Yahoo News Antonio Brown starts training with Olympic boxer for potential match vs. Logan Paul
With the NFL not allowing Antonio Brown to play for its teams any time soon, the former All-Pro wide receiver is turning to a new sport (and way to get attention).
In anticipation of a boxing match against YouTuber Logan Paul that is still being negotiated, Brown has been training with former Olympic boxer Eromosele Albert, according to Boxing Scene’s Manouk Akopyan. Albert racked up a career record of 24-6-1 with 12 KOs as a professional middleweight.
Brown posted some video of himself training on Tuesday.
Antonio Brown getting some work in on the pads 👀🥊
(🎥 // @AB84) pic.twitter.com/jxN7zswB0F— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) January 15, 2020
Albert had plenty of praise for Brown’s boxing, at least at such an early stage:
“Antonio Brown just started boxing and we just started training together. Yes, he is serious about the fight,” Albert said in an interview with BoxingScene.com. “We’re starting a training camp now. He’s a natural. He’s an athlete. It’s not a big transition. He’s going to catch up really quick. He needs a lot of work to get done, to correct all of his mistakes. We have three months to get ready for the fight. That’s enough time. He’s in shape already. We just have to work on his technique, head movement and defense — and that should be it for him to be ready.”
Brown and Paul have hinted that a fight could be coming with some squawking on social media. Paul has previously fought fellow YouTuber KSI at the Staples Center, losing by split decision.
i’d drop you faster than the patriots https://t.co/Vv592JRkxk
— Logan Paul (@LoganPaul) January 7, 2020
Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and streaming service DAZN are reportedly in active negotiations to stage the fight in April.
Brown is available after the New England Patriots released him following the filing of a lawsuit from Brown’s former trainer alleging multiple instances of sexual assault, including rape. The capped off one of the most bizarre offseasons for any player in NFL history, which included foot frostbite, helmet grievances and a forced exit from the Oakland Raiders.
Brown has since done just about everything he can to remain radioactive as far as the NFL goes, most recently streaming himself hurling curses at police officers and the mother of his children.
Paul and Brown both figure to see a big payday for their hypothetical bout. KSI and Paul were both paid $900,000 for their fight, and Brown figures to bring in an even bigger crossover crowd. That, of course, pales in comparison to the millions Brown would have received in contracts with the Raiders and Patriots, though he still has grievances pending against both teams.
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