunk of 2022 after undergoing knee surgery.
If Fury is planning on retiring following the fight with Whyte, he’ll go down as arguably one of the best heavyweights in boxing history.
Do you think Tyson Fury will retire after fighting Dillian Whyte?
Boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya may not attempt a comeback to the ‘sweet science’ after all, following a recent interview.
De La Hoya was supposed to face Vitor Belfort last year in an event held by Triller Fight Club but pulled out of the event after testing positive for COVID-19. He ended up getting a brief hospital stay to help treat his symptoms.
Belfort’s trainer, Derik Santos, questioned the validity of De La Hoya’s COVID-19 diagnosis.
“I can’t imagine myself in the ring anymore. I’m hanging up the gloves for sure and calling it a day,” De La Hoya said in an interview with BoxingScene. “It’s not likely [I will fight again]. I’m not feeling it. I went through so much in training. I was on it. When I trained, I left everything and my focus was 100%. It just drained me. I couldn’t handle it. Once I got COVID, I still have problems breathing when I’m running.
(via AP)
“I feel complete now. I have six projects aside from boxing that I’m working on right now that are huge – mega. I’ve refocused. I have the energy. I have a woman by my side who makes me feel like King Kong. It’s motivating. It really is. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with Golden Boy and my personal brand. Things are moving in the right direction. I’m really excited about it.”
De La Hoya last fought in the ring against Manny Pacquiao in 2008. He would lose the fight after his corner stopped the action in the later rounds.
De La Hoya earned multiple boxing world titles and fought some of the greatest in the sport’s history, including Bernard Hopkins and Floyd Mayweather Jr. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014.
While Jake has built an unblemished 5-0 record that includes knockout victories over former MMA welterweight champions Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley, Logan has fought once as a pro, falling to a split decision loss to fellow Internet star KSI.
Now almost nine months beyond his clash with “Money,” Paul is looking to don the gloves again. But while his sights are currently set on a boxing contest with Brazilian YouTuber Whindersson Nunes, “The Maverick” boasts aspirations beyond the squared circle.
Paul: Idea Of MMA Crossover “Excites Me”
During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Paul discussed the possibility of swapping the ropes for the cage down the line.
Given his wrestling background, which saw him qualify for the state-level Ohio High School Athletic Association 2013 Division I Wrestling Individual Championships, Paul has previously suggested he’d be much better suited to MMA than boxing.
With that in mind, Paul expects to foray into another realm of combat in the near future, and revealed he’s even had offers from MMA promotions in recent months.
“Probably. I get bored. I get f*cking bored,” Paul said. “I have so many interests and do so many things, it’s like, why not? Who the f*ck else is doing it? Or can? I think it’d be entertaining, I think it’d be great. A few [people have offered]. There was one in Japan actually, that I still might end up doing. That excites me.” (h/t MMA Fighting)
As well as boxing and MMA being firmly on his mind, Paul is currently playing a major part in the world of professional wrestling. Before turning his attention to a return to the ring or a debut in the cage, “The Maverick” is set to perform on the grand stage of WWE WrestleMania 38 next month.
Bellator MMA President Scott Coker has confirmed that his promotion is in talks with rising boxing sensation Jake Paul.
Paul, who made his name as a widely-followed YouTuber and Disney star, ventured into combat sports in 2020. After victories in the ring over fellow Internet personality AnEsonGib and former NBA athlete Nate Robinson, Paul’s competition increased to MMA veterans in 2021.
Having moved to 5-0 and begun to receive more respect for both his in-ring abilities and apparent pursuit for improved fighter pay outside it, Paul’s prominence on the combat sports circuit continues to rise.
While his next steps and opponent in the squared circle are unclear, Paul has seemed increasingly keen on trying his hand at MMA in the future, a desire that’s followed constant back and forth with UFC President Dana White.
That hat feud means an appearance in the Octagon is hard to envision. However, another promotional kingpin would be happy to welcome the Cleveland native in with open arms.
Coker Tells Paul “We’re Here”
While White has always refused to entertain the idea of getting the likes of Jake and Logan Paul onboard in the UFC, Bellator’s Coker has consistently displayed the opposite mindset.
“If Jake Paul is serious and wants to do it, we’re here. We’re already talking about (it). You know, when I say talking about it, he’s with Showtime boxing and he did the fight with T-Wood (Tyron Woodley). There’s dialogue… I think he wants to do 10 boxing fights and then come over to MMA,” Coker revealed. (h/t talkSPORT)
. @danawhite when I make my MMA debut, I could cut 20 pounds & do it at Welterweight / 170 pounds. That’s what all UFC fighters do and many have destroyed their bodies & minds doing it.
But I’m gonna do it at Middleweight (185). Health first.
With Coker referencing Paul’s boxing matches with Woodley, it is possible that Bellator is in talks with Paul about boxing a Bellator contracted-fighter as opposed to Paul making the move over to MMA, which would truly be a game-changer for the promotion.
Given Paul’s exchanges with Dana White, which even included a recent diss track, it would certainly not be surprising to see “The Problem Child” look to deal some damage to the 52-year-old’s promotion by joining one of its largest rivals.
Would you like to see Jake Paul take Scott Coker up on his offer and enter the Bellator cage?
As of now, Jorge Masvidal has no plans to get in the ring with undefeated Youtube Star turned boxer, Jake Paul.
On March 5, MMA fans get to see what could be the grudge match of the year. Masvidal will take on rival and former American Top Team training partner Colby Covington.
The main event is hyped by pre-fight tension. And when Masvidal fights, there has to be a big check involved. And according to Masvidal, Paul does not have the lucrative pull to book a fight with him.
