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Will Conor McGregor vs Jake Paul Really Happen?

Since Jake Paul’s introduction to the world of combat sports, one name has exited his mouth during most of his pre-and post-fight speeches – Conor McGregor. This should come as no surprise considering the amount of revenue both men can generate when competing, but what is the likelihood of multiple division UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) champion and record-breaking Irishman accepting a boxing bout with a YouTuber in Jake Paul? 

McGregor vs Paul – Risk vs Reward

The current trajectory of Conor McGregor’s professional martial arts career may give the impression that a contest against Jake Paul wouldn’t be out of the question. However, to date, Jake Paul has only boxed against a retired martial artists, fellow YouTubers, and a former basketball professional. Paul’s record stands at 4-0 as a professional boxer, with his most recent victory coming against a former UFC welterweight champion in Tyron Woodley. This was his toughest test to date and his first real challenge. He showed a lot of composure and gained a lot of his peers respect for his ability to withstand a massive right hand from Woodley that almost sent the Youtuber flying through the ropes.

McGregor fighting Jake Paul in a boxing ring doesn’t make sense from a long-term business standpoint outside of a huge money-making opportunity. McGregor risking his well-established martial arts legacy against a blue-collar boxer like Paul could cause detrimental damage to his reputation that may never be recuperated

Jake Paul losing to Conor McGregor wouldn’t affect the YouTubers status whatsoever, but if “The Notorious One” suffered defeat to Jake Paul, he’d become a timeless meme and may never live down this choice. 

Jake Paul has tried every trick in the book to bait McGregor into accepting a fight, and his most recent stint includes a brash insult towards the Irishman’s decline. Paul has branded McGregor’s most recent performances as ‘embarrassing’. The insults include a previous $50 million fight offer dropping to $10,000 following a pair of defeats to Dustin Poirier. In addition, Paul infamously had a $100,000 chain designed which resembled McGregor in a sleeping position – which reflected the position McGregor was laying in after a round 2 knockout to Poirier at UFC 257. Adding insult to injury, Paul gifted the custom jewellery to Poirier in which he gladly accepted and donated the proceedings to charity. 

As you can tell, Jake Paul is attempting to test the patience of McGregor, who has notably done his best to ignore the ongoing antics and avoid mentioning the name ‘Paul’ in the slightest. Between TMZ bombardments and general media questions, McGregor won’t be found saying a Paul brother’s name, whether it be Logan or Jake. This attitude signals a complete dismissal on McGregor’s behalf, and in reality – a fight with Jake Paul doesn’t match where McGregor’s professional career is currently stood. 

Of course, suffering consecutive defeats to Dustin Poirier isn’t ideal, and yes, you’ll find betting odds on a potential McGregor versus Paul matchup. But let’s face facts, a potential fight between the two is 3-4 years out of sight, if at all.  

Conor McGregor is a polarizing figure in the martial arts world, and he’s shown zero interest in accepting a boxing contest against anyone besides Manny Pacquiao. 

Money holds little motive in McGregor’s life; a flourishing businessman in and outside the combat sports world has placed him as the highest-earning athlete of 2020. Without the need for a paycheque, it’s difficult to envision anybody within the MMA world crossing over to a boxing ring to risk their reputation. 

As mentioned, Paul has fought two former UFC competitors, Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley – both of which were retired from MMA, aged forty plus, and blatantly sought a comfortable payday. McGregor’s current status is incomparable. Image link HERE. 

 

McGregor vs Paul in The Near Future Just Doesn’t Make Sense

In Jake Pauls world, fighting Conor McGregor would elevate his minor career in every facet of the game. In Conor McGregor’s world, fighting Jake Paul would accomplish absolutely “nuttin”. 

Let us ponder on the achievements of McGregor. 

