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Aug 06 2023

'That Jake Paul performance was terrible' - KSI reacts to Paul vs Diaz

Social media star and amateur boxer KSI didn't hold back when expressing his opinion on Jake Paul's recent victory over Nate Diaz, going so far as to call Paul's performance "terrible." The Paul vs Diaz bout saw Paul take down the UFC fighter turned boxer in a ten-round unanimous decision. KSI made his critique public on Twitter, stating:
"That Jake Paul performance was terrible”
alongside an emoji symbolizing both laughter and tears. In the same tweet, he promoted his forthcoming October 14 faceoff against Tommy Fury, billing it as a
"real fight and challenge."
Paul vs Diaz match began with an explosive start. Paul, the social media influencer turned boxer, landed several powerful hits against Diaz in the opening round, leaving Diaz reeling on the ropes in his boxing debut. Despite this early onslaught, Diaz managed to rally and show marked improvement as the rounds progressed. By the fourth round of the Paul vs Diaz, Diaz seemed to finally gain some ground, with Paul showing signs of fatigue for the first time in the fight. But this upward trend was short-lived. In the fifth round, Paul struck Diaz with a clean left hook, scoring a knockdown and nearly sending Diaz out of the ring. Though Paul rushed in to finish the job, Diaz hung on. The latter half of the fight saw both men showing signs of fatigue, but Paul's boxing experience gave him the upper hand, helping him secure most of the rounds. Despite the scrappy nature of the action, the match lasted the full ten rounds, with Paul unable to deliver a knockout blow. Paul was declared the winner by unanimous decision, though Diaz claimed a moral victory. Many observers, including KSI, remained unimpressed by Paul’s performance. KSI's criticism of Paul and his upcoming fight with Fury add another layer of intrigue to the drama. Fury previously beat Paul in a split decision in February, with Paul hinting at a potential rematch. Furthermore, a potential showdown between KSI and Paul would be a high-stakes, high-revenue event, serving as a pinnacle in the ongoing spectacle of 'influencer boxing.' This anticipated matchup continues to generate buzz, regardless of the outcome of KSI's imminent match with Fury.
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Aug 06 2023

Jake Paul Stops Nate Diaz in a Paul vs Diaz Showdown!

The social media star returned to his winning ways, capitalizing on the trend of fighting mixed martial artists-turned-boxers. Despite a spirited performance from Nate Diaz, the UFC icon succumbed to a ten-round unanimous decision defeat in his professional boxing debut in a Paul vs Diaz  bout. Judges favored Paul with scores of 97-92, 98-91, and 98-91 during the main event of the DAZN/ESPN+/PPV.com broadcast from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, this past Saturday. Earlier this year, Paul tasted his first career loss against England's Tommy Fury in a closely contested split decision. However, he expressed satisfaction with his improved performance and tactical adjustments that led to his victory over Diaz. The majority of the crowd in Paul vs Diaz, full to capacity, cheered on the 38-year-old former MMA combatant as he stepped into the boxing ring for the first time. But their support could not shield Diaz when the match began, and Paul promptly initiated an offensive. A string of right hands and a left hook had the Stockton, California native reeling barely sixty seconds into the match. The early minutes of the second round saw Diaz maintaining distance, but Paul quickly diminished that gap. He rained down right hands on Diaz while also delivering occasional body blows. Diaz did manage to wriggle out of dire straits by clinching and occasionally engaging with the crowd. In the third round, Paul's left hook found its mark repeatedly. A particular blow around the 80-second mark snapped Diaz's head back, but he didn't seem excessively affected by the punches thereafter. The fourth round heated up as Diaz started to retaliate effectively. Despite Paul's successful left hooks and right hands, Diaz managed to close the distance and land several left hands to grab Paul's attention. The match swung dramatically back in Paul's favor in the fifth round. He cleverly created distance from Diaz and delivered a well-timed left hook to the temple that sent Diaz sprawling to the canvas. Diaz recovered and managed to launch a few power shots but also had to absorb a right hand to the body. Diaz managed to endure the sixth round without any significant damage. The seventh round saw both fighters exchange uppercuts, with Paul emerging on the upper end. Round eight saw Paul strategically moving around the ring while Diaz tried to corner him. Despite Diaz's successful shots towards the end of the round, it was Paul's right hand in the ninth round that helped him regain control of the fight. In the final round of the Paul vs Diaz fight, Paul relied on fundamental boxing strategies. He maintained a distance that prevented Diaz from launching any effective attacks. However, Diaz managed a flurry of blows along the ropes with a little over a minute left in the fight, only for Paul to clinch and return to his boxing basics. In the closing seconds of the Paul vs Diaz  match, Diaz couldn't resist reverting to his MMA instincts, applying a guillotine choke. However, Paul remained unfazed and continued to box until the final bell. The pair shared a moment of camaraderie at the center of the ring after the match concluded. With this victory, Paul improved his record to 7-1, including 4 KOs. This marked his successful return to winning ways after his defeat five months prior. Paul's decision win adds to his record, marking his fourth bout going the distance in his last five fights. The outlier was his knockout victory against Tyrone Woodley in December 2021, following a split decision win over the same opponent four months earlier.
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Aug 06 2023