The #6 welterweight has fought many big names and made a lot of money in his 50-fight career. Unless the payout is massive, Masvidal considers a fight with Paul a waste of his time.
“I’ll fight him right now, you know, on my way to the gym. But I prepared my whole life to fight the best of the best. He’s not the best of the best… I’m not doing charity. You’re selling 70,000 PPVs, there’s nothing to talk about. He had a street team handing out free tickets at the event for people to go to the event…” said Masvidal in his interview with Audacy.
Both times, Masvidal predicted Woodley would defeat Paul. After beating him a second time, the Paul brother called out ” Gamebred” and his former opponent Nate Diaz.
Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley, Photo Credit: Chris O’Meara/Associated Press
Even then, Masvidal’s main argument for the rejection was that Paul simply cannot afford him. That being said, once Paul’s numbers go up, Masvidal claims he will gladly take on the Ohio-born boxer.
Jake has done a lot in the past months with remaining undefeated and promoting one of the most anticipated women’s boxing matches ever between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor. Perhaps a more lucrative future is ahead and he will one day gain Masvidal’s attention to settle their conflict in the ring.
What are your thoughts on Jorge Masvidal not wanting to fight Jake Paul?
Tyron Woodley is interested in boxing Tommy Fury next time out.
Woodley stepped up on short notice to rematch Jake Paul when Fury pulled out. After he was knocked out, Paul said that Woodley should box Fury. Since then, there has been no talk, but just recently, Paul’s promotion posted on social media asking if fans would want to see the fight.
On his Instagram Stories, Woodley wrote “I’m with it,” in response to the idea of a bout against Fury.
Although Jake Paul wants to see Tyron Woodley vs. Tommy Fury, the Brit has made it clear he wants the Paul fight rebooked.
“I’d look to see the [Paul] fight happen by the back end of the year. I’m not really waiting around for it, he knows I’m ready to fight at all times,” Fury told Sky Sports. “I’ve put that out there countless times, I’m not the issue here. If the man wanted to fight we’d have a rescheduled date by now. The ball’s in his court, I’m ready to fight whenever. I would like to see it happen at the end of the year, I know Frank [Warren] is still trying to reach out to him and stuff like that.”
“I sort of want him to fight Tyron Woodley and see what happens there. Because I think Tyron would knock Tommy out, so, I almost want to have them fight. Then, maybe we could run it back after that,” Paul later added on The MMA Hour.
Tyron Woodley is 0-2 in boxing as he suffered the KO loss to Paul in December and dropped a split decision to Paul in August. Prior to that, he was on a four-fight losing streak in the UFC after losing his belt.
Tommy Fury, meanwhile, is 7-0 as a pro boxer and coming off a decision win over Bellator veteran Anthony Taylor last time out. He hasn’t fought anyone of note in his career.
Would you like to see Tyron Woodley vs. Tommy Fury?
Chael Sonnen thinks Floyd Mayweather should speed up the process of paying Logan Paul his fair share after their exhibition.
Mayweather and Paul competed in a boxing exhibition in Miami, FL last year. It was one of the most-watched boxing events of 2021, despite a formal winner not being declared.
The bout between Mayweather and Paul wasn’t officially sanctioned due to the large physical discrepancy between the two of them. The result of the bout was left in the eyes and minds of the viewers.
While Mayweather and Paul seemed to be on amicable terms just minutes after their fight, that has appeared to have fizzled over. Paul has reportedly threatened legal action against Mayweather over an alleged failed payout.
Mayweather has since responded to the allegations during a recent podcast appearance, citing that the issue has to do with pay-per-view revenue.
“I know some of you (who) got the little TMT shirts think that The Money Team’s a real business. It’s not,” Sonnen said of Mayweather. “It’s a bank account that goes one way: Money comes in. They do not have a team. They do not have a staff. They do not have a lease. They do not have obligations. They don’t have debt to service. It’s not a real company. He signed a contract with (The Money Team). That’s a big problem. Big problem for Floyd if he received funds, and he did. And he converted those funds to his own, which it appears that he did.
“So this story is going to be ongoing. But if you are Team Floyd, you’re gonna wanna lawyer up real fast, you’re gonna wanna get a hold of their representation. Before the FB gets called in to look at this, you’re gonna wanna make a deal, and you’re gonna want to pay Logan Paul.”
Mayweather hasn’t competed in professional boxing since his win over former UFC champion Conor McGregor in 2017. He remains adamant about staying retired despite calls for him to return to the ring.
Paul has hinted at a return to boxing in 2022 against fellow YouTube sensation Whindersson Nunes. It’s unclear how the Mayweather/Paul drama will end up playing out in the coming weeks and months.
What are your thoughts on the Floyd Mayweather/Logan Paul drama?
During an interview with iFL TV, the Manchester, England native revealed a likely timeframe for the highly-anticipated collision. He suggested the ‘Fight Capital of the World’ could be set to host the clash as early as the first quarter of 2023.
“I am going to fight Francis Ngannou in Las Vegas next year – in March or February,” said Fury. “There’s been no talks this year, because I have got some boxing to do, But next year we can have some crazy fights.” (h/t DAZN News)
Given the current situation for both men, Fury’s prediction essentially represents the earliest they could share the ring. While Ngannou is tied to the UFC until December, providing he doesn’t sign a new deal, “The Gypsy King” has matters of his own to tend to.
The most memorable and well-known fight between an MMA superstar and an undefeated boxer came in 2017 when Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather fought. Aptly named ‘The Money Fight’, the match attracted 4.3 million pay-per-view buys and saw both men collect $100 million-plus paychecks.