  • Interim UFC Featherweight Champion (One time) 
  • UFC Featherweight Champion (One time)
  • UFC Lightweight Champion (One time) 
  • UFC Fight of the Night Award (Two times) 
  • UFC Knockout of the Night Award (One Time) 
  • UFC Performance of the Night Award (Seven times) 
  • The first-ever Irish-born UFC Champion
  • The third-ever Multi-Divisional UFC Champion in History (Featherweight, Lightweight) 
  • The first-ever simultaneous multi-divisional champion in UFC history (Featherweight, Lightweight) 
  • More consecutive UFC Performance of the Night awards in UFC history (Five) 
  • Most consecutive post-fight bonuses in UFC history (Eight) 
  • Second-most UFC Performance of the Night awards in UFC history
  • Fastest UFC title-winning fight in UFC history (13 seconds vs. Jose Aldo)  

The above achievements are a fraction of what McGregor has accomplished since beginning his professional mixed martial arts journey in 2008. In addition, McGregor is just 33 years old and hasn’t shown any signs of retirement. He made it abundantly clear that fighting Dustin Poirier in a fourth contest was likely, amongst an additional several other bouts/rematches he’s interested in. 

The bottom line is, Jake Paul has achieved very little; the risk to reward ratio for an extremely wealthy fighter in McGregor doesn’t heighten his legacy. With that said, we’ve seen stranger things; I just don’t believe that we’d witness this fight take place, or at least not until McGregor is long retired. 

Cork LGFA appoint Shane Ronayne as Ladies Football Manager

Cork LGFA Shane Ronayne

Cork LGFA have announced that they have appointed Shane Ronayne as their new senior ladies football manager on a three-year term.

The Mitchelstown native was appointed at a county board meeting at Nemo Rangers tonight after he had been recommended by a five-person sub-committee tasked with identifying the next boss.

He succeeds Ephie Fitzgerald in the role after the 60-year-old’s six-year tenure came to an end following the side’s All-Ireland exit at the hands of eventual winners Meath.

Ronayne was most recently in charge of the Waterford men’s senior footballers in 2021 but left the job on Friday after just one season in the role.

His Waterford side won only once this season, beating Wexford by one point in a National Football League Division Four South clash.

However, the Deise failed to earn promotion, falling to Antrim at the final hurdle, and were knocked out of the Munster and All-Ireland Senior Football Championships after just one game.

Ronayne’s side were brushed aside by Billy Lee’s Limerick at the provincial quarter-final stage in a one-sided clash that saw the Treaty County put 4-18 past the visitors in the Gaelic Grounds.

However, the inter-county manager has had lots of success in his time coaching ladies football.

Previous to the Waterford job, Ronayne had guided Tipperary to four National League titles in as many years and two All-Ireland intermediate crowns in 2017 and 2019.

He also led Cork side Mourneabbey to back-to-back All-Ireland titles in this time, winning the club accolades in 2018 and 2019.

A statement by Cork LGFA reads: “Following a meeting of Cork LGFA tonight, the full executive and board have ratified Shane Ronayne as Cork Senior Football manager. He was ratified for a term of 3 years.

“We wish Shane, his background team and players the very best of luck. We wish to thank all those who took part in the selection process.

“And to Ephie Fitzgerald & his background team, we thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the Cork Senior team over the past 6 years.”

Liverpool legend Roger Hunt Dead At 83

Liverpool legend and a member of England’s 1966 World Cup winning-side, Roger Hunt has passed away following a long illness on Monday evening.

Hunt is Liverpool’s second-highest goalscorer of all time with 285 goals in 492 appearances, with only Ian Rush ahead of the forward on 346.

The former England and Liverpool star played in all six matches at the 1966 World Cup and scored three goals.

He finished his international career with 34 caps to his name, which complimented the Jules Rimet trophy the national side won in Wembley.

Hunt joined the Reds from nearby amateur team Stockton Heath as a 20-year-old in July 1958 and spent 11-and-a-half hugely successful years at Anfield from 1958-1969.

His goalscoring record for the club stood until 1992 when Rush surpassed it on his way to 346 and was the leading goalscorer for eight seasons in a row.

However, no player has ever scored more league goals for Liverpool than Hunt’s total of 244.

Hunt made his debut for Liverpool in a 2-0 win over Scunthorpe United at Anfield in September 1959, scoring his first goal for the club on the occasion.

Hunt and the late Ian St John formed a strong partnership that spearheaded Liverpool’s team under Bill Shankly and won the Second Division, the FA Cup and two First Division titles.