Amanda Serrano Beats Heather Hardy via Decision

Serrano vs Hardy bout served as the co-main event of a much-anticipated Pay-Per-View card, which was broadcasted live on DAZN. It was a crucial contest that took place at the renowned American Airlines Center located in Dallas, Texas. The excitement surrounding the main event, Jake Paul versus Nate Diaz, only heightened the electrifying atmosphere. The two fierce fighters, Serrano and Hardy, were no strangers to each other. Their initial confrontation took place back in September 2019, a match that saw Serrano triumph over Hardy. This decisive victory allowed her to take possession of the esteemed WBO belt via a unanimous decision, showcasing her undeniable skills and prowess in the ring. The intensity and competitive spirit that characterized their first fight were equally present in this rematch. After an exhaustive ten rounds of tactical moves and powerful punches, the decision once again landed in the hands of the judges. Displaying unwavering confidence and solidarity in their verdict, the judges overwhelmingly favored Serrano. With one judge ruling the bout 99-91 and the other two judges scoring it an even more definitive 100-90, Serrano was declared the winner, much to the delight of her fans. Hailing from Puerto Rico, Amanda Serrano is a force to be reckoned with in the world of boxing. Known for her versatility across seven different weight classes, her impressive win on this particular night elevated her record to 45-2-1, which includes an astonishing 30 knockouts. At the age of 34, this win marked her second successful defense of her undisputed featherweight title, further establishing her as one of the sport's dominant figures. On the other side of the ring, 41-year-old Heather Hardy, born and bred in Brooklyn, faced a minor setback. Hardy, known for her tenacity and unyielding spirit, saw her career record shift to 24-3, inclusive of 4 knockouts and 1 no contest. Unfortunately, this loss meant an abrupt end to her impressive two-match winning streak, leaving her and her team to reassess their future strategies. Despite this, Hardy remains a respected figure in the boxing scene and continues to inspire countless individuals with her sheer resilience and skill.
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Aug 06 2023

Who Will Be Joshua's Next Opponent? - Joshua vs Whyte 2

The highly anticipated Joshua vs Whyte third encounter, scheduled for August 12 at London's O2 Arena, is no longer going ahead. Whyte emerged victorious in their first amateur clash in 2009, while Joshua managed to triumph in their 2015 rematch. However, an unfavorable outcome in Whyte’s Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) examination resulted in his disqualification from Joshua vs Whyte. Nonetheless, if a replacement can be secured swiftly, Joshua's fight will still take place, as indicated by various sources. Eddie Hearn, the promoter, is hesitant to cancel the entire event which, besides the Joshua-Whyte fight, also includes a match between unbeaten heavyweights Filip Hrgovic and Demsey McKean, alongside bouts featuring popular fighters like Johnny “Romford Bull” Fisher, Campbell Hatton, and Derek Chisora. The simplest course of action for Hearn would be to slot in another heavyweight from the lineup – Hrgovic, McKean, Chisora, or Gerald Washington. However, selecting Chisora, who has suffered losses in four of his last five bouts, or the 41-year-old Washington, who has five defeats, could lead to a wave of refund demands. Fan favorite for the replacement would likely be Hrgovic (15-0, 12 KOs), but Hearn's desire for a Joshua victory and Hrgovic's top rank by the IBF makes this unlikely. Australian contender, McKean (22-0, 14 KOs), though potentially easier for Joshua, would necessitate a substantial amount of compensation to Hrgovic for stepping aside from the main event, a situation Hearn has dealt with previously. Otto Wallin has been quick to offer himself as an alternative as replacement for Whyte in Joshua vs Whyte bout. His collaboration with promoter Dmitriy Salita, who has previously worked with Hearn, makes this a feasible proposition. Wallin (25-1, 16 KOs), however, presents his own challenges. Like Oleksandr Usyk, who previously outclassed Joshua, Wallin is a southpaw and has a style that can make a victorious opponent appear subpar. Despite Fury's decisive victory over Wallin, he didn't appear in top form. Other possible replacements include Agit Kabayal, Martin Bakole, and Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller. Michael Hunter's name also joins the list of potential alternatives. By the time this news reaches many, Hearn will have likely either found a replacement or decided to cancel the entire event. Whyte, predictably, has proclaimed his innocence. He insists he has not used any illicit substances during this training period or at any other time in his life. He requests patience while he proves his innocence and avoids a rush to judgement. However, skeptics are quick to recall Whyte's previous doping violations. He was suspended in 2012 following the detection of methylhexaneamine in his system. Furthermore, before his 2016 match against Oscar Rivas, he tested positive for the illegal substance nandrolone, but the British Boxing Board of Control permitted the match to proceed.
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Aug 05 2023

Joshua vs Whyte 2 Cancelled - "Adverse Analytical Findings" from Anti-doping test of Dillian Whyte

In a shocking turn of events, the highly anticipated Joshua vs Whyte rematch between Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua, scheduled for August 12, has been called off following adverse analytical findings from a random anti-doping test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). Promoter Eddie Hearn made the announcement, sending shockwaves through the boxing world just a week before the eagerly awaited bout. Matchroom, the Association of Boxing Commissions, and the British Boxing Board of Control were swiftly notified by VADA regarding the concerning results. Consequently, the decision to cancel the Joshua vs Whyte  bout was made to uphold the integrity of the sport and to ensure the safety and fairness of the competition. A comprehensive investigation will now be launched to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the adverse findings. Matchroom said in the press release:
"In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted. Further information on the event will follow."
Dillian Whyte's camp has been taken aback by the news, and the fighter himself is likely to face scrutiny as the investigation unfolds. The setback could have serious consequences for Whyte's career and reputation, potentially resulting in a lengthy suspension or even the termination of his boxing license. On the other hand, Anthony Joshua, the former heavyweight champion, finds himself in a difficult position. With his much-anticipated rematch against Whyte now off the table, Joshua's team may consider seeking a replacement opponent for the scheduled date. However, there are no confirmations yet on whether Joshua will pursue an alternative fight or simply wait for the proposed Deontay Wilder showdown, rumored to take place in January in Saudi Arabia. The cancellation of the Joshua vs Whyte  rematch also casts a shadow on the undercard match between Filip Hrgovic and Demsey McKean, which was set to take place on the same night. Fans who were eagerly anticipating the action-packed event are left disappointed, with the possibility of Hrgovic and McKean's match being postponed or rescheduled. Anti-doping measures play a crucial role in professional sports, particularly in boxing, where the physical toll on fighters can be immense. The detection of adverse findings emphasizes the importance of such testing to ensure a level playing field and protect the health and safety of the athletes involved. The boxing community is now closely watching how the investigation will unfold and what consequences will be imposed on Dillian Whyte. For Matchroom and other boxing organizations, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent anti-doping protocols to maintain the sport's credibility and integrity. As the situation continues to evolve, fans of the sport will have to wait for further updates from the authorities and promoters to know how the heavyweight division will shape up in the aftermath of this unexpected turn of events. For now, the excitement surrounding the Joshua vs Whyte rematch has been replaced by uncertainty and disappointment, leaving a cloud of controversy hanging over the world of boxing.
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Aug 05 2023