While it would do well to reach those heights, Fury believes a potential fight with Ngannou would attract similar attention and break PPV records of its own.
“It’s a massive fight – I believe it breaks all pay-per-view records in the United States. Two heavyweight champions going head to head,” predicted Fury.
Ngannou’s future is far from clear. However, what appears certain is that boxing is in it. If Dana White and the UFC choose not to be involved, we can expect “The Predator” to say farewell to the promotion and hello to “The Gypsy King” in 2023.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZaACJ9vD-5/
How do you think Francis Ngannou will fare in the ring against Tyson Fury if this matchup comes to fruition?
Decorated boxer Claressa Shields has many accomplishments, including being a boxing champion to have competed and win an MMA match.
The list of accolades continues to grow for “T. Rex.” By age 26, Claressa Shields has taken home Olympic gold twice, won numerous boxing championships across weight classes, and now sports a win in the PFL.
Claressa Shields, Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp
Shields won her MMA debut by TKOing Brittney Elkin, then she went on to her next match a few months later.
Though the undefeated boxer fought hard, she took the first loss of her professional fighting career via split decision against Abigail Montes.
She still considers herself “The Greatest Woman Of All Time” and prides herself on stepping up to the challenge of MMA. Currently a lone wolf in her acts, Shields blames “egos” for other boxers not following suit.
“Ego, men have a lot of egos, a lot of boxers have egos. They want to be great at what they’re great at and the minute they’re faced with something uncomfortable or abnormal, they don’t want to do it,” Shields explains to SunSport.
Many boxers tried their hand at mixed martial arts. Famous names in the realm of boxing such as James Toney, and Ricardo Mayorga made an effort in the sport. While revered boxing champions, they both met failure in their MMA debuts and retired from the sport.
Notably, former boxer and UFC veteran LaVerne Clark saw success in MMA. He won his UFC debut, and from 1998 to 1999, won 9 fights in a row, mostly by TKO.
In recent years, no other boxing champions besides Shields has made an attempt at mixed martial arts. It’s been over 10 years since fellow boxing legend Holly Holm set out on her MMA journey, in which she became UFC women’s bantamweight champion.
Holly Holm, Image Credit: Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Image
Undoubtedly, some fighters fear their perfect records being tarnished by a loss. However, Shields plans to take her MMA career all the way to the top.
A championship belt in MMA may be the toughest challenge of her combat career, but she refuses to back down.
“It’s unprecedented, it’s never been done before and that’s what people want to see, extraordinary things. And the fact that I’m willing to put my reputation, my record, put everything on the line to achieve the PFL world title, it shows my character,” Calaressa continues.
From the Olympics to boxing to MMA, Shields proves her tenacity is unmatched.
Shields plans to reappear in the PFL in 2023 to continue her legacy. Perhaps Shields will start a trend of professional boxers turned successful MMA fighters.
Are you excited for Claressa Shields’s next MMA bout?
Paul and Mayweather competed in an eight-round exhibition last year in front of a crowd at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL. The bout was an exhibition, and a winner wasn’t declared at the end of the fight.
Boxing fans have debated the fight on social media for months, with some believing that Mayweather won the fight with relative ease. But one thing that isn’t debated is that Paul and Mayweather both deserve to be paid their fair share.
Now, Paul is accusing Mayweather of spurning him of his promised payout. During a recent press conference, his brother Jake revealed that Logan has sued Mayweather.
“He really hasn’t [paid Logan],” Jake said. “There’s a lawsuit that was opened up last week or two weeks ago. They’re pressuring him both legally and behind-the-scenes, but it’s embarrassing for Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather to not have enough money to pay my brother.”
Mayweather hasn’t publically responded to the allegations and it’s unclear whether an official suit has actually been filed.
Paul is expecting a return to boxing later this year, possibly against Brazilian boxing sensation Whindersson Nunes. He’s also previously entertained the idea of fighting MMA legend Anderson Silva in the ring.
As for Mayweather, he hasn’t communicated any serious interest in returning from retirement to compete in 2022. He seems content on promoting boxers around the sport, including Gervonta Davis.
What is your reaction to Logan Paul’s accusations?
Jake Paul thinks he has what it takes to eventually silence the doubters and become a boxing world champion someday.
Paul is coming off of an eventful 2021 in which he won three bouts in the ring. He started the year by knocking out former UFC welterweight Ben Askren followed by back-to-back wins over former UFC champion Tyron Woodley.
Paul was originally supposed to face Tommy Fury at the end of 2021 before Fury pulled out with an injury. Woodley stepped up to fight on short notice and Paul knocked him out in Round 6.
“I think boxers are easier to fight than MMA fighters,” Paul said. “They’re more predictable, and they don’t hit as hard, and they can’t take as big of a punch.”
Paul is anticipating a return to boxing later this year and has already called out top UFC stars for a boxing match, including Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal. Both fighters are still under contract with the UFC, so it’s highly unlikely that they’ll be able to fight him anytime soon.
One of the biggest criticisms of Paul’s fast rise in boxing has been his level of competition in the ring. While he’s put on impressive performances against elite athletes, he arguably has yet to put his true boxing skills to the test against a legitimate boxer.
Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields spoke on conflict with Jake Paul and seemed willing to drop their beef.
Since 2016, Claressa “T. Rex” Shields has dominated women’s boxing. She is the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic medals and has won multiple world championships in three separate weight classes.
12-0 in her professional boxing career, Claressa Shields is easily a revered champion. And in 2021, the superstar made a switch to mixed martial arts.
