Sports

Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: Wayne Rooney’s Strong Opinion

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2025

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Amidst the latest shock boxing announcement, a football icon-turned-pundit has had some strong words on the matter, to say the least.

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to battle Jake Paul after the controversial news broke last week, and despite mixed opinions, Wayne Rooney has recently criticised the making of such a fight.

Speaking on the latest instalment of Stick to Football, Rooney argued the serious danger of the fight for Paul, who only turned professional five years ago, and has only fought at heavyweight once before, that being against a 58-year-old Mike Tyson last November.

What Wayne Rooney Has Said About Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua

The former England forward lamented the regulations in place, noting: “If it’s not fixed, then it’s ridiculous. I don’t know how it’s been passed. It’s crazy. If Joshua goes for him, he could seriously damage him. I don’t know how on earth it’s been passed.”

Rooney further pointed out similarities in Joshua’s bout with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou back in March 2024, in which the Brit knocked out his opponent, even with the Cameroonian’s notorious power.

It does beg the question as to how these contests are put together. Even though Paul does have more experience in the ring than Ngannou, the latter has more know-how in combat sports.

In the same conversation, Rooney added: “It’s the same as when he fought Ngannou, it’s the same thing. Jake Paul’s a better boxer probably than Ngannou, but it’s just not… the size difference, everything about the fight, it’s just wrong. I don’t blame Anthony Joshua, I think fair play, go and get your money.”

Paul is lacking true experience against current and active boxers, while Joshua will present a test that the American has not come close to facing, with his most formidable opponent thus far arguably coming in the loss to Tommy Fury in February 2023.

Joshua’s early momentum in his career was electric, but has slowed since the turn of the decade. The Brit showcased his punching power frequently, stopping the likes of Dillian Whyte and Dominic Breazeale, though, a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 and successive losses to Oleksandr Usyk stopped Joshua in his tracks.

There’s no doubting AJ’s ability, however, and obvious superiority over Paul in the ring, in which Rooney showed concerns for the latter in the scheduled bout next month.

The former Manchester United striker continued: “To go and fight Anthony Joshua, it’s dangerous. If something seriously happens to Jake Paul, there’s going to be serious questions. Boxing is going to be in a bad place.”

Anytime two men step in the ring, it leaves the potential for serious injury, though, the discrepancy in weight, size, and skill could cause dangerous possibilities for not just the fighters, but the sport itself, while Rooney’s complaints amongst outside criticism continue ahead of an intriguing contest on the 19th of December in Miami.

Sports

Sean Strickland Reacts After Being Arrested at UFC White House Fan Event

Published

24 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

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Sean Strickland cannot help but keep getting himself into trouble as the former UFC middleweight champion was escorted away from an official UFC event by security, just weeks after being told he was “not invited” to the market-leading MMA firm’s event, on the 14th of June, on the South Lawn at The White House in Washington, D.C — a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-generation show to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, together with the 80th birthday of sitting U.S. President, Donald Trump.

Officially termed UFC Freedom 250, the seven-fight card features Ilia Topuria against Justin Gaethje in a UFC lightweight championship unification for the main event, and Alex Pereira versus Ciryl Gane in the co-main. There are five other bouts on the main card including Sean O’Malley, Michael Chandler, and Bo Nickal in separate showdowns.

The event has not been without complications through bugs, humidity, and a local thunderstorm which seemingly forced the UFC to postpone the fights for an hour as it waited for the inclement weather to pass. But with Dan Cormier seemingly posting DMs he received from an Eric Trump account asking about a “rigged” fight, Strickland’s situation only adds to the controversies.

Sean Strickland Escorted by Security

Strickland said earlier this month that the reason he was banned from the event was because he “made fun of Israel and Epstein.”

And, as MMA Fighting reported Sunday, Strickland was escorted away from UFC Fan Fest by security and faces a possible charge of disorderly conduct.

‘Leaked DMs’ Reveal Donald Trump’s Son’s UFC White House ‘Fixed Fight’ Request

At least one member of the mixed martial arts press corps also claims to have seen the tweets.

“I may have been charged with disorderly conduct,” Strickland himself wrote on Instagram. “I don’t know what that is but it sounds cool.”

“Anyways, I just want to thank you fans. I can’t thank you guys enough. After being banned, you guys riding, supporting me, it means a lot to me.”

See the video he posted right here, on the social media platform:

He later said: “Sorry you guys. We almost made it! Promise one day, we will set up a circle and box. Thanks for your support.”