'I'm not intimidated by him' - Says Francis Ngannou Before the Fury vs Ngannou Showdown

Francis Ngannou, the former UFC champion, is gearing up to face Tyson Fury in a Fury vs Ngannou heavyweight boxing match on October 28. The fight will be conducted under the official rules of professional boxing, with three judges using the 10-point must system to score the bout. Ngannou has enlisted the help of former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson to assist him in his quest to defeat Fury. He is diligently honing his boxing skills to ensure he can effectively land his most potent weapon on the current WBC title holder in Fury vs Ngannou bout. Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Ngannou is preparing mentally to avoid frustration during the Fury vs Ngannou fight. He knows that facing Fury, with his wealth of experience, will not be an easy task. However, Ngannou is confident and mentally prepared to take on a tough and durable opponent, focusing on delivering precise blows to achieve the desired outcome.
"I know it's going to be very challenging for me," Ngannou told Sky Sports News. "I don't think I will be frustrated because I'm not going there just expecting to hit him easily. I know it's going to be tough, it might even be tougher for me than for him, which is the case because he has a lot of experience "I'm prepared for that, my mind is ready for that. I have that information, even in my training camp, I'm preparing for someone who is tough, not easy to hit, very well-rounded as a boxer, very durable. "It's about a delivery system. You can have a biggest weapon but you also need to aim at the right target and to hit. We are shaping that skill to be able to deliver on the proper direction so we can get the result."
Despite the vast difference in boxing experience between the two fighters, Ngannou remains undaunted by Fury's unbeaten record of 34 professional fights. He respects his opponent but refuses to be intimidated, drawing on his own experience of facing high-level opponents in the octagon. Since parting ways with the UFC and signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and their Super Fights Division in 2023, Ngannou has had ample time to prepare for this significant showdown. As the Fury vs Ngannou fight approaches, fans eagerly await the clash between these two formidable heavyweight fighters, each bringing their unique skills and strengths to the ring. Ngannou's determination to challenge Fury in the boxing arena has set the stage for an exciting and highly anticipated encounter.
"I respect him, as I respect every opponent, which I should. But being intimidated by him, no I'm not intimidated by him and I'm not intimidated by anybody. "I've been there so many times with so many people, maybe in the octagon, but it's the same thing. "When you have somebody in front of you, octagon or ring, it's just about fighting and focusing on your opponent. "I think I have a lot of experience of that myself, of being with a high level of fighter in front of me."
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Aug 05 2023

Francis Ngannou Working with Mike Tyson for Fury vs Ngannou Fight

Francis Ngannou is diligently refining his techniques with renowned head trainer Mike Tyson, aiming to unleash his "biggest weapon" against Tyson Fury in their upcoming crossover clash. The highly-anticipated Fury vs Ngannou bout is scheduled for October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Ngannou will face Fury in a 12-round boxing match adhering to Marquess of Queensberry rules. This will be Ngannou's first official boxing match, but he is confident in his ability to defy the odds against the WBC heavyweight champion. Known for his devastating one-punch knockout power in MMA, Ngannou acknowledges that boxing Fury will present a whole new challenge. He is fully aware that landing his powerful strikes on Fury will be much harder, but he remains composed and patient, waiting for the right moment to strike. Ngannou recognizes the difficulty ahead and is not expecting an easy victory. He acknowledges Fury's vast experience and the tough task that lies before him. In his training camp, he is preparing to face a highly skilled, elusive, and durable boxer, focusing on precision and the ability to hit the target accurately. Mike Tyson, the legendary "Iron Mike," has recently joined Ngannou's camp and will be in his corner on fight night. Tyson has been impressed by Ngannou's skill set and believes in his potential for a successful boxing career. With Tyson's guidance, Ngannou is confident that he can develop the necessary tools to deliver his trademark knockout blow against Tyson Fury. Together, they are working on perfecting Ngannou's delivery system to ensure he can effectively target Fury and achieve the desired result in the ring on Fury vs Ngannou fight day. The collaboration between these two formidable fighters has generated much anticipation and excitement among fans, making the upcoming bout one of the most awaited crossover events in combat sports.
'I know it's going to be very challenging for me,' Ngannou told Sky Sports News. 'I don't think I will be frustrated because I'm not going there just expecting to hit him easily. I know it's going to be tough, it might even be tougher for me than for him, which is the case because he has a lot of experience. 'I'm prepared for that, my mind is ready for that. I have that information, even in my training camp, I'm preparing for someone who is tough, not easy to hit, very well-rounded as a boxer, very durable. 'It's about a delivery system. You can have a biggest weapon but you also need to aim at the right target and to hit. 'We are shaping that skill to be able to deliver on the proper direction so we can get the result.'
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Aug 05 2023

Heated Final Face-off before Paul vs Diaz Showdown!

