Author: quyen1

Kanye West expressed respect for Lil Wayne: ‘He is compatible with me even in basketball and Hip-Hop’

Lil Wayne reacted to West’s compliment on Twitter. “That’s the ultimate compliment coming from a humble,great,extremely creative,& superior genius…I appreciate that Yeezy!,” he put in.

 

West went on a rant on Hоt 97, where he said that the network didn’t like him because of how poorly his “Cruel Summer” compilation record did and the fact that he’s now more fashionable and in a relationship.

 

 

He said, “For me, I feel like they had to bring up things they didn’t like in order to put me at rank seven.” “The record ‘Cruel Summer’ didn’t please them. I thought, “That’s a compilation. It ain’t all rappers on G.O.O.D. Music.” I meаn, “Don’t Like” remixed “Cruel Summer,” “Mercy,” “Cold,” and “New God Flow,” you know? ‘Clique’ too! “On any album, you can’t nаme five records like that,” he says. “They don’t like Kanye West in Givenchy.” They do not like Kanye in a kilt. “They don’t like Kanye being with someone.”

 

Read more: Lil Wayne thanks Kanye West for the “ultimate compliment.”

Read more: Lil Wayne thanks Kanye West for the “ultimate compliment.”

Kanye West emotionally hugged Lil Wayne and expressed his praise: “Lil Wayne is a genius and he deserves to be the best rapper of this decade”

Lιl Wаy𝚗е ɾеаctеԀ tσ Wеst’s cσmρlιmе𝚗t σ𝚗 Twιttеɾ. “TҺаt’s tҺе ultιmаtе cσmρlιmе𝚗t cσmι𝚗ɡ fɾσm а Һumblе,ɡɾеаt,еxtɾеmеly cɾеаtιᴠе,& suρеɾισɾ ɡе𝚗ιus…I аρρɾеcιаtе tҺаt Yееzy!,” Һе ρut ι𝚗.

Wеst wе𝚗t σ𝚗 а ɾа𝚗t σ𝚗 Hоt 97, wҺеɾе Һе sаιԀ tҺаt tҺе 𝚗еtwσɾƙ ԀιԀ𝚗’t lιƙе Һιm bеcаusе σf Һσw ρσσɾly Һιs “Cɾuеl Summеɾ” cσmριlаtισ𝚗 ɾеcσɾԀ ԀιԀ а𝚗Ԁ tҺе fаct tҺаt Һе’s 𝚗σw mσɾе fаsҺισ𝚗аblе а𝚗Ԁ ι𝚗 а ɾеlаtισ𝚗sҺιρ.

Hе sаιԀ, “Fσɾ mе, I fееl lιƙе tҺеy ҺаԀ tσ bɾι𝚗ɡ uρ tҺι𝚗ɡs tҺеy ԀιԀ𝚗’t lιƙе ι𝚗 σɾԀеɾ tσ ρut mе аt ɾа𝚗ƙ sеᴠе𝚗.” “TҺе ɾеcσɾԀ ‘Cɾuеl Summеɾ’ ԀιԀ𝚗’t ρlеаsе tҺеm. I tҺσuɡҺt, “TҺаt’s а cσmριlаtισ𝚗. It аι𝚗’t аll ɾаρρеɾs σ𝚗 G.о.о.D. Musιc.” I mеа𝚗, “Dσ𝚗’t Lιƙе” ɾеmιxеԀ “Cɾuеl Summеɾ,” “Mеɾcy,” “CσlԀ,” а𝚗Ԁ “Nеw GσԀ Flσw,” yσu ƙ𝚗σw? ‘Clιquе’ tσσ! “о𝚗 а𝚗y аlbum, yσu cа𝚗’t 𝚗аmе fιᴠе ɾеcσɾԀs lιƙе tҺаt,” Һе sаys. “TҺеy Ԁσ𝚗’t lιƙе Kа𝚗yе Wеst ι𝚗 Gιᴠе𝚗cҺy.” TҺеy Ԁσ 𝚗σt lιƙе Kа𝚗yе ι𝚗 а ƙιlt. “TҺеy Ԁσ𝚗’t lιƙе Kа𝚗yе bеι𝚗ɡ wιtҺ sσmеσ𝚗е.”