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is quoted by The Guardian: “It’s really sad news and our thoughts and our love go to his family. Unfortunately, it feels too frequent in this moment we are saying farewell to these giants of our club.

“Roger Hunt comes second to no one in his importance in the history of Liverpool FC, that much is clear.

“To be the goalscoring catalyst of the Shankly team to actually achieve promotion and then go on to win those precious league titles and the FA Cup puts him in a bracket of LFC legends who are responsible for making us the club we are today. Not only that, he was also a World Cup winner in 1966, too.

“I am told the Kop christened him ‘Sir Roger’ for all his achievements. A goalscorer who never stopped working to help his teammates; I believe he would have fit in well within our current team.

“So, it is Sir Roger we will remember, honour and pay tribute to over the coming days. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

A statement by Liverpool FC notes: “The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool FC are with Roger’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time.”

Leinster Appoint Simon Broughton As Academy Manager

The IRFU and Leinster Rugby have confirmed that Simon Broughton has been appointed to the role of Academy Manager for the province.

Broughton played for Leinster at senior level and has also represented Ballymena and DLSP in the All-Ireland League.

The New Zealander has led the rugby programme at Leinster’s Ken Wall Centre of Excellence in Energia Park since it opened in 2019 and has been an Elite Player Development Officer for the province since 2016.

He was an assistant coach to Andy Wood when Clontarf won AIL titles in 2014 and 2016 and has coached Leinster representative sides for over 15 years at A, U-20, U-19, and Ireland at U-18 Schools and U-18 Sevens.

Broughton was an assistant coach on John O’Sullivan’s coaching ticket with the Ireland Senior Women’s XV.

He took on O’Sullivan’s role on an interim basis following his departure prior to the FIRA European Championships in 2008.

The new Academy Manager replaces former Ireland U20 manager Noel McNamara in the role.

Peter Smyth, IRFU Head of Elite Player Development, said: “Simon has been doing great work identifying and nurturing talent in Leinster’s player pathway working with both Leinster Provincial Talent Squad and IRFU National Talent Squad players.

“He has a clear vision and understanding of the talent identification and player development processes and will bring a fresh perspective to supporting young elite players across the region.

“His strong connections with clubs and schools will also be invaluable in further developing relationships and identifying opportunities for greater collaboration.”

Broughton commented: “It’s a privilege to take on the Leinster Academy Manager’s role and to progress the great work Noel, Peter and Girvan have delivered before me.

“I’m excited at the opportunity to work with a great group of people, to support Leo, the senior coaching team and I’m committed to enhancing our Academy players development both individually and collectively as they aspire to contribute to the culture and values of the team.

 

“I also look forward to strengthening our relationships within our community and collaborating with our rugby department to create quality environments within our clubs and schools.”

Leo Cullen, Leinster Rugby head coach, said: “This is a critical appointment for Leinster Rugby and in particular the continuing development of our player pathway model.

“Simon will add considerably to the body of work already delivered in the past by Noel (McNamara), Peter (Smyth), Girvan (Dempsey) and Collie (McEntee).

“Simon has a wealth of experience in his own playing capacity and over the last number of years with age-grade and development sides but more than that he understands from his work over the last few years the value we place on the player pathway in Leinster Rugby.

“It is a pathway that saw 15 players play for the Leinster Rugby senior team for the first time last season.

“Those players come from our clubs and our schools. They played in the Shane Horgan Cup, in the Bank of Ireland Junior and Senior Schools Cup and had taken their first representative steps at age grade level.

“That pathway is critical to our future success and I am delighted that we have someone in the position that already has a first-hand understanding of its importance to us as a club.

“I look forward to working closely with Simon and I wish him all the very best in his new role.”

New Zealand U85 Club Cup returns this weekend with reconfigured draw

Weight-restricted rugby is set to make a comeback this weekend, with New Zealand Rugby today confirming the reconfigured draw for the 2021 NZ Barbarians Under 85 National Club Cup.