She won her MMA debut against Brittney Elkin by TKO at PFL 4 last June. However, later in the year, Shields lost via split decision against Abigail Montes, and immediately following that loss, Jake Paul had a few choice words.
“The only beef I have with Jake Paul is don’t ever disrespect me, you know what I’m sayin’? Like, he tried to kick me when I was down and also going into a new sport,” Shields said in an interview with TMZ Sports. “I lost a split decision. I didn’t get submitted, I didn’t get knocked out, I didn’t get beat up, it was a split. And I’m also brand new at MMA. And when he made that comment, calling me a loser and stuff, that’s what really made me want to fight him.
“And then it’s like, you can’t call me a loser because you don’t box better than me and you damn sure don’t do MMA better than me. You don’t do nothing better than me. That’s it. To kick somebody while they’re down but never give them their props when they’re up, that was kinda wack to me and that’s why I didn’t have no respect for him,” Shields explains on TMZ Sports.
“Let’s put this behind us and work together to continue to build women’s boxing,” Paul tweeted.
Recently, Jake Paul helped promote a highly anticipated boxing match between undisputed champions Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor, which Shields expressed an appreciation for and thus met Paul halfway in his olive-branch extension.
“But now, I just wish him the best,” Shields said. “I wish him the best. If he ever wanna spar, it’s always up in the air. It’s always an option. Because I do owe him a couple blows,” Shields said half-jokingly. “But other than that, I think what he’s doing for Amanda is great. I think him getting involved in helping the fight with Katie Taylor getting made is great for Amanda, and Katie, and it’s great for women’s boxing. So I appreciate him for that,” Shields continued.
Considering women’s boxing is a high priority for both athletes, perhaps their quarrel can now be swept under the rug.
Do you think this is the end of the Claressa Shields and Jake Paul beef?
Claressa Shields put the rest of the boxing world on notice that she’s here to stay in the ring after a dominant win over Ema Kozin.
Shields overwhelmed Kozin from start to finish in her boxing return in the UK, earning a 100-90 unanimous decision victory to move to a 12-0 professional boxing record. The win retained her WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring female middleweight titles.
Just minutes after the fight, Shields walked ringside to confront her rival, Savannah Marshall. She and Marshall competed once before on the amateur scene, with Marshall earning the win.
The two went back-and-forth on the microphone and tempers flared fast and in a hurry at the Motorpoint Arena.
It had been nearly a full calendar year since Shields last competed in the ring. She defeated Marie-Eve Dicaire via unanimous decision last March to retain her titles.
In between boxing fights, Shields had been training in MMA and made her professional debut in the PFL in 2021. She competed twice, earning a debut TKO win over Brittney Elkin before falling short against Abigail Montes in an undercard fight at the 2021 PFL Championships.
Shields has called out some of the biggest names in MMA, including Kayla Harrison and Cris “Cyborg” Justino. It’s unclear whether or not Shields will compete in the PFL lightweight tournament season or if she’ll fight in non-tournament bouts.
Marshall is slated to face Femke Hermans next on March 12. With a win, Shields would more than likely be her next opponent, especially after the recent verbal exchange.
Shields defeated Hermans via unanimous decision in 2018.
Do you want to see the rematch between Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall next?
Jake Paul won’t be making the transition from boxing to MMA anytime soon after clearing the air in a recent interview.
Paul is coming off of an eventful 2021 in which he proved to be one of boxing’s biggest names. He won back-to-back fights over former UFC champion Tyron Woodley while also earning a quick knockout over former UFC fighter Ben Askren.
“I won’t be doing MMA anytime soon,” Paul said. “But eventually, I think I could see myself doing a fight because I have a wrestling background. So if just learn how to do some kicks, Jiu-Jitsu, rear-naked chokes, then I could be doing some damage in there.” (h/t EssentiallySports)
Paul has recently called out some of the UFC’s biggest stars for fights in the boxing ring. This includes Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal, and Conor McGregor.
Paul has also been in an ongoing feud with UFC President Dana White for months regarding how UFC fighters are treated and, more specifically, the issue of fighter pay. He has been vocal in his desire to enact change in how the roster is compensated for their efforts in and out of the Octagon.
The Paul-White feud took a drastic turn when the two sides accused the other of using drugs. White accused Paul of using steroids while Paul alleged that White has a problem with cocaine use.
It’s unclear when Paul will eventually move to MMA full-time, but it appears he has some unfinished business to take care of in boxing. He’s anticipating a return to the ring later this year, potentially against Julio César Chávez Jr.
Paulie Malignaggi is all for being Jake Paul’s next opponent.
Jake Paul is currently 5-0 in his professional boxing career. He has been taking it nice and easy thus far with his opponent selection, only fighting a fellow YouTuber, a retired NBA player, and a pair of MMA fighters with zero pro boxing experience.
Many fans and sports pundits have called on Paul to begin testing himself againstprofessional boxers. However, as Paul himself has pointed out, he did attempt to do that against Tommy Fury last December fell apart through no fault of his own. Furthermore, recent interest in fights against Julio César Chávez Jr. and even Anderson Silva, who holds a victory over Chávez, have also demonstrated an openness from Paul to make that leap upwards in competition.
Now, a new name has entered the Jake Paul sweepstakes, and it is someone who the MMA community is very familiar with: former WBA welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi.
Paulie Malignaggi
Of course, while Paul usually jousts with MMA fighters in trash talk on social media, Malignaggi’s internet headbutting is known more for being with MMA fans.
This began after Malignaggi went back and forth with fans over leaked sparring footage between him and McGregor in 2017, with Malignaggi disputing whether or not he was dropped and continuing to brand McGregor fans as “groupies.”