RеаԀ mσɾе: Lιl Wаy𝚗е tҺа𝚗ƙs Kа𝚗yе Wеst fσɾ tҺе “ultιmаtе cσmρlιmе𝚗t.”

RеаԀ mσɾе: Lιl Wаy𝚗е tҺа𝚗ƙs Kа𝚗yе Wеst fσɾ tҺе “ultιmаtе cσmρlιmе𝚗t.”

Kanye West has deleted his social media accounts amid backlash to his plans to launch a Yeezy Porn studio.

The rapper, 46, who previously revealed he had an addiction to pornography which ‘destroyed his family’ took down his accounts shortly after teasing that his studio was coming soon with a lewd post.

The Grammy-winning artist, whose career has dipped amid a torrent of anti-Semitic remarks he’s made since the fall of 2022, received dozens of responses from fans who were disappointed into his foray into adult entertainment.

A number of fans brought up West’s past spiritually-driven projects – including his 2019 album Jesus Is King and his Sunday Services – in comparison to the porn project.

 ‘I thought you gave your life to Christ what happened man? You took it back or what?’ one fan said.

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Kanye West has deleted his social media accounts amid backlash to his plans to launch a Yeezy Porn studio

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The rapper, 46, who previously revealed he had an addiction to pornography which ‘destroyed his family’ took down his accounts shortly after teasing that his studio was coming soon with a lewd post

Kanye ‘Ye’ West explains ‘punch’ incident at Chateau Marmont

Another said, ‘Go back to Christ, this ain’t it’ while another advised, ‘Find God.’

One user told the rapper, ‘You sold your soul to the devil’ while another asked, ‘Weren’t you selling Jesus albums a year ago?’

A fan shared a clip of Natalie Portman as Padmé Amidala opposite Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker.

‘JIK Ye Fans seeing this,’ the fan said with a broken-hearted emoji, referring to the 2019 album.

A number of users threw West’s past comments on porn back in his face, sharing anti-porn sentiments he expressed on his Twitter in December of 2022, according to Newsweek.

One read, ‘The use of Porn destroyed my family but Jesus will heal everything.’

Another said, ‘Remove any and all forms of pornography from Twitter and every platform. Pornography is the product of [pedophilia]. When grown men look at porn they are watching someone’s daughter relive trauma for money.’

A user posted the old tweets, adding in reference to the turn to porn: ‘We just fetched your archives.’

One user said West was being badly advised in regards to the potential turn to adult entertainment.

More recently, however, he is thought to have been behind his wife Bianca Censori‘s jaw-dropping outfits that leave her intimate parts exposed to view.

Now a representative for Kanye has informed TMZ that the rap star hopes to add an adult entertainment branch to his Yeezy empire, possibly this summer.

He is said to be communicating with adult film producer Mike Moz, who used to be married to Stormy Daniels, in hopes that Mike will run his studio.

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The Grammy-winning artist, whose career has dipped amid a torrent of anti-Semitic remarks he’s made since the fall of 2022, received dozens of responses from fans who were disappointed into his foray into adult entertainment – seen last month in LA

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He is said to be communicating with adult film producer Mike Moz, who used to be married to Stormy Daniels (pictured in 2018), in hopes that Mike will run his studio

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Mike’s history in porn stretches back to at least 2007 when he was an art director on Operation: Desert Stormy, whose star he married that year; he and Stormy pictured in 2007

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Mike and Stormy are pictured in 2008, the year after they wed

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Kanye is pictured with his wife Bianca Censori attending Milan Fashion Week this February

Mike’s history in porn stretches back to at least 2007 when he was an art director on Operation: Desert Stormy, whose star Stormy Daniels he married that year.

Although Kanye has purportedly been considering entering the porn industry for some time, he is now said to be in serious negotiations to start a studio.

Kanye described himself as a porn addict in 2019, saying that his fixation with adult entertainment began when he was only five years old

‘For me, Playboy was my gateway into full on pornography addiction. My dad had a Playboy left out at age five and it’s affected almost every choice I made for the rest of my life,’ he told Zane Lowe on Apple Music’s Beats 1 Radio.