Paul vs Diaz pre-fight build-up has been relatively mild compared to the expected drama, but tensions finally escalated during the ceremonial weigh-ins at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. After a scuffle involving their teams at the pre-fight press conference on Thursday, Paul and Diaz nearly came to blows during the faceoff before their boxing match. Diaz provoked Paul with an elbow, leading to some heated exchanges and hand-fighting between the two fighters before security stepped in to diffuse the situation. Fortunately, nothing major occurred, and both fighters delivered their final messages to the crowd before departing. Diaz thanked everyone for their support and expressed his confidence, taking a jab at Paul's fighting skills with some explicit language. In response, Paul didn't hold back either. He insulted the crowd that was booing him and then directed his attention to Diaz, issuing a final warning. He confidently stated that he would dominate the Paul vs Diaz fight, using strong language to assert his determination to defeat Diaz. The intense faceoff and verbal exchanges at the weigh-ins have further amplified the excitement and anticipation for their upcoming boxing match. Fight fans can expect a fierce and thrilling showdown between these two competitive athletes. Diaz said:
“Shout out to everybody for the love and support. I appreciate everybody coming out. Much love. And no matter how the fight goes, don’t forget, this motherf***** can’t really fight. Motherf*****. F*** you.”
In response, Paul kept it straightforward. He began by mocking the crowd that was heavily booing him, but then shifted his focus to Diaz, delivering a stern final warning.
“Boo yourselves, virgins. Boo yourselves, virgins. They’ve been saying ‘Nate’s tough, Nate’s a dog.’ Well guess what, Ariel? Tomorrow, I’m dog-walking that b****! I’m putting him back on a leash and I’m sending him back to the cage! I’m f****** him up! I’m f****** him up!”
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Aug 05 2023

'I always said I’d fight him' - says Jake Paul when asked about a fight with Conor McGregor prior Paul vs Diaz Showdown

Tomorrow, on Saturday, August 5th, highly anticipated Paul vs Diaz boxing match will take place between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The event will feature a 10-round pro boxing match at 185 pounds and will be available for streaming on DAZN/ESPN+ pay-per-view. Jake Paul, with his focus set on defeating Nate Diaz in the Paul vs Diaz, has expressed his interest in facing Conor McGregor next. He believes that if he can knock out Diaz, it would make sense for McGregor to consider a lucrative fight with him. Paul expressed some skepticism about McGregor's dedication to fighting and questioned whether he still holds the same appeal in the fight world.
“When I knock out Nate Diaz and do what Conor couldn’t, it only makes sense for him to want that money fight. I don’t know how serious he’s taking fighting at all, and I don’t know how serious the fight world is taking him.”
Regarding the potential bout with McGregor, Jake Paul said, I always said I'd fight him. I'm down. It's a big, massive event. However, he acknowledged that McGregor would need to seek approval from his UFC boss, Dana White, to make the fight happen. In contrast, Paul sees himself as his own boss and can decide his opponents without such restrictions.
“Who knows if he still has that same appeal. But look, I always said I’d fight him. I’m down. It’s a big, massive event. He obviously has to ask his boss Dana, if he can do that. I’m my own boss. I make my own decisions. I could fight whoever, whenever, wherever. So he’s tied up and even if he wants to do it, Dana might not let him do it.”
While not ruling out the possibility of fighting McGregor, Jake Paul emphasized that he's currently focused on his upcoming Paul vs Diaz match. He mentioned that there are plenty of other significant names in the sport to fight, so he will continue seeking challenging opponents after the Paul vs Diaz fight.
“I think Nate was always the plan since he was getting out of the UFC. Right now, I’m just focusing on this fight, and we’ll see what happens moving on from here. There’s still a lot of big names, a lot of big fights to be made. And again, I’m just going to continue challenging myself and continuing to fight big names in the sport.”
As for whether a fight between Jake Paul and Conor McGregor would be appealing, it's a matter of personal preference for fans. Some may be excited about the spectacle and potential entertainment value, while others may view it with skepticism given McGregor's established career in MMA and Paul's relatively short boxing background. Regarding UFC President Dana White allowing the fight, it's uncertain, as he ultimately controls the UFC fighters' matchups. He might have reservations about his star fighter facing a YouTuber-turned-boxer, especially if there's a risk of McGregor losing and potentially damaging his reputation. As for tomorrow's fight between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz, fight fans and boxing enthusiasts will undoubtedly be eager to watch. The match promises to be an exciting showdown, and there will likely be significant interest in seeing if Jake Paul can deliver on his goal of knocking out Diaz in the ring.
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Aug 04 2023