After weeks of uncertainty due to Covid-19 restrictions, the rejigged draw provides a clear path to the national final for the 13 remaining teams, with the seven teams outside of Auckland vying for a spot in the semi-finals in the coming weeks.

The Marist St Pats Red have confirmed their departure from the competition – the Avalon Wolves will proceed to the quarter-finals.

The first game to kick off in the revived competition is set to be a nail-biter when home side the Morrinsville Majestic Pūkekos take on the Poneke Wanderers in a quarter-final clash on Saturday 2nd October.

The winning team will take the first top-four spot – and will be one step closer to taking out the revered New Zealand Barbarians Under 85 Club Cup title.

New Zealand Rugby’s Head of Participation Development and Under 85 Club Cup Competition Manager, Mike Hester, said it was great to provide some certainty around the remainder of the competition.

“We were optimistic the Club Cup would kick-off again this year. There was a strong appetite from the remaining teams to get back on the field when it was safe to return, so it’s a great outcome for everyone involved.

“There are some sizeable match-ups on the cards, and I’m looking forward to the teams taking the field next weekend and seeing more action-packed rugby that we’ve come to expect from this grade – and ultimately crowning a 2021 national champion.”

 

A Round 3 battle of North versus South is confirmed for Saturday 9th October, as the Carisbrook Bush Pigs play the Upper Hutt Real Steel Rams at Logan Park in Dunedin.

Meanwhile, Under 85 debutants and Taranaki locals, NZ Forestry Tukapa, will make the journey north to Hamilton to playoff for a spot in the quarters against Fraser Tech.

A decision regarding the remaining Auckland teams will be determined following Government announcements around Alert Levels.

Hester indicated all six teams are motivated to re-join the competition and planning has been made to support their safe and timely inclusion.

“The Auckland region’s Under 85 sides are amongst the strongest in the country and support for the competition remains really strong. When reconfiguring the draw, we were mindful of the impact lockdown has had on teams’ abilities to train. The revised draw allows time for the teams to safely return to play.”

The full confirmed draw and official match results can be found here.

Players Chelsea need to lock down on new contracts

Thomas Tuchel is in the works of building an All-Star team at the Blues but will need to work on contract negotiations to keep them around for another season

The Champions League and Super Cup winners have been playing some really impressive football this year since the arrival of their German manager. He has managed to build on the squad left to him by Frank Lampard and has added superstars like Romelu Lukaku and Saul Niquez to his ranks.

Now that his transfer business is done until after the new year, he will now focus on signing his best players to longer contracts. Here is a list of six Blues players that could leave next summer for free if Tuchel does not act fast.

 

Antonio Rudiger 

This player has been all over the Chelsea news of late. He has already rejected two offers from the club in hopes of getting a £200,000 a-week contract.

Although many think that this farcical, making him one of the highest-paid defenders in world football, his performances have been nothing short of world-class. The German hs scored one goal and kept four clean sheets in the opening six games.

Being only 28, he is one of Chelsea’s younger defenders so they will want to keep him for many years to come.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta has become a legend at the Blues in recent years, this is now his ninth year at the club making him one of their most experienced players. At 32 years old he still has versatility in defense, being able to play as a fullback, wingback, and center half.

As a major fan favorite, Tuchel will need to ensure that the Spaniard stays for a few more years through their successes.

 

Andreas Christensen

The young Danish defender has seen his career change drastically since Tuchel became manager. He has seen his status as a rotation player turned into one of the mainstays in Chelsea’s powerful defense.

Even though it seems like Christensen has been a Chelsea for a small eternity, he is still only 25. There is no doubt that Stamford Bridge will be seeing him play next year as reports claim that the club and player are close to agreeing to a deal.

 

Thiago Silva

Compared to the other defenders, Thiago Silva is a special exception. At 37 years old, his age is a major factor in his contract. There is no point in signing him to a long-term deal when it is likely that the player will be retiring soon.

Instead, at the end of the season, the player and club will decide on his future. So far this season he has shown his worth, starting two games and scoring one goal in the league.

He will be most important for the club in Europe this year as they use his talent and experience to see out tougher games.

Charly Musonda

This young Belgian is more of a risk. He was expected to become the next Eden Hazard after a great loan spell at Real Betis but has not managed much success since.