Malignaggi once even took a moment to thank MMA fans for their “stupidity” in thinking that his bare-knuckle boxing match with Artem Lobov would be competitive so that he could profit off of the lopsided contest. Lobov would go on to win that fight via decision.
Since the loss to Lobov, Malignaggi has not competed in any other professional combat sports competition. But as he thought aloud about what attributes and characteristics would be required of Paul’s next opponent, he ultimately landed on himself as the most logical conclusion.
“If he’s gonna fight a real boxer, I think it’s gonna be an older guy, obviously, as they all have been a little older,” Malignaggi began on his YouTube channel. “Despite the non-boxers he fought, they’ve all been a little bit older. But he needs to fight a guy with some notoriety. It can’t just be an older guy who nobody’s ever heard of, right? So he’s always fought smaller guys, so the boxer would definitely have to be smaller if the other guys that he’s fought have been smaller, right?
“So a little bit older, a little bit smaller…you don’t want him to be too big of a puncher. Because let’s face it. Paul is the star here. You wanna make sure you groom the star the right way in fights where he’s at risk but he’s gonna be able to win the fight.
Getty Images
“So we’ve got a little bit older, a little bit smaller, gonna hit him so maybe not the biggest puncher, uhh…Paulie Malignaggi,” Malignaggi concluded with a dramatic pause while briefly staring into the camera.
Malignaggi is 41 years old. His most recent professional boxing match was in a 2017 KO loss to Sam Eggington. On the other side, Jake Paul is only 25, and he was on the giving end of a KO in his most recent bout, which took place last December against Tyron Woodley.
Last year, Malignaggi was critical of Ben Askren for his showing against Paul, stating that Askren fought with a lack of self-worth. Should he be selected as Paul’s next opponent, perhaps “The Magic Man” can show Askren and Paul’s other three victims how it’s done.
Would you be interested in watching a boxing match between Jake Paul & Paulie Malignaggi?
Earlier this week, Paige VanZant caused quite the ruckus over at AEW Dynamite. But on this very same week last year, she was involved in an unscripted scuffle that was very real. VanZant ultimately would lose to Hart in the bout, but at least she got the upper hand, literally and figuratively, in their first physical exchange.
The following article is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.
Paige VanZant is set to make her Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut on Friday against Britain Hart and the weigh-ins got heated.
After VanZant and Hart weighed in, they got into each others face and VanZant grabbed Hart’s throat. It resulted in a heated shoving match and Hart cussing out the former UFC fighter and saying she is in a different sport now.
Paige VanZant signed with BKFC in August following her submission loss to Amanda Ribas in her final UFC fight. She signed a multi-fight deal with the sans gloves promotion and many are eager to see how she does in the promotion.
Britain Hart, meanwhile, has had three fights in BKFC and is 1-2, including a split decision loss to Bec Rawlings for the belt.
The card also features the 135-pound championship as Johnny Bedford looks to defend his belt against Dat Nguyen. Chris Leben also returns against Quentin Henry.
The BKFC Knuckle Mania weigh-ins are below:
Paige VanZant (126) vs. Britain Hart (124.4) Johnny Bedford (133.7) vs. Dat Nguyen (134) Chris Leben (204.6) vs. Quentin Henry (205.2) Lorenzo Hunt (206.8) vs. Rob Morrow (204.4) Martin Brown (155.4) vs. Zach Zane (155.5) John Chalbeck (144.7) vs. Greg Bono (144.5) Charisa Sigala (122.7) vs. Taylor Starling (125.6) VanZant Dillon Cleckler (248) vs. Chris Jensen (262.7) David Morgan (135.9) vs. Travis Thompson (135.4) Haim Gozali (204) vs. John McAllister (201.8) Jarod Grant (134.6) vs. Brandon Lambert (137) Drew Lipton (183.6) vs. Jeff Bailey (186.9)
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov believes his UFC 229 main event with Conor McGregor was a bigger fight than the Irishman’s blockbuster boxing showdown with Floyd Mayweather.
While the battle of boxing vs. MMA has essentially become a norm in today’s crossover culture, back then it was as historical as it was lucrative.
Following one of the most covered and notable international media tours and build-ups combat sports has ever seen, the pair shared the squared circle inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. After going nine rounds with the boxing GOAT contender, McGregor was finished in the 10th frame.
Four years ago today Floyd Mayweather beat Conor McGregor by TKO in the 10th round.
The numbers behind the clash were staggering. The contest grossed a remarkable $938 million, sitting in second on the all-time list behind only Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao’s 2015 match ($960 million). That feat certainly doesn’t need any more context, but here’s some anyway; the third highest-grossing fight (Mayweather vs. Canelo Álvarez – 2013) raked in $304 million, over $600 million less than ‘The Money Fight’.
What did all that help secure? A reported $280 million purse for “Money” Mayweather and a $130 million boost for the “Notorious” McGregor.
Khabib: McGregor vs. Mayweather Was More “Fake”
While Mayweather vs. McGregor is widely regarded as one of, if not the, biggest fights of all time, one man shares a different sentiment.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, one of the leading contenders in the debate surrounding the greatest of all time in the UFC, believes his own grudge match with McGregor clearly surpassed Mayweather’s.
During an appearance on the Full Send Podcast, “The Eagle” cited the background to the UFC 229 main event and the memorable nature of the fight as the reasons why no other matchup comes close, especially not the “sparring” session between Mayweather and McGregor.
“For sure this is biggest fight in history of martial arts. Nothing close, I think,” said Khabib. “Even when he fight with Mayweather, it’s like, ‘OK.’ But not many people care about this fight. It was historical event: MMA champion vs. boxing champion.