Brawl Erupts during face-offs after Paul vs Diaz Final Press Conference

Boxing fans were in for a tense moment in Dallas, Texas, as the entourages of Jake Paul and Nate Diaz faced off at the final press conference before Paul vs Diaz hosted by combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani. The event quickly escalated into a potential legal issue, with Jake Paul taunting Nate Diaz publicly and creating high tensions between the two camps. Despite the provocations, Nate Diaz seemed unbothered, knowing that win or lose, he was set to receive the biggest payday of his combat sports career. Nate said:
“You know who the bully is? That bouncer right there who I smacked with a beer the last time he thought he was tight. I f****** smacked that b**** in the face. “That’s who the bully is. F*** him, f*** you, and f*** MVP.”
Seeing Nate, Jake Paul tried to make Nate talk his shit:
“Let’s go. I like it,” he said. “Nate’s alive. We woke the beast up. Let’s go Nate. I like it. Talk your s, Nate. Talk your s***." Further Nate said when asked about the outcome of the fight: “It don’t matter. Whatever happens, happens. It usually can go better or worse. It’s all good.”
As the Paul vs Diaz  press conference continued, tempers flared, and members of both teams engaged in a heated argument. While it's unclear who initiated the physical altercation, Jake Paul later revealed on the X app that Nate Diaz's team threatened him with legal action, claiming they were assaulted. According to Paul, the person who started the altercation ended up in the hospital receiving stitches.
"Nate's team has emailed my team trying to claim assault after his team swung first. Apparently the guy who swung first is at the hospital getting stitches. Hilarious these fake gangsters acting like this!" "All out warfare, eye for eye. You threatened MVPs co-founder [Bidarian] who has been a partner to you and your team every step of the way? "He’s put your best friend on over and over again. Stupid. Then your team wants to swing on us…so you got served a three piece and a biscuit. Punk. It’s time for goodnight."
Although Nate Diaz has yet to publicly comment on the incident at the press conference of Paul vs Diaz, the press conference remained filled with taunts from Jake Paul, and at one point, Nate Diaz lost his temper. The emotions surrounding this bout are likely to be intense when the two fighters step into the ring to face each other. For Jake Paul, the stakes are high, as a loss could put his boxing career on the line. On the other hand, Nate Diaz seems to be enjoying his venture into boxing outside of mixed martial arts. In an interview after the final press conference of Paul vs Diaz, Nate expressed his intention to continue fighting in various sports for many years to come.
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Aug 04 2023

'If we're going to argue, we're gonna fight' says Nate Diaz before Diaz vs Paul Clash

Nate Diaz emerged from one of the six bedrooms of an extravagant villa overlooking the posh Bel-Air Country Club, making his way down a spiral staircase. He sported a casual outfit, including a Mike Tyson T-shirt, faded jeans, and black Travis Scott Nike Air Jordan sneakers. Diaz added a touch of style by briefly trying on a black baseball cap with a white "R" for his sponsor, Represent, as well as a pair of black Ray-Ban sunglasses. After seeking opinions from his team members, including Zach Rosenfield, the president of Real Fight Inc., and cinematographer Elijah Gutierrez, Diaz decided against wearing the hat and shades. Settling into a white chair on the stone balcony of the rental home, Diaz prepared for a video interview before Paul vs Diaz fight. From this vantage point, he could see the pool area with a small waterfall and hot tub below, as well as a lush, 18-hole golf course further down. The interview revolved around Diaz's upcoming Paul vs Diaz fight, his first outside of the UFC in 17 years, in which he would be facing popular YouTuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul. The two men were 50-50 partners in the upcoming pay-per-view event, but Paul had expressed disappointment in Diaz's lack of trash talk to promote the fight. However, Diaz wasn't interested in engaging in a war of words. He believed that his fighting prowess over the years was enough to promote the Paul vs Diaz fight, and he didn't feel the need to resort to childish arguments. For Diaz, if they were going to argue, they might as well settle it inside the ring.
"I think my fighting from over the years promotes my fights," Diaz told ESPN. "I'm not gonna get in a little-kid argument with the guy and act like [it's] any realer than it is. Don't get no realer than this anyway. "If we're going to argue, we're gonna fight."
Both Diaz and Paul had unconventional paths to this point in their careers. Diaz was one of the biggest MMA stars of his generation, known for doing things on his own terms. Paul, on the other hand, disrupted boxing with his major events outside the traditional promotion formula. Their distinct approaches and the genuine animosity between them led to this pivotal moment in their careers. Initially, Diaz and Paul had various options for potential fights, including matchups with Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul for Diaz, and Mayweather, KSI, and a Tommy Fury rematch for Paul. However, fate brought them together due to their shared heated history and the potential for a high-stakes matchup. This 10-round Paul vs Diaz boxing match on August 5 in Dallas would be a landmark event in the genre of crossover boxing that Jake Paul had pioneered. The outcome of this bout could significantly impact the future of both fighters' careers and the trend of influencers in combat sports. Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, even speculated that this could be Paul's final boxing match, with the possibility of retirement if he were to lose to Nate Diaz.
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Aug 04 2023

Jake Paul Explained Why he Opted Shane Mosely for Paul vs Diaz Fight

Jake Paul made the decision to make changes to his coaching staff following his defeat to Tommy Fury, enlisting the services of his former coach, Shane Mosley, to prepare for his upcoming Paul vs Diaz fight against Nate Diaz. In his last bout with Love Island star Tommy Fury, Paul experienced his first loss in his professional boxing career. Despite scoring a knockdown in the final round, he ultimately lost the fight by split decision. Now, he is determined to return to the winning path as he prepares to face UFC legend Nate Diaz this Saturday. Shane Mosley, a former world champion, previously trained Paul for his professional debut against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib back in 2020. However, they parted ways after that fight due to Mosley's busy schedule. Nevertheless, they have reunited ahead of Paul's highly anticipated Paul vs Diaz  showdown with Diaz, and the YouTube sensation has spoken highly of Mosley's coaching abilities. Paul stated why he decided to bring Mosley back into his team We had originally worked together for my first professional fight, but he was super busy after that. After losing, I went back to the drawing board and reassessed everyone on my squad. I wanted to bring back some of the folks I had previously worked with; it's been an outstanding camp; he's been here the entire time and has been incredibly helpful, as he told Stephen A Smith. The upcoming Paul vs Diaz clash is generating enormous excitement, and the fight will be available for viewers to watch live on DAZN PPV on August 5. Fans are eager to see who will come out victorious in this highly anticipated grudge match.
"We had originally worked together for my first professional fight but he was super busy after that. When I lost, I went back to the drawing board and re-evaluated everyone in my team. I wanted to bring back some of the people I had originally worked with, it's been an amazing camp, he's been in this camp the whole entire time and has been very helpful."
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Aug 04 2023

Crawford Reveals His Next Opponent - Aiming Three division Undisputed Glory!