‘From age five till now, having to kick the habit and it just presents itself in the open like it’s OK and I stand up and say: “No, it’s not OK.”‘

Three years later, during a bitter feud with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian over their children’s schooling, he claimed porn had ‘destroyed’ his family.

The former couple are co-parenting two daughters, North, 10, and Chicago, six, as well as two sons, Saint, eight, and Psalm, four.

Kim wed Kanye in 2014 and filed for divorce in February 2021 after months of speculation that their marriage was on the verge of collapse.

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In 2022, during a bitter feud with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian over their children’s schooling, he claimed porn had ‘destroyed’ his family; he is pictured that October

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Kanye, who is pictured with Kim in 2016 during their marriage, confessed in 2019 that he had suffered from a ‘full on pornography addiction’ brought on by seeing Playboy at age five

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Kanye urged Kylie Jenner’s former assistant Victoria Villarroel: ‘Don’t let Kris make you do playboy like she made Kyle and Kim do’; Kim pictured on the cover of Playboy in 2007

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Kylie is pictured on the cover of Playboy’s Pleasure Issue in the fall of 2019

The following year, Kanye claimed to have a porn ‘addiction’ while denouncing his former mother-in-law Kris Jenner, in a furious Instagram caption addressed to Kylie Jenner’s former assistant Victoria Villarroel.

‘Don’t let Kris make you do playboy like she made Kyle and Kim do,’ he urged Victoria: ‘Hollywood is a giant brothel Pornography destroyed my family I deal with the addiction Instagram promotes it Not gonna let it happen to Northy and Chicago.’

Kim starred in a Playboy shoot in 2007, while her younger half-sister Kylie covered the magazine’s Pleasure issue over a decade later in 2019.

In October 2022, Kanye’s career imploded after he launched a string of antisemitic tirades, including a vow to go ‘death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE.’

Shortly thereafter, Kanye faced allegations that he had presided over a ‘sexualized’ work environment suffused with pornography at Yeezy.

He was accused of showing staffers nude photos and footage of Kim in a supposed bid to intimidate them, in an exposé published by Rolling Stone.

The boxing world is abuzz with anticipation as the highly anticipated fight between Jake Paul, the YouTube sensation turned professional boxer, and the legendary Mike Tyson draws near. As the match approaches, fans and fellow fighters are eagerly observing the physical transformations of both competitors. In this article, we delve into Jake Paul’s reaction to Mike Tyson’s ripped physique as the two prepare to step into the ring.

The Phenomenon of Jake Paul:Jake Paul, known for his online presence and controversial persona, has embarked on a boxing career that has garnered significant attention. Despite critics doubting his abilities, Paul has showcased impressive skills in the ring, winning several professional bouts. His outspoken nature and willingness to take on formidable opponents have earned him a reputation as a formidable competitor.

Mike Tyson’s Return and Transformation:Mike Tyson, a boxing legend and former undisputed heavyweight champion, has made a remarkable comeback to the sport. After years away from professional boxing, Tyson has undergone a rigorous training regimen, resulting in a stunning physical transformation. The 54-year-old icon’s ripped physique and dedication to his craft have captured the admiration of fans and fellow fighters alike.

Jake Paul’s Reaction:Jake Paul, known for his confident demeanor, has openly shared his thoughts on Mike Tyson’s physical transformation. In interviews and social media posts, Paul has acknowledged Tyson’s impressive physique, recognizing the hard work and discipline that Tyson has put into his training. Paul understands that facing off against a boxing legend like Tyson presents a significant challenge and is fully aware of the magnitude of the task at hand.

The Battle for Respect:The upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson is not just about physical prowess; it’s also a battle for respect and recognition. Paul is determined to prove himself as a legitimate boxer, while Tyson aims to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in history. The clash of styles, experience, and generational differences adds an extra layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated showdown.

Conclusion:As the countdown to the fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson continues, the boxing world is captivated by the physical transformations of both competitors. Jake Paul’s reaction to Mike Tyson’s ripped physique showcases his respect for the boxing legend and the challenge that lies ahead. With both fighters preparing to leave it all in the ring, fans eagerly await the clash between the YouTube sensation and the iconic heavyweight champ. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious and claim the bragging rights in this high-stakes battle.