“But inside the fight, many people, they don’t even remember what happened inside the fight. For example, in what round referee stop this fight? Most of the people don’t remember,” continued Khabib. “They don’t remember because it was like sparring fight. For me, it was not real fight because (McGregor) is not real boxer. And Mayweather, what he did—for me, it was like more fake fight. This just my opinion, maybe not.
“And then what was between us, it was real. And everything (that) happened before the fight, inside the fight, after the fight (was real),” concluded Khabib.
While it attracted 2.4 million PPV buys, leaving daylight to the UFC’s second-highest tally in that regard, can it be regarded as “bigger” across all aspects than Mayweather vs. McGregor? It’s certainly an interesting debate to have.
Jake Paul says he is genuine in his quest to improve fighter pay, despite what some think.
Jake Paul is on a mission in trying to get other fighters more money. Since Paul jumped onto the boxing scene, he has been making headlines and money. He is already one of the most successful boxers in the world and wants to use his success to help out other fighters. He is often vocal about this cause, but that doesn’t stop others from doubting him.
Paul spoke recently with MMA Fighting about his desire to help and to address those doubters who believe he is not actually trying to make a change.
“You’ll see. Because I’m not letting off the gas anytime soon and I’ve spent a bunch of my own money on this matter and pushing for these things, and I wake up every day with it as a purpose on my mind,” Paul explained. “And I think I’ve done more than enough to show for women’s boxing, fighter pay, quality fighters, boxing promoters, I’ve done more than enough in terms of actions.
“And even my cards previously, almost every fighter that’s been on it it’s their highest payday, always. So I’ve gotten Tyron Woodley his highest payday, Ben Askren his highest payday. So these fighters who are always mistreated—I’m taking action, and I’m backing it up, and I’m not letting up anytime soon, and I actually care. I actually give a fuck.”
“And it’s nothing to me. I like this. I enjoy this. I feel the responsibility to be a part of this movement, and it’s getting traction. And that’s exactly what I wanted. I’m excited to continue to be one of the leaders of this conversation. So for people that don’t think I’m serious about it: you’ll see.”
Paul is helping to promote the upcoming boing match featuring Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. In this bout, Paul claims that each fighter will be making one million dollars. If Paul’s words begin to turn to actions, he will be helping grow both the sport of boxing, for men and women and the sport of MMA. Only time will tell if he can get this all done.
Do you think Jake Paul can help improve fighter pay in MMA and boxing?
Claressa Shields has opened up on her recent comments about never wanting to appear on a Jake Paul undercard.
Shields and Paul have taken shots at one another ever since “The Problem Child” entered boxing. She also criticized any boxer for appearing on his undercard. But recently, it was revealed through a report in USA Today Sports that Shields’ representatives reached out to see if she can be on the same card as Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr., and Jake Paul vs. Nate Robinson.
“First of all, this isn’t about Jake Paul, this is about Claressa Shields and Ema Kozin,” she explained at a press conference to promote her fight (via Mirror). “As it was said, I don’t email about this stuff – I have a manager and I have a promoter, their job is to make opportunities for me. What you need to know is I was supposed to be on a Mike Tyson and Roy Jones undercard, not ever under Jake Paul – let’s get that clear. I don’t know what the emails said, and I really don’t care, but we’re not going to talk about that and give him the shine of this press conference.”
Jake Paul, Claressa Shields (Image Credits: Mike Ehrmann/Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Shields does make a good point that Tyson-Jones Jr. was the main event so she wouldn’t have been on a Jake Paul undercard as Paul’s management claimed, even though Paul was on the card. Shields even threatened to sue Paul’s management for suggesting she requested to be on a Jake Paul card.
Claressa Shields later added that she was done talking about the subject and is only focusing on her title fight and remaining undefeated in boxing.
“This is about me, this is about Ema, this is about world titles, this is about elite boxers,” Shields later added. “I’m just going to leave that there. Dmitry [her promoter, who was on the call] doesn’t even need to speak on it, managers do their job, promoters do their job and fighters train to get ready for our fights.”
What do you make of these new comments from Claressa Shields?
Dana White has a reason as to why Logan Paul allegedly hasn’t been paid by Floyd Mayweather for their exhibition out.
Paul recently came out and claimed he is still waiting to be paid by Mayweather for their June exhibition boxing bout. It was a very high-profile match that did very well on pay-per-view, but the YouTuber claims he hasn’t been paid. For White, he has a theory as to why Mayweather is keeping the money.
“You do these fights that are exhibitions or whatever, the commission isn’t overseeing it. Let’s say I did a fight with Mike [Tyson], I’ve got Mike fighting Francis or something, the athletic commission gets the money upfront, so they pay the fighters, they don’t have to wait.
Floyd Mayweather & Logan Paul (Photo: The Independent)
“That was the big problem in the past is that these boxing promoters would come in and they wouldn’t make as much money as they thought they were going to do,” White continued. “So they would stiff the fighters and not pay the guys and that’s why these regulations are in place in these different states. And that’s why, I don’t want to s*** on any of the other states, but you want to fight in like Nevada or California, the guys that have a strong athletic commission.”
Whether or not what Dana White is saying is true or not is uncertain. However, he does know a lot from running the UFC so it could be the case.
In their June fight, Logan Paul did better than expected and went all eight rounds with Floyd Mayweather. However, due to it being an exhibition no winner was announced.
What do you make of Dana White’s reason as to why Floyd Mayweather hasn’t paid Logan Paul?
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has revealed what it would take for him to agree to a rescheduled boxing match with professional pugilist Tommy Fury.