Still only 24 years of age, Chelsea will keep the player but unless he improves, he will become one of their perpetual loan players traveling around Europe every year.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date football news, click here.

Juventus v Chelsea – Preview, Team News, Betting

The underperforming Italian giants will welcome the reigning champions to their ground in round two of the Champions League

The match will kickoff at 20:00 on Wednesday, 29th September in the Allianz Stadium with Spanish referee Jesus Gil in charge.

European football is an escape for the fans of Juventus this season. In the league, after six games they are in tenth place with two losses. Massimiliano Allegri’s side is already ten points behind leaders Napoli.

The Champions League shows more hope for them after beating Malmo FF 3-0. There is little worry that they will fail to qualify out of the group but Chelsea will be a real challenge for this team.

On the other side of the coin, the Blues have had a very decent season so far but are currently in a bad run of form. In what is a busy period between the cup and league, Chelsea had a poor home defeat to Manchester City.

The European challenge thus far has seen them edge past Zenit St Petersburg 1-0 in a cagey affair.

These two clubs have not faced each other competitively in nearly ten years. The last time they competed in the Champions League in 2012, Juventus secured four points with a win and an away draw.

Predicted Starting Teams

Juventus

Formation

4-4-2

Predicted Starting 11

Szczesny (GK), Sandro, de Ligt, Bonucci, Cuadrado, Rabiot, Bentancur, Locatelli, Bernadeschi, Chiesa, Kean

Injuries

Morata (Hamstring), Arthur (Muscle injury), Jorge (Muscle injury), Dybala (Muscle injury)

 

Chelsea

Formation

3-4-2-1

Predicted Starting 11

Mendy (GK), Rudiger, Silva, Christensen, Alonso, Kovacic, Kanté, Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech, Havertz, Lukaku

Injuries

Pulisic (Ankle), Jorginho (Knock), Mount (Knock), James (Ankle)

Betting

Juventus 16/5

Draw 12/5

Chelsea 9/10

 

Score Prediction

Injuries have really hampered the Old Lady’s chances in this tie. It will not help that Thomas Tuchel will have put fire in his team’s belly after the loss at the weekend and they will be looking to win.

Expect this game to end 2-0 to Chelsea.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date football news, click here.

Ulster 9 Cooney To Have MRI After Injury vs Glasgow

Ulster scrum-half John Cooney will undergo an MRI scan after picking up a hamstring injury against Glasgow Warrior in the sides’ opening match of the 2021-22 season.

Cooney lasted just half an hour on Friday night before being forced off through injury as his side got off to a winning start in the inaugural United Rugby Championship season.

The scan will determine the severity of the issue that the 31-year-old Dubliner has.

Ireland U20 star Nathan Doak came on in place of the Ireland international and took on Cooney’s kicking duties for the rest of the match.

Doak scored 11 points in 50 minutes as he impressed in his impromptu appearance.

Cormac Izuchukwu and Luke Marshall remain out with knee injuries while Robert Baloucoune recovers from a groin injury.

Captain Iain Henderson is sidelined with a thumb injury while former Leinster prop Jack McGrath is working his way to full fitness after a hip injury.

Kieran Treadwell is also among those recovering at Ravenhill after picking up a shoulder injury while key figures Jordi Murphy and Ian Madigan are also yet to return.

Ulster ran out 35-29 winners in front of fans at the Kingspan against head coach Dan McFarland’s former employers.

The nine-try thriller saw Ulster take a commanding second-half lead and survive a late push for a comeback from the visitors.

15,000 fans saw the home side register their first win of the season after quickfire tries from Marty Moore and Nick Timoney saw them create a gap between themselves and Glasgow.

However, the first half of the match was close and the Scots went into their changing room after 40 minutes as the side with the advantage.

They had four debutants in their side but looked the more cohesive team as Ulster failed to pull themselves together.

A penalty try and a score from starting hooker Brad Roberts was not enough and the introduction of Rob Herring in Roberts’ place spurred the side on in the second half.