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will make history when they square off this summer.

‘Iron Mike’ ends his professional boxing retirement on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas live on Netflix.

Tyson vs Paul is the biggest age gap in professional boxing history – 31 yearsCredit: @MostVpromotions – x

Tyson will have just celebrated his 58th birthday by the time he climbs into the ring while Paul is in his physical prime at 27.

According to ESPN, the staggering 31-year age gap is the biggest in pro boxing history, surpassing the 24-year discrepancy between 49-year-old Archie Moore and 25-year-old Mike DiBiase when they met on March 15, 1963, in ‘The Old Mongoose’s’ swansong fight.

Moore, who holds the distinction of being the longest-reigning light-heavyweight world champion of all time, overcame the cards stacked against him to stop DiBiase in the third round.

Tyson will be hoping he can do the same when he dukes it out with Paul in two and half months’ time.

Their controversial bout, which has been met with widespread outrage from members of the boxing fraternity, looked as though it would be staged as an exhibition at first.

However, on Monday, Paul’s promotional company, Most Valuable Promotions, confirmed that his fight with Tyson will be sanctioned as a professional fight under the auspices of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR).

“Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome,” said MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian.

“Over the past six weeks MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul vs Tyson and we are grateful that we have gotten to this point.”

Moore (pictured) fought DiBiase, who was 24 years his junior, in 1963Credit: GETTY

The heavyweight showdown will be contested over eight, two-minute rounds with each fighter using 14-ounce gloves, but no headgear.

Knockouts are allowed and the result will go on both of their professional records.

Tyson has not competed as a professional since June 2005 when he retired on his stool at the end of the sixth round against regional-level pro Kevin McBride.

Meanwhile, Paul is an active boxer with 10 pro bouts (9-1) to his name over the last four years.

The TDLR said it has conducted a review of Paul and Tyson, evaluating both men’s records as well as their medical history before approving the pro-fight.

“The safety of the contestants competing in the ring or the octagon is always the primary concern,” the TDLR said. “This competition is no different.”

Aussie UFC title contender Steve Erceg has opened up about his dad’s hilarious reaction to his request to start competing in MMA as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career.

At UFC 301 on Sunday, Erceg will square off with UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja for the championship title in Brazil.

Should the 28-year-old Perth product do the unthinkable and win, his unlikely run to the title will be among the fastest in UFC history.

‘Astro Boy’ has had just three Octagon appearances, and is ranked at No.10 in the flyweight division, but sees himself walking away with the belt.

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Steve Erceg (right) will square off with UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (left) for the championship title in Brazil on Sunday

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Erceg revealed that his dad didn’t think he was tough enough to start fighting so he made the youngster scrap with him in the backyard

Erceg stepped into a local MMA gym at 14 after being inspired by watching Frank Mir submit Brock Lesnar at UFC 81.

He would later go on to make his professional fighting debut in 2016, but before that he had to get permission from his dad.

‘I had to talk to my dad first, and his reaction was “I don’t think you’re tough enough to start fighting”,’ Erceg revealed on UFC 301 Countdown.

‘So he said we will go out in the backyard and have a fight and see what happens there.

‘So me and my dad had a little scrap in the backyard and at the end of it he came away going “Yep, you can have your first fight”.

It was the beginning of an incredible run on the domestic scene where he would eventually claim the Eternal MMA Flyweight Championship.

Fight fans have often made comparisons between Erceg and The Office’s Michael Scott played by Steve Carrell.

However, the Perth star hasn’t let the memes and jokes get to him, and says he’s fine with it.

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The Aussie prodigy is often compared to The Office’s Michael Scott played by Steve Carrell

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Erceg has had a remarkable string of victories both in and out of the UFC

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Erceg believes he will need security to protect him after he defeats Alexandre Pantoja for the championship title on Sunday in Rio

‘If I couldn’t have a laugh I’d be in trouble,’ he told Fox Sports.

‘Being in the business I am, people are always making memes, talking smack about me … but thankfully I’m very equipped to handle all of that.’