From fighting fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib to challenging a former UFC champion, Paul’s venture into the combat sports realm has certainly picked up in recent months, both in terms of prominence and competition.
In his third professional fight last April, “The Problem Child” knocked out former ONE and Bellator welterweight titleholder Ben Askren. In another step-up four months later, Paul defeated former 170-pound UFC king Tyron Woodley on the scorecards.
With two victories over MMA fighters, Paul’s next test was set to see him stand face-to-face with a pro boxer for the first time. That collapsed when his scheduled December foe, the younger half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, withdrew due to injury.
In his place on short notice stepped in Woodley. While “The Chosen One” targeted redemption and revenge, he was instead left with a second consecutive loss to Paul and, courtesy of a brutal right hand, likely a headache…
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXp11JYOGY4/
Paul Reveals The Fury Fight Isn’t Dead In The Water Just Yet
Since extending his record in the ring to 5-0, talk has turned to who could be the next man attempting to get rid of Jake Paul’s 0. One man who has consistently held his hand aloft is Tommy Fury.
But while Paul has previously appeared to hold no interest in re-booking his meeting in the squared circle with the Manchester native, he has now sprinkled some hope onto the matchup.
During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Paul suggested he’d be down to face Fury if he fights and defeats former opponent Woodley first.
“I sort of want him to fight Tyron Woodley and see what happens there,” said Paul. “Because I think Tyron would knock Tommy out. And so I almost wanna have them fight. Because Tommy, people only know him because of me. And so I want him to like, go get some of your own fans, or clout, or go do some other thing, and then maybe we could run it back after that.”
Given his aspirations to climb the boxing ranks and become a champion, it remains to be seen if Fury will choose to delay those ambitions for two fights against a former UFC titleholder and a YouTuber-turned-boxer.
How do you think a boxing match between Tyron Woodley and Tommy Fury would play out?
Jake Paul believes Dana White’s non-response to his diss track released last week had nothing to do with the cease-fire the UFC President recently declared.
Jake Paul vs. Dana White beef? That’s so 2021. At least that’s what Dana White pretty much said last month when he vowed never to speak of Paul again. But ever since White laid down his verbal weapons, Paul has only reloaded in his continued onslaught of White and his business practices.
The kill shot from the YouTuber came last week with the release of a Dana White diss track, which featured Paul raising the usual themes of UFC fighter pay, their absence of healthcare, and what he deems to be the promotion’s unethical business practices as depicted by a spoofed version of White.
In an appearance on The MMA Hour, Paul shared his theory on the real reason the world hasn’t heard any response from White in recent days.
“I think he learned his lesson when he responded a couple of weeks ago while I was on vacation,” Paul said. “He responded with his little selfie video where he was rabid as a crab and clearly pissed off. First of all, it brought more attention to everything, and then he made himself look really stupid. And I think he is now being advised to just not respond.”
The video Paul is referencing is a social media post by White where he accused the YouTuber of refusing to respond to his challenge to get steroid tested for 2 years in return for cocaine testing White for 10 years.
Paul would then respond with a video of his own where he blasted White and called on the UFC boss to accept his terms: White could drug test him all he wants through USADA and Paul would retire from boxing altogether to fight in the UFC if White improved fighter pay and benefits.
Jorge Masvidal, Credit: Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
White wasn’t the only target in Paul’s diss track. Another person referenced was Jorge Masvidal, whom Paul has butted heads with as of late. He, too, has been rendered silent by the unreturnable heat discharged with the YouTuber’s bars, says Paul.
“And it silenced everyone,” Paul said of the song. “What could they say? The first line is, ‘First of all, Masvidal, you ain’t rich; 50 fights for 5 mill that ain’t shit.’ Like, what’s he gonna say? What can anybody say? I think it shut people up, and there’s a lot of important messages in there, and it spoke for itself.”
Jake Paul does not currently have a fight booked. He most recently knocked out Tyron Woodley last December on pay-per-view.
Should Dana White, Jorge Masvidal, or anyone else targeted in Jake Paul’s diss track respond, we’ll be sure to bring you the dirt right here on MMANews.com.
Jake Paul has opened up on his diss track against Dana White and why he did it.
Paul and White have had an ongoing feud ever since Paul fought and knocked out Ben Askren back in April of 2021. Since then, he beat Tyron Woodley twice, including KO’ing him once, and he has taken shots at White over fighter pay.
With nothing changing involving pay, Paul released a video on his YouTube channel where he released a diss track on White. Not only did he release a diss track, but Cris Cyborg and Antonio McKee, who were vocal about their displeasure about White and the UFC, were featured in it. For the brash YouTuber, he says he needs to speak up about the disrespect the UFC boss is showing his fighters.
“Imagine if Adam Silver sent a lawsuit to Lebron James minutes before he took the floor for the NBA Finals, then, refused to present him with the NBA championship trophy after he won,” Paul said to MMAFighting when reacting to White not putting the title on Ngannou. “It’s pure disrespect to the athlete and the sport.”
Jake Paul (Image Credit: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Jake Paul also added this is about fighters getting paid what they deserve and he says it is clear White has them in terrible contracts and most of them can’t speak up about their pay.
“This isn’t about boxing or MMA,” Paul explained. “This is about doing what is right. UFC can and should do better given the control it has exerted over MMA fighters. Either treat them as independent contractors, like Uber does its drivers, or give them the compensation and benefits they deserve as employees. So my fund has invested in his company’s stock and I will be working to expose his constant exploitative practices, starting by putting out this song with all proceeds going directly to fighter causes.”
There is no question Paul has made more people known about fighter pay. However, only time will tell if it will result in any actual change.