Sports

Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje at the White House

Published

4 hours ago

June 15, 2026

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This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

One of the biggest and most controversial nights in UFC history is finally upon us. In celebration of both the 250th anniversary of the USA and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, the UFC Octagon has been set up on the South Lawn of the White House for UFC Freedom 250.

A stacked seven-fight card has been put together for the historic show, which will be headlined by Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje clashing for the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship.

In the evening’s co-main event, Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane will clash for the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship. Elsewhere on the card, the likes of Sean O’Malley, Michael Chandler and Derrick Lewis are all set to step into the Octagon.

GIVEMESPORT has you covered for all the action from a landmark night in Washington DC below.

One of the major challenges of hosting an outdoor event was always going to be the chance of bad weather impacting the show. Unfortunately for the UFC, the elements have already played a part in disrupting Freedom 250.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the District of Columbia, parts of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. It is expected to remain in place until well into the latter stages of the card tonight.

As a result, the UFC has shifted their schedule for the event. The company confirmed on Twitter that their live event coverage will be delayed by one hour.

Per The Mirror, this also means that every fight on the card will start an hour later than advertised.

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

Sports

Donald Trump’s Son Exposed Over ‘Fixed Fight’ DMs Before UFC White House Card

Published

4 hours ago

June 14, 2026

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At least one member of the mixed martial arts media claims to have seen tweets from the official account of UFC commentator and former two-division champion, Dan Cormier, that seemingly contained private messages from Eric Trump regarding a “rigged” fight at the imminent event on the South Lawn of The White House in Washington, D.C.

The show, held on the 14th of June, is dubbed UFC Freedom 250. The market-leading combat sports firm organized the event to coincide with the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States, together with the 80th birthday of sitting U.S. President Donald Trump.

UFC Freedom 250 is a seven-fight card featuring prominent fighters like Diego Lopes, Bo Nickal, and Michael Chandler in separate bouts, as well as fan favorite Sean O’Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi, Alex Pereira against Ciryl Gane, and a UFC lightweight championship unification between the king, Ilia Topuria, and interim title-holder, Justin Gaethje, in the main event.

One of Trump’s sons, Eric, who, like the President, will be in attendance, alleged, per the tweets below, to have privately messaged Cormier to seemingly request inside information about at least one of the bouts, and specifically asked if any of the fighters were injured. One media member confirmed the existence of Cormier’s posts. They have since been removed from the platform.

‘I’m Competing at UFC Freedom 250 – Here’s How I Really Feel About Fighting Outside’

The former champion made their thoughts clear…

Eric Trump Allegedly Slid Into Dan Cormier’s DMs Over ‘Rigged’ UFC Fight

“I’m probably going to get a lot of flak for bringing this to light, however I refuse to stay silent,” Cormier supposedly tweeted only hours before the UFC Freedom 250 event was due to begin.

“The UFC is a sport that I am deeply passionate about. I will not tolerate this type of inside behavior. Shame on anyone trying to ruin this beautiful event.”

The alleged Cormier account then attached several screenshots from an apparent private exchange with a profile that appears to be Eric Trump’s.

In the screenshots, Eric tells Cormier he’ll be attending and saw that he was working on the show. After Cormier replied, commenting on how surreal it was to receive a message from him, Trump then said: “Anything you can tell me about the fighrters tomorrow? Who you got winning?” Trump also asked: “You placing any bets?”

Cormier, to his credit, said: “Nah I’m actually not allowed to bet on any cards or anything.”

When Trump asked if “any of the fighters [are] injured,” Cormier replied: “I’m not quite sure why you’re asking me this but I think they’re all in good shape.”

Eric Trump supposedly finished: “I’ll just cut to the chase. Are any of the fights tomorrow rigged? I’ve been eyeing the Lopes fight and I think an upset wouldn’t be too unrealistic.” He then posted two dollar sign emojis.

See the alleged exchange right here:

Adam Martin, a long-time MMA reporter, verified the existance of Cormier’s posts. “DC just tweeted and deleted this,” Martin said. “I saw it myself. Crazy stuff.”

Prominent broadcaster, Luke Thomas, said: “I’ve seen at least one legitimate media member saying they saw the tweet before it was deleted. This is bonkers.”

Popular MMA account Caposa added: “What the f***. Eric Trump looking for inside info on “rigged” fights from Daniel Cormier.”