Erceg believes he will need security to get him out of the arena in Rio on Sunday, however.

‘Because I’m coming to beat the champion in his hometown,’ Erceg said.

‘So it’s extremely likely that, walking to the Octagon, the crowd will be telling me that I’m going to die.

‘Same as afterwards, when I have that belt, security will have to usher me away because they’ll be throwing bottles at me.

‘I’ll have to get on a plane and get out of there fast because people will want to kill me.

‘That’s how I think it’s going to go.’

Anthony Joshua and Conor McGregor have led the tributes to Francis Ngannou after the UFC fighter-turned boxer revealed his 15-month son had passed away.

Ngannou, who lost to Joshua in one of the biggest heavyweight bouts of all time just weeks ago, has been mourning on social media after announcing Kobe’s passing.

‘Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone,’ one of his posts read. ‘My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.

‘I was my best self next to him and now I have no clue of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most. How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it? Please help me if you have an idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.’

The MMA and boxing worlds have offered their best wishes in response, with father-of-one Joshua taking to social media to offer his best.

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Anthony Joshua (left) has led the condolences to Francis Ngannou (right) after the passing of his son

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Ngannou revealed his 15-month-old son Kobe had died in a heartbreaking post on his Instagram account on Monday

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Ngannou, generally held in high-regard in the combat sports world, was offered a wave of support

Joshua took to Instagram to offer his best wishes to his most-recent opponent, with the pair facing off in March

Ngannou’s most recent opponent commented on Instagram: ‘May the memories you shared bring you comfort.’

McGregor, meanwhile, who is a father of four and previously trained with Ngannou, shared: ‘Absolutely gutted reading this Francis! I can only imagine the pain you are in right now I am so sorry hearing this news.

‘I pray God has the best and safest place in heaven for him, until you meet again.’

The pair clashed in Saudi Arabia at the start of March, with Joshua securing a shock knockout victory just two rounds into the bout.

They have however remained close, with it unclear if Ngannou will remain in boxing or return to MMA full time.

They embraced following their fight in Riyadh, with Joshua calling for his one-time rival to remain in the sport and raising his hand.

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, meanwhile, posted: ‘I’m sorry brother. Can’t imagine the pain and struggle you are going through. Praying for you and your family right now!’

Cain Velasquez, who Ngannou knocked out in the first round of their UFC bout in 2019, commented: ‘Bro I have no words but I am here. Praying for you and your family. Sending you a hug.’

Ngannou shared the news to his seven million Instagram followers, with the post receiving over 35,000 comments overall.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Ngannou’s son are unknown at this time.

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Ngannou was knocked out in the second round when he faced Joshua in Saudi Arabia

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Fellow MMA star McGregor (right) is a father of four and sent his prayers to friend Ngannou

Tributes flooded in for the heavyweight, who issued a cry for help as he mourned his loss

Ngannou, who grew up in Batie, Cameroon, where he was raised by a single mother, continued to receive huge support, with the former UFC heavyweight champion generally held in high regard in the combat game.

Mike Bisping commented: ‘I am so genuinely sorry,’ while Mark Hunt shared: ‘Heartbreak. Sincerely condolences Francis.’

In the boxing world, former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellow, posted on X, formerly Twitter: ‘No parent should have to endure this pain.. so so sorry for your loss.’

David Adeleye shared: ‘Takes a real man to ask for help. Hope you get it.’

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Ngannou shared the news to his seven million Instagram followers, with the post receiving over 35,000 comments overall

Can Velasquez, who Ngannou knocked out in 2019, offered support, as well as Tony Bellew and David Adeleye

Tributes continued to roll in from a number of faces in the combat world, with Ngannou continuing to mourn on social media.

A earlier post read: ‘What’s the purpose of life if what we’re fighting tooth and nail to get away from is what finally hit us the hardest!? Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don’t have? I’m f***ing tired.’

McGregor also responded to the second post, writing: ‘I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time.’

The latest episode of Monday Night RAW saw the conclusion of the 2024 draft in WWE.

Few knew what to expect when company chief Triple H confirmed on Logan Paul‘s Impaulsive podcast that the latest edition of the draft was on the horizon following a more-than-successful WrestleMania.