If you missed the release of Jake Paul’s Dana White diss track, you can view it below.
Jake Paul and Stephen A. Smith had a light back-and-forth about Paul’s career progression as a boxer and his ambitions of stepping into the ring with Canelo Álvarez.
Love him or hate him, there is no question that Jake Paul has taken the combat sports world by storm since bursting onto the arena two years ago. What began as a dip into the celebrity boxing pool evolved into headlining cards against accomplished MMA fighters Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley. Through it all, the irreverent YouTuber has continued to make headlines and land KOs as his star has continued to rise.
Nonetheless, after Paul defeated Askren and was booked to face Woodley, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith had already seen enough of the YouTuber’s self-matchmaking.
“Let me say this. I am not impressed, not one bit,” Smith began in a soliloquy last year on his Stephen A’s World last year. “While Logan Paul is taking fights way over his head, getting in the ring with boxing royalty like Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather, risking a beatdown for the ages, by the way, Jake Paul is going the opposite direction…the complete opposite direction, fighting non-boxers.”
Smith went on to lay out why neither Askren nor Woodley were appropriate matchups for Paul in his opinion and stated that the former Disney actor should be facing actual pro boxers.
After Smith’s comments came to his attention, Paul killed Stephen A. with kindness, merely expressing that he ‘loves his fans’ in response to the renowned sports personality.
Stephen A. Delivers His Criticism Directly To Paul
Photograph by Eric Helgas for The New Yorker
Earlier this week, Jake Paul made an appearance on ESPN’s First Take starring Smith, and the outspoken figure took the liberty to restate his criticism straight to the YouTuber’s virtual face.
“My problem with you, Jake—because we gotta be real here—I know you heard my position about this—my problem is: You are beating up on dudes that don’t box. They’re not boxers. Nate Robinson was a basketball player. Ben Askren came out there with a pose looking like he’s Jake LaMotta, he was 19-1 in (MMA), but he was never a boxer. He was a grappler. And Tyron Woodley’s a striker. What was that?!”
Paul would then issue the following prompt response.
“Meanwhile, I was on Disney Channel while these guys were winning UFC championships. I was playing with Mickey Mouse while these guys were throwing armbars and winning UFC championships. So I’ve been training for the same amount of time as them.
“And look, I’ve always gone against people where the odds are even. Canelo just fought Caleb Plant as like a -1400 favorite. Gervante Davis in his eighth fight fought a guy who was making his professional boxing debut. Floyd, in his fourth fight, fought a guy who was making his professional boxing debut.
“So everybody’s analyzing my career, critiquing it, paying attention to it from day one, but you can’t tell me who was Mike Tyson’s first fight. You can’t tell me, Muhammad Ali, who was his first fight. No one knows. But everyone’s seen all of my fights. And I’m gradually progressing and increasing my level of opposition as I get better (in) the gym.”
Paul also invoked the name of Tommy Fury as an example of his wilingness to fight a professional boxer as well as doubling down on his interest in fighting veteran second-generation slugger Julio César Chávez.
Paul’s Confidence In Álvarez Fight Unwavering Despite Smith’s Dismay
(via Triller & DAZN)
Another name Paul has expressed an interest in fighting down the line is none other than boxing superstar Canelo Álvarez. Being well aware of these lofty goals, Smith had to hear it straight from the YouTuber’s mouth to believe it.
“Now you say ‘line ‘em up, knock ‘em down’ and there was rumors about you and Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson basically put that to bed. And I’m sure you’re not trying to fight somebody in their mid-50s, but you did mention the name Canelo Alvarez,” Smith said. “And I want you to know, as much as I like you, Jake, you’re going into deep waters there! Now you’re getting out of control! Because you know Canelo is not the one to mess with! You know you’re not ready for that! Seriously, you do know that, right? This is Canelo we’re talking about!”
Paul’s response served as a reaffirmation of his own confidence and perhaps an incidental installation of confidence in viewers worldwide about striving beyond others’ limitations.
“That’s what other people think,” Paul said. “Other people try to place limits on what is possible for you when you are a unicorn doing something different. Other people try to place limits on what’s possible for you and on what you can accomplish because of their mindset and what they think they can accomplish as a human being. But for me, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to
“And I know I can get after Canelo. I know I can go rounds with him. And the guy he fought the other time, ‘Turkish Warrior,’ quit after three rounds. He didn’t throw one punch. I’m bigger than Canelo, I’m faster than Canelo, I’m more athletic than Canelo. Can I box better? Probably not. But give me three years, and that’s gonna be a big fight. The two biggest names in boxing going after each other. Why not?”
You can view the clip from Paul’s appearance on ESPN’s First Take below.
A heavyweight bout is set between undefeated WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte.
The news was first reported on Friday afternoon by Mauricio Sulaiman on Twitter. The date in mind for this event is April 23 in the United Kingdom. Frank Warren has won the rights to the fight after placing the winning bid of $41 million.
This price will allow Fury to receive $29.5 million and Whyte to receive $7.4 million for this fight. Fury is coming off back-to-back wins over Deontay Wilder both by way of KO. “The Gypsy King” is currently undefeated in his 32 fights and is one of the most popular boxers in the world.
Ngannou has been vocal about wanting more money, and as more and more former UFC fighters make the transition to boxing, the more the pay discrepancy is brought to light.
Whyte will be coming into this bout having secured a vengeful win over Alexander Povetkin who knocked him out in the prior meeting. He took home the WBC interim heavyweight title with that win and secured his place across from Fury in the squared circle.
The fight will be seen on ESPN+ PPV in America and BT Sport PPV in the UK.
Are you interested in this fight between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte?