Terence Crawford, the undisputed boxing champion, spoke with TMZ Sports today about his latest triumph and prospective opponents. Although the boxing world views Crawford's last victory as a dominant, effortless victory, the champion retains a modest demeanour. He stated:
“I don’t feel any different than yesterday to be honest. I’ve got a lot of people hitting me up but at the same time, the way I feel is no different than yesterday. “The fight is never easy, no matter how it looks to the general public. The fight is won in the gym, that’s where the hard part goes on. This fight was extremely hard, and I went through a lot of pain and suffering to get to that point.”
During the debate, the topic of 'who's next' naturally came up, with conjecture about future rematches and new opponents. Crawford's contract requires him to fulfil certain commitments, including agreeing to a rematch if it is in his best interests. In reaction to this, he said:
“That’s my obligation in the contract and I have to honor that. I want to thank Errol Spence, because without him really wanting to fight and doing what he can do, along with me to get this fight done, we wouldn’t be fighting. “I would definitely choose Charlo. It’s a meaningful fight; there’s more history, more on the table.”
Additionally, he put a kneel to the rumors of his potential fight with Canelo:
“Canelo is two, three, even four weight classes above me, depending on which fight you’re talking about. So, to be honest, Canelo doesn’t really interest me because of the size factor. “Canelo fighting at his weight doesn’t present the right kind of challenge I’m seeking. I’ve been asked this question many times before, and I’ve always had the same answer. I’m firm on my stance. “I stated and said that I will retire from boxing before I let boxing retire me. I feel as if I haven’t been fully appreciated in the sport of boxing in my career for some time, and I felt like once I retired, that’s where I would get my props. “That was a dope feeling. Shout out to Eminem for coming out and supporting me and showing me so much love. I never knew he was a big Terence Crawford fan.”
The most interesting part of the discussion, though, was when Crawford explained his life outside of the ring. Specifically, the role of father. When asked about his dedication to his children, he stated:
“No matter what I’m doing in life, I make sure that I’m there for my children.”
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Aug 03 2023

'I guess it’s a good thing' - Chris Eubank Jr reacts to UKAD's statement about Conor Benn

Chris Eubank Jr holds the belief that Conor Benn's situation, involving a doping scandal last October, has been overshadowed by lawyers, verdicts, and promotional statements. The two fighters were slated to face off in a highly anticipated grudge match, reminiscent of their fathers' rivalry in the '90s. However, the fight was called off when news broke about Benn failing a drugs test. Benn has maintained his innocence and recently received some relief when the UK Anti-Doping Agency lifted his provisional suspension, allowing him to re-apply for a British boxing license. Eubank Jr sees this as a positive development as it paves the way for a future fight between them in the UK, which he prefers over fighting in the Middle East.
“I guess it’s a good thing because now the fight can be made at some point, which it will. I don’t know when, but it will happen at some point in the UK, which is important. There was a lot of talks of it happening in the Middle East and that was something I didn’t really want to do because it’s such a huge fight out here.”
Nonetheless, Eubank Jr remains firm in his opinion about Benn's situation. He asserts that regardless of legal proceedings and statements, Benn's claims of being absolved are not convincing. Eubank Jr is convinced that Benn was caught twice for a reason and believes the public will not forget it. Despite the controversy surrounding Benn, Eubank Jr is open to a future fight with him as he considers boxing to be a business. Currently, Eubank Jr is focused on preparing for a rematch with Liam Smith, whom he defeated earlier this year after their initial fight got canceled due to the Benn situation.
“Lawyers and court hearings and essays and Eddie Hearn saying all the things he’s saying – it doesn’t mean anything. The fact is you got caught twice and no-one’s ever gonna forget it. It doesn’t mean that you didn’t do what you did, cause you did do it.” You want to say ‘I’m absolved and it was all a big misunderstanding’, nah that’s bulls**t. Boxing’s a business and I still wanna fight him, so the fight will be made at some point.”
Ultimately, the marketability of a potential future fight between Eubank Jr and Benn will depend on the outcome of Eubank Jr's upcoming match against Smith, scheduled for September 2.
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Aug 03 2023

Derek Chisora vs Gerald Washington in the Undercard of Joshua vs Whyte 2??

Reports suggest that British heavyweight Derek Chisora is set to face Gerald Washington on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte 2 fight on August 12th at the O2 Arena in London. This addition to the card seems like a strategic move to attract older British fans to purchase the event on DAZN for £26.95. Chisora, at 39 years old, will be taking on the 6'7" former world title challenger Washington, who has been inactive since January 2022 and holds a record of 2-5 in the last five years. Washington's recent lack of success makes him a suitable opponent for Chisora, who has struggled in his own career. Chisora has lost four out of his last five fights since 2020, with his only win being a controversial split decision over Kubrat Pulev last year. Some fans and experts believe Pulev should have won that fight. Chisora has been a familiar face in the boxing world for a long time, and matching him against the 41-year-old Washington could entice fans who are on the fence about purchasing the Joshua-Whyte II event. However, it's clear that this matchup isn't the marquee fight that promoter Eddie Hearn needs to draw in a wider audience. Hearn said:
“We are waiting for the board approval for the Derek Chisoa fight. We wanted to announce it a few days ago, but we were calling the board, waiting for approval, and will likely announce it anyway, subject to board approval today or tomorrow. “Yes, the plan is to have Derek Chisora fight on the main card. No, it’s a much better fighter than Mariusz Wach and quite a tough fight,” said Hearn, sounding mysterious. “I’ll wait for it to be announced.”
Eddie Hearn confirmed that the Chisora-Washington fight is still awaiting board approval but expressed that it would be a tougher challenge for Chisora than his previous opponent. Other fights on the Joshua-Whyte 2 card include Filip Hrgovic vs. Demsey McKean, Johnny Fisher vs. Harry Armstrong, George Liddard vs. Radek Rousal, Maisey Rose Courtney vs. Gemma Ruegg, and Campbell Hatton vs. Tom Ansell.
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Aug 03 2023

Is Mayweather Coming out of Retirement for Fight Against Crawford??