The champions this time were locked to their brands, meaning Cody Rhodes and Bayley would remain on SmackDown with Damian Priest and Becky Lynch staying on RAW. The men’s mid-card and tag team champions would also remain on their respective brands.

A number of WWE legends returned to programming to announce the picks, with some taking place on SmackDown on Friday and the rest on Monday’s RAW. The likes of Stephanie McMahon, JBL and The Dudley Boyz were all involved.

Mail Sport has detailed a full breakdown of the new rosters on the back of the draft.

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WWE’s rosters have been confirmed following the completion of its draft for to decide the RAW and SmackDown set-ups

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The likes of CM Punk (left) and Drew McIntyre (right) had their futures decided in the event

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Brit McIntyre recently re-signed with the company after fears he would depart at the end of his contract

RAW roster

Damian Priest (World Heavyweight Champion)

Becky Lynch (Women’s World Champion)

Awesome Truth (R-Truth and The Miz, World Tag Team Champions)

Sami Zayn (Intercontinental Champion)

Imperium (Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser, night two, round one)

Damage CTRL (Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka and Kairi Sane, night one, round one)

CM Punk (night two, round two)

Braun Strowman (night one, round one)

LWO (Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, Zelina Vega, Carlito, night two, round three)

Drew McIntyre (night two, round three)

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World Tag Team Champions Awesome Truth were also locked to RAW due to a decision on the champions in the company

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Punk, meanwhile, was picked to appear on RAW in round two of the second night of the draft

The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh, night two, round four)

Ilja Dragunov (night two, round four)

The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, night two, round five)

Lyra Valkyria (night two, round five)

The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Scarlett, ‘Authors of Pain’ Akam, Rezar, Paul Ellering, night two, round six)

Bronson Reed (night two, round six)

Jey Uso (night one, round one)

Seth Rollins (night one, round one)

Bron Breakker (night one, round two

Liv Morgan (night one, round two)

Ricochet (night one, round three)

Sheamus (night one, Round three)

Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Akira Tozawa, Maxxine Dupri, night one, round four)

Kiana James (night one, round four)

Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn (post-SmackDown)

Ivar (pick revealed after SmackDown)

Shayna Baszler (post-SmackDown)

Zoey Stark (post-SmackDown)

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Jey Uso was a first round pick and will remain on RAW, away from his Bloodline rivals

SmackDown roster

Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Champion)

Bayley (WWE Women’s Champion)

A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller, WWE Tag Team Champions)

Logan Paul (United States Champion)

Jade Cargill (night two, round one)

Kevin Owens (night two, round one)

The Pride (Bobby Lashley, B-Fab, ‘The Street Profits’ Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, Night 2, Round 2)

Tiffany Stratton (night two, round two)

Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Angel, Humberto, Elektra Lopez) (night two, round three)

Shinsuke Nakamura (night two, round three)

Naomi (night two, round four)

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SmackDown’s WWE Tag Team Champions A-Town Down Under will remain on SmackDown

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The Bloodline, without Roman Reigns but who have added Tama Tonga (left), will also stay on the Friday night show

Chelsea Green and Piper Niven (night two, round four)

Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince and Kit Wilson, night two, round five)

Candace LeRae and Indi Hartwell (night two, round five)

DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, night two, round six)

Blair Davenport (night two, round six)

Bianca Belair (night one, round one)

Carmelo Hayes (night one, round one)

Randy Orton (night one, round two)

Nia Jax (night one, round two)

LA Knight (night one, round three)

The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Paul Heyman (night one, round three)

AJ Styles (night one, round four)

Andrade (night one, round four)

Cedric Alexander and Ashante Adonis (post-SmackDown)

Baron Corbin (post-SmackDown)

The O.C. (Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Mia Yim, post-SmackDown)

Giovanni Vinci (post-RAW)

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Jade Cargill, one of WWE’s most popular signings in recent times, will be on the SmackDown roster

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The likes of Roman Reigns (right) and The Rock (centre) were not involved in the process

The rest

The likes of Roman Reigns, The Rock and Brock Lesnar all missed out on the draft.

Reigns is set to take an extended break from programming following WrestleMania, where he lost his title in the main event to Cody Rhodes.

The Rock, meanwhile, will also be absent from programming for an extended period of time as he returns to Hollywood for filming, though has promised to return.

Lesnar remains inactive after being linked to former WWE boss Vince McMahon’s sex trafficking lawsuit.

The likes of Rhea Ripley, Big E and Charlotte Flair are all dealing with long-term injuries.

Francis Ngannou has perhaps overcome adversity to triumph against all the odds life stacked against him more than any other fighting champion in history.

It is one of the reasons the softly-spoken, hard-punching powerhouse is adored by fans and there has been such an outpouring of sympathy at the heartbreaking news that his 15-month old son, Kobe, has died.

Posting on Instagram, Ngannou, 37, said: ‘Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone. My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.

‘I was my best self next to him and now I have no clue of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most. How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it? Please help me if you have an idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.’

It is the most tragic, darkest day of Ngannou’s extraordinary life of hardship and triumph, a story that deserves retelling.

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Francis Ngannou’s 15-year-old son, Kobe, has tragically died, the fighter confirmed

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He grew up in Cameroon and was forced to walk six miles to school before later leaving the country in pursuit of becoming a fighter

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Ngannou’s profession was digging sand mines before a tortuous journey attempting to emigrate from Africa to Spain – here he reminds himself of the graft he put in as a 10-year-old having returned to his homeland as UFC champion

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Ngannou (right) has had lucrative fights with Tyson Fury (left) and Anthony Joshua

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Having grown up in the Cameroonian village of Batie and raised by a single mother, Ngannou was forced to walk six miles to go to school every day and was digging sand mines when he was just 10 years old.

As he got older he made the journey from Cameroon to the north of the continent – travelling through Nigeria, Niger and Algeria before reaching Morocco while packed into pick-up trucks driving through the desert.

It was there that he was able to emigrate to Spain by water – but not before being forced to live in Moroccan forests and eat food from bins while he prepared to cross the border.

Once he made it to Spain, he was seized upon by police and put into a detention centre for two months before he was released and snuck his way onto a train to France – knowing that police controls were much more tight in the UK.

It was a harrowing journey to mainland Europe and Ngannou previously told the Guardian: ‘Every single step you took, it was tough. And then the next one was tougher. And then you find yourself at some place and there’s no way back. You’re trapped in your own dream.

‘You get to some places and just see a bunch of skeletons. You don’t even need an explanation because you are in the same situation,’ he said. ‘If your car breaks down, it’s over. If you fall off the back of the truck, it’s over.

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Ngannou was convinced to leave boxing behind before being signed by the UFC in 2015

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Ngannou regularly goes back home where he is hero-worshipped by his countrymen

‘You’re s****ing yourself; you’re scared. You’re going into the ocean with this little boat that people use in swimming pools,” he said. ‘You’re seeing these violent waves and you’re like “Man, I might not make it. This might be it.” But what else can you do?’

Ngannou later settled in Paris but ended up sleeping in a car park as he began looking for a boxing gym – and eventually met trainer Fernand Lopez, who would convince him to take up MMA instead of boxing.

Speaking to the Sun, Ngannou discussed his experience of living in Paris as he said: ‘I never really wanted to become an MMA fighter.’

‘I went to France five years ago and at that time I wanted to be a boxer because I did a little bit of boxing at home (in Cameroon). It was difficult because I didn’t know anybody in France, I didn’t have any money so I was sleeping on the streets without money and trying to survive like that and that was difficult.

‘For me I just started in MMA for fun. I had time to train so I thought why not train MMA as well.

‘And then things went very fast and they start asking did I want to fight. And I said ‘Yes let’s do it’.

‘I didn’t realise how fast it was going until the coach said to me ‘We’ve got a UFC contract for you’.’

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Ngannou was raised by a single mother in Cameroon and is eager to give back to his country

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He realised a dream by becoming heavyweight champ after a KO win over Stipe Miocic in 2021

The pay he was able to bring home made an enormous difference back home to his family.

He previously wrote on Instagram: ‘As a kid growing up in a sand mine, the biggest dream alive in that environment is to become a truck driver and better yet, a truck owner as they are on-top of the chain of command in a sand business.