Moore and Timoney’s tries came quick and the game looked to be over but Glasgow fought their way back into it via a penalty try of their own and Jamie Dobie’s finish.

The final moments of the game were spent in the Ulster 22 but the Irish province held on to seal a bonus-point victory in the opening game of the season.

Ireland Sevens’ Greg O’Shea Announces Retirement

Ireland sevens fly-half Greg O’Shea has announced his retirement from rugby on social media following the end of the 2021 season.

O’Shea had been part of the IRFU Sevens programme since 2017 and has built a relationship with the core of the squad in his four years there.

The former Crescent College student was part of a side that became a core team in the World Series and reached the Olympic Games for the first time ever.

O’Shea cited several reasons including injuries and future ventures in his YouTube video on the topic.

An announcement on his Instagram reads: “My life has always been focused around my rugby career, so it has been a really difficult decision for me to decide to retire from the game I love.

“It just feels like the right time for me to close that chapter of my life, especially after reaching my goal of becoming an Olympian and with everything else I want to do outside of rugby.”

The 26-year-old noted in his video on the topic that Sevens players in Ireland are not paid enough for it to be a viable career – he would stay in it if it was so.

The former Love Island contestant started playing rugby at Shannon RFC when he was seven.

At Crescent College, the rugby player won two Junior Cups in 2010 and 2011 and added a Munster Senior Cup to the tally in 2013.

O’Shea played in the back three in 15s and was part of the Munster academy before joining the country’s sevens programme.

In his four years with the national sevens side, he participated in a World Cup in 2018, took part in Rugby Europe tournaments and played in the World Series, as well as the Olympics.

O’Shea spoke of his Olympic dream being realised before the side jetted off to Tokyo in July.

The Limerick native said: “It’s the pinnacle of sport. Personally, it’s what I’ve been working towards the last couple of years. I said no to a lot of other opportunities outside of rugby and it’s would make it all worth it once I cross that whitewash.”

Ireland 7s Star Conroy Scores 50th WS Try But Team Falls Short

The Ireland men’s national sevens team fell short of a second successive semi-final after a dramatic 14-12 loss to hosts Canada in the final leg of the 2021 World Rugby Sevens Series.

James Topping’s side had previously finished at the summit of their pool for the second tournament in a row but failed to reach the final four, finishing eighth overall.

The two losses on the second day saw the side finish the competition in sixth behind champions South Africa, runners-up Great Britain, Kenya, Canada and the United States.

Winger Jordan Conroy became the first Irishman to score 50 tries in the World Series after scores in four games of the tournament.

Conroy managed this feat in just 10 World Series events, averaging five tries per event to reach the half-century.

Ireland began the tournament strongly with two wins a draw in their pool for the second week running sealing the top spot once again.

A late Niall Comerford try gave the side the win against Germany, while Jamaica suffered a second successive defeat to the boys in green.

A 12-12 draw with Great Britain was enough to finish first in the group and earn a match-up with Canada on Day Two.

Ireland led the hosts until a late try from the Canucks gave them the opportunity to kick for the win, which they did.

The USA kept Topping’s side scoreless in a 19-0 rout in the fifth-place semi-finals and another late concession against Hong Kong saw the side finish eighth, ultimately disappointing after a strong first day.

The six points they earned at Edmonton was enough to keep the side in the top six of the overall World Series table, edging out Germany by four after they had taken fifth place at the tournament.

Ireland will now look to the 2022 season following the climax of a year in which the side broke new ground, making the Olympics and reaching a World Series semi-final.

Ireland Squad – Edmonton 7s

Niall Comerford (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Jordan Conroy (Buccaneers RFC)
Chris Cosgrave (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Sean Cribbin (Suttonians RFC)
Billy Dardis (Terenure College RFC)
Shane Jennings (Buccaneers RFC/Connacht)
Sean Kearns (Ireland Sevens)
Steven Kilgallen (UCD RFC)
Bryan Mollen (Blackrock College RFC) (capt)
Ben Moxham (Ballymena RFC/Ulster)
Aaron O’Sullivan (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
Conor Phillips (Young Munster RFC/Munster)
Liam Turner (Dublin University FC/Leinster)

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