Over the weekend, a rising star in boxing emerged as the best fighter in the world. Fans immediately started speculating if Terence Crawford could have defeated the legendary Floyd Mayweather and put an end to his undefeated 50-0 record. Crawford's impressive victory over long-time rival Errol Spence Jr. in their highly-anticipated undisputed welterweight title clash, where he claimed all four belts in the division, fueled these discussions. Although Mayweather retired six years ago and is now 46 years old, fans engaged in fantasy fight hypotheticals to ponder the outcome of a bout between Crawford and Mayweather. However, trainer Calvin Ford, who works with Gervonta Davis, reminded everyone of Mayweather's previous statement. Mayweather once mentioned that he would consider coming out of retirement if Crawford defeated Spence.
“The question is, is Floyd going to come out of retirement and fight Crawford? I remember a statement where he said that if Terence beat Spence, then he would come out of retirement.” “That’s a good one because you’ve got the old great against the new great. The pay-per-views would be stupid!”
The potential matchup between the old legend and the new superstar is tantalizing, and pay-per-view numbers would likely be off the charts. Even two-division world champion, Carl Frampton, chimed in during the live broadcast of the Spence-Crawford fight, predicting that a prime Terence Crawford would have the upper hand against a prime Floyd Mayweather in a welterweight bout. Despite the rumors, Mayweather has been actively participating in exhibition bouts, having fought in seven of them since retiring from professional boxing. Four of those exhibitions took place in the last twelve months. Speculation will continue to swirl about whether the five-division world champion could handle Crawford, but the big question remains: would Mayweather be willing to risk his flawless 50-0 record at this stage of his career? It might all come down to whether the financial incentives are too appealing to resist.
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Aug 03 2023

WBO Will Strip Jermell Charlo of his Junior Middleweight Title Post Canelo vs Charlo Fight

Jermell Charlo's reign as the undisputed champion at 154 lbs is about to end as the WBO has decided to strip him of his junior middleweight title. However, he will still be allowed to enter the ring for his upcoming Canelo vs Charlo bout against Canelo Alvarez on September 30, where they will compete for Canelo's undisputed title at 168 lbs. The WBO's ruling is that Charlo can be announced as their champion for the fight, but he will be stripped immediately after the official announcement. This situation was somewhat expected when the Canelo vs Charlo fight was announced, as the sanctioning bodies seemed willing to play along with the marketing of "Undisputed vs. Undisputed." However, it was always anticipated that Charlo might have to relinquish one or more of his junior middleweight belts to make the fight happen. While the decision may seem amusing, it is now clear that Tim Tszyu will be elevated from interim champion to full champion status once Charlo is stripped. It's worth noting that even if the Canelo vs Charlo fight doesn't take place on September 30 for any reason, the WBO will still strip Charlo of his title, and Tszyu will become the full titleholder. Tszyu has been the WBO's mandatory challenger for quite some time and has held the interim belt since his victory over Tony Harrison on March 12. He followed that up with a dominant win over Carlos Ocampo on June 18, defending his interim title. Tszyu has been vocal about Charlo being stripped, and it seems he is getting what he wished for. The WBO's decision appears to be the right one considering Charlo's inactivity and failure to defend any of his titles since unifying the 154 lb division by defeating Brian Castano in May 2022. As of now, there's no word on what the other sanctioning bodies will do, but it is possible they might wait until after the Canelo vs Charlo fight to decide whether Charlo will vacate voluntarily or be stripped of his remaining titles. The situation with Tszyu has been widely publicized, prompting the WBO to make their stance known publicly.
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Jul 31 2023

Callum Smith vs Artur Beterbiev Delayed!!

In the highly anticipated showdown for the unified light heavyweight championship, Artur Beterbiev was set to defend his WBC, WBO, and IBF titles against British contender Callum Smith on August 19 in Quebec City, Canada. However, fight fans were left disappointed when the much-awaited encounter was postponed due to an unexpected setback for the champion. Top Rank announced that Beterbiev had been diagnosed with a bone infection in his jaw, which resulted from dental work he underwent. The timetable for his recovery remains uncertain, leaving boxing enthusiasts eagerly awaiting news of a rescheduled date. Artur Beterbiev, a 38-year-old Russian native, is renowned for his ferocious power, boasting an impressive 100% knockout rate. His latest victory came in a thrilling eighth-round TKO over Anthony Yarde in London. As the current WBC, WBO, and IBF champion, Beterbiev had been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to defend his titles in front of his adopted hometown crowd for the first time since December 2021. Beterbiev's injury also raises questions about a potential clash with Dmitry Bivol, ESPN's top-ranked boxer at 175 pounds. The boxing community has been buzzing with excitement about the prospect of an undisputed light heavyweight title clash between the two champions. With Beterbiev's recovery uncertain, it remains to be seen how this potential mega-fight will be affected. Callum Smith, a former super middleweight champion, has made a successful transition to the light heavyweight division. After securing the World Boxing Super Series title with a seventh-round TKO victory over George Groves, Smith's only defeat came against the formidable Canelo Alvarez in a unification bout. Since moving up to 175 pounds, Smith has won two bouts by stoppage, establishing himself as a serious threat in the division. With Beterbiev's injury sidelining the scheduled bout, boxing fans will have to wait for the two powerhouses to step into the ring and settle their differences. The fight is expected to be rescheduled later this year or early in 2024. While the delay might be disappointing for some, it only adds to the anticipation and excitement surrounding this potential clash of titans. The postponement of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith light heavyweight championship bout was undoubtedly a setback for the boxing world. Beterbiev's bone infection in his jaw, stemming from dental work, has put his defense on hold, leaving fans eager for an announcement of the new fight date. Meanwhile, Callum Smith, the mandatory challenger for Beterbiev's WBC title, stands ready to seize his shot at light heavyweight glory. As the situation unfolds, boxing enthusiasts worldwide are keeping a close eye on the recovery of the reigning champion and the eventual rescheduling of this exciting showdown that could potentially lead to an undisputed light heavyweight champion.
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Jul 31 2023