‘My older brother is a mechanic and he also learned how to drive trucks while I was doing everything in my power to become a world class boxer.

‘After a few MMA fights and three in the UFC, my savings was just enough to buy this old truck for about $30k so my brother who back then was unemployed can drive and provide for the family with it while I keep hustling out here to make more. And I bought the truck in October 2016 and I was happy to satisfy one of my childhood dreams.

‘But what made me happiest – and I almost teared up – were those pictures with my mom in front of the truck smiling as her suffering was about to end for real and she’s seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. At that exact moment, even though I was out of money and my utilities couldn’t go through until my next paycheck from my fight in Albany 12/9/2016, I felt like I made it.

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Ngannou’s mother is pictured in front of the truck he bought his brother after three UFC fights

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He eventually made his way to Paris, where he was forced to sleep in a car park before being offered a chance to train in an MMA gym

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Ngannou left the UFC as one of their biggest stars, a move the organisation may regret

‘My former coworkers were loading truck and my sister was playing around throwing sand into it, it was a turning point for my family.’

The rest, as they say, is history. Ngannou got signed by the UFC in 2015 before becoming their heavyweight champion in 2021 by knocking out Stipe Miocic.

But Ngannou wasn’t done there. Becoming the champion of his division wasn’t enough, not when he felt the UFC weren’t maximising his potential – after previously hitting out at the organisation for ‘ripping off’ fighters.

So he took the power into his own hands and left the UFC, signing an expansive multi-fight deal with the PFL on a flexible contract that allows him to venture into other lucrative avenues.

‘In the past two years I’ve fought twice and then I have to borrow money to live!’ he said in September 2022.

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Ngannou looks reflective as he goes back to his old village in Cameroon

‘Nobody cares about that. I have no guarantee in that year and I have no protection so based on that experience I want to get something better on my contract and obviously what I deserve.’

The cash has rolled in ever since, now that Ngannou is free set up as many mega fights as he chooses and build his own personal brand, though he is in a more difficult position having been well beaten by Joshua.

A return to MMA for his PFL debut is likely to be his next move later this year, or he may take more time off to grieve. Ngannou’s story is an incredible one, making the loss of his young boy, just as he’d secured a life free of the hardships of his upbringing, all the most gut-wrenching.

With Jake Paul and Mike Tyson‘s fight closing in, Oscar De La Hoya expressed concern for his fellow boxing legend.

The sanctioned professional fight features a glaring age difference between the 27-year-old Paul and Tyson, who will be 58 by fight night. Still, many fans believe that Tyson’s knockout power and killer instinct from his prime will transcend youth and lead him to victory.

However, De La Hoya sits on the other side of the fence. In an interview with TMZ Sports, The Golden Boy warned Iron Mike to ‘be careful.’

‘I’m gonna pray for Mike Tyson, ’cause I love Mike Tyson,’ De La Hoya said. ‘I think Jake Paul, look, he’s a real fighter. He really is. It’s a dangerous fight. Mike Tyson, be careful, please.’

The fight will be at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 20. Additionally, it will be the first event to stream live on Netflix.

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Oscar De La Hoya admitted he is ‘praying’ for Mike Tyson ahead of his fight with Jake Paul

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The bout, set for July 20, features a glaring 30-year age gap between both heavy-hitters

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Tyson retired from professional boxing in 2005 and fought in an exhibition bout in 2020

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Jake Paul, 9-1, has earned a reputation for fighting athletes far removed from their prime

Paul has earned a reputation for fighting athletes far removed from their primes. Wins over the likes of Tyron Woodley, Nate Diaz, and Anderson Silva have padded his 9-1 record.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer is coming off back-to-back wins over Andre August and Ryan Bourland.

On the other hand, Iron Mike has not seen the ring since his exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020 – a bout that saw Paul knock former NBA star Nate Robinson out in the undercard.

Tyson held a 50-6 professional record, with 44 knockouts, before retiring in 2005.

When asked if a loss to Paul would be detrimental to Tyson’s legacy, De La Hoya insisted said: ‘No, Mike Tyson is cemented, legacy, forever. Mike Tyson will be the man forever.’