Errol Spence Jr.'s Eye Injury Raises Concerns After One Sided Crawford Defeat - Spence vs Crawford

Errol Spence Jr. is facing questions regarding the seriousness of an eye injury he suffered during his first fight against Terence Crawford in a Spence vs Crawford bout, where he was dominated and demoralized. Spence had previously encountered a series of injuries, including a detached retina from a car crash in 2019, which limited his activity in the ring to only two fights in four years. After his defeat to Crawford in Spence vs Crawford at Las Vegas, concerns are arising about the extent of Spence's eye injury and its potential impact on his ability to compete in a rematch.
“I didn’t know I had a retina tear. But I do remember when it happened. When the guy hit me, I felt like little I heard a little pop. “Then I went to the corner like man, my eye or whatever, they looked at my eye. Then I actually came back out there and sparred like four-five more rounds. Two days later, I had sparred again.”
Some on social media speculate that Spence may have cashed in on the Crawford fight before his eye condition worsened, raising doubts about his future in boxing. During the fight, it appeared as if Spence had difficulty seeing punches coming from Crawford, and there are fears about his eyesight for the rest of his life, especially considering Crawford's targeted strikes to the affected eye. While Crawford's victory is acknowledged, some observers felt that Spence didn't perform at his best, leading to discussions about the severity of his eye injury. In a previous interview, Spence admitted to experiencing a pop in his eye during a sparring session but continued to train without knowing about the retina tear. Later, doctors informed him that his retina was partially detached, preventing him from fighting at that time.
“I got some good news. I got some bad news. The bad news is that there’s no way you can fight. Then the good news is that it’s partially detached so that they can put it back on. But you know there’s no way you can fight.”
Spence eventually returned to the ring and defeated Yordenis Ugas, but his defeat against Crawford raised further doubts about the true extent of his eye injury. Given these concerns, the seriousness of Spence's eye condition has become a topic of scrutiny in the aftermath of Spence vs Crawford bout.
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Jul 31 2023

'Look at him. He was done!' - says BoMac during the post presser of Spence vs Crawford Fight

Following Terence Crawford's triumphant victory over Errol Spence Jr. with a ninth-round stoppage in Spence vs Crawford bout, his trainer Brian 'BoMac' McIntyre didn't hold back his thoughts about Spence's performance. BoMac criticized Spence, describing him as "slow" and "basic," and he believed that Spence made several mistakes that ultimately played into Crawford's hands, leading to the three knockdowns during the bout. Although Spence did appear sluggish in the Spence vs Crawford  fight, it's important to note that he had to undergo an intense weight cut to reach the 147-pound limit. BoMac chose not to address this aspect as acknowledging it might diminish Crawford's win. Spence had been out of the ring for 15 months, and during that time, he had gained considerable weight, making the weight cut even more challenging. BoMac pointed out that Spence relied on fundamental boxing skills, but his lack of speed and footwork left him vulnerable to Crawford's counters. It seemed as though Spence had pushed himself beyond his limits due to the weight cut, which made him too weak to put up a competitive fight.
“He’s basic. Remember in Spence’s last interview where he said he’s good at fundamentals, ‘I’m fundamentally sound?’ You can break that s**t apart, and then after the first round, he was slow as s**t. He’s got that will and determination, but if you keep going upside his head. He was slow. The counters were as fast as s**t, though. He was basic. “Look at all of his fights. He starts with a jab, and he hardly brings his feet with him when he goes to the body. This is where he f***ked up. His legs were too far apart,” said BoMac about Spence. “So he would bring his height down, and when you bring your height down, you start reaching the fighter because your legs are too far apart. “His feet were slow, his movement was slow, and his hands were slow. So that just made work perfect. In the second round, I said, ‘This [guy] isn’t as fast as you. Any chance you get to counter over the top, make it happen,'”
BoMac suggested that Spence should consider moving up to a higher weight class, as competing at 154 pounds might not be enough to prevent another draining experience. However, Crawford is not willing to fight Spence at a weight higher than 154 pounds, leaving the welterweight division as the only option for a potential rematch.
“He countered over the top with a left hand and then came back with his jab, a 2-1, and that’s when he dropped him.” “Look at him. He was done. Go look at his balance when he got up. He was done. When he got up, and the bell rang, he was still shaky. If Bud would have had another minute, he would have stopped him.”
In his praise for Crawford, BoMac highlighted his speed and excellent counter-punching abilities, which played a crucial role in securing the victory over Spence. He firmly believed that if Spence had not been weight drained, the fight might have turned out much differently. Despite offering some constructive criticism, BoMac expressed unwavering confidence in Crawford's abilities. He credited their strategic planning, which allowed Crawford to capitalize on Spence's weaknesses in their historic bout